Serena is a Fellow of the Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL), UCC. As part of this role she supports staff and postgraduate students who teach in higher education.
Serena holds a PhD in the area of HPV cancer prevention and a Masters in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, UCC. She is a Registered General Nurse (RGN) with a clinical background in practice nursing, and in the areas of older adults, cardiology and stroke rehabilitation.
The two major research foci within the E◊CASP are:
1.Cancer awareness within the broader spectrum of health promotion
2.Support of patients and significant others on the cancer survivorship journey, with a particular focus on understanding the needs of individuals on the cancer journey and the development and testing of targeted interventions for individuals with cancer and their family/loved ones.
Biography
Dr. Serena FitzGerald is currently working as a lecturer at the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork. She is programme coordinator for the MSc in Nursing Studies. She teaches and coordinates modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, mainly in the areas of research methods and evidence-based nursing, fundamental knowledge/skills for nursing practice, and nursing management of challenging acute nursing episodes. Serena currently supervises a number of students on MSc and PhD programmes.
Serena is a Fellow of the Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (CIRTL), UCC. As part of this role she supports staff and postgraduate students who teach in higher education.
In her role as Director of the Early Career Research Committee (JPND mySupport Study), she creates innovative mechanisms to engage with early career researchers, build research capacity and supports the development of key leadership skills in early career researchers. Serena is also one of the Communication and Activity Officers for the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) Early Career Research Forum (ECRF).
Serena holds a PhD in the area of HPV cancer prevention and a Masters in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, UCC. She is a Registered General Nurse (RGN) with a clinical background in practice nursing, and in the areas of older adults, cardiology and stroke rehabilitation.
Research Interests
Serena is a member of the Cancer Research Group E◊CASP (Enhancing Cancer Awareness and Survivorship Programmes)The two major research foci within the E◊CASP are:
1.Cancer awareness within the broader spectrum of health promotion
2.Support of patients and significant others on the cancer survivorship journey, with a particular focus on understanding the needs of individuals on the cancer journey and the development and testing of targeted interventions for individuals with cancer and their family/loved ones.
The twitter page for the E◊CASP is: https://twitter.com/e_casp
Key Research Interests:
Cancer Prevention, Palliative Care, Health Behaviours, The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Sexual Health, Men's Health, Education, Primary/Long Term Care.
In March 2015, Serena successfully defended her PhD thesis titled: "The Human Papillomavirus and Cancer: A Multiphase Study Investigating Preventative Behaviours in Young Males". In 2017, Serena was awarded a honours Masters Degree for her dissertation in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
Key Research Interests:
Cancer Prevention, Palliative Care, Health Behaviours, The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Sexual Health, Men's Health, Education, Primary/Long Term Care.
In March 2015, Serena successfully defended her PhD thesis titled: "The Human Papillomavirus and Cancer: A Multiphase Study Investigating Preventative Behaviours in Young Males". In 2017, Serena was awarded a honours Masters Degree for her dissertation in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scaling up the Family Carer Decision Support Intervention: A transnational effectiveness-implementation evaluation | Other: Not Listed | 01-SEP-19 | 01-OCT-22 | €250,000.00 | |
| Evaluation of the Irish Hospice Foundation Design & Dignity Programme | Irish Hospice Foundation | 31-OCT-17 | 30-SEP-18 | €15,797.00 | |
| Scoping and Mapping of the Cancer Survivorship Services in the Irish Context. A study conducted on behalf of the National Control Programme (NCCP) | Health Service Executive | 01-OCT-17 | €20,000.00 | ||
| An Examination of the Effectiveness of a Proficiency Based Progression Tracheostomy Training Programme on Health Care Professionals’ Clinical Performance in a Simulated Context | Other: Not Listed | 01-SEP-16 | €15,000.00 | ||
| An Evidence Review on Current Models of Registered Nursing and Midwifery Practice in the Community to Inform Policy Development. Department of Health | Other: Not Listed | 01-OCT-15 | 20-DEC-15 | €49,064.00 | |
| Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service: Quality Evaluation & Clinical Review | Irish Cancer Society | 18-DEC-15 | 01-MAY-16 | €13,382.00 | |
| Clinical Systematic Literature Review to Support the Development of Best Practices in Nursing Documentation across Hospitals in the South/South West Hospital Group. | Health Service Executive | 29-FEB-16 | €15,000.00 | ||
| A systematic literature review to support a framework for the development of standards for clinical practice guidance | Health Service Executive | 01-SEP-14 | 01-JAN-15 | €20,712.00 |
Publications
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2016) | 'A Concept Analysis: Medication Habit' FitzGerald, S. and Lehane, E. (2016) 'A Concept Analysis: Medication Habit' In: Concept Analysis: Key Concepts Relevant to Nursing Research and Professional Practice. New York: Springer. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2020) | 'Paternal Perinatal Depression: A Narrative Review' Philpott, L.F., Savage, E., Leahy-Warren, P. and FitzGearld, S (2020) 'Paternal Perinatal Depression: A Narrative Review'. 3 (1):1-15 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Anxiety in fathers in the perinatal period: A systematic review' Philpott, L.F., Savage, E., FitzGerald, S. and Leahy-Warren, P., 2019. (2019) 'Anxiety in fathers in the perinatal period: A systematic review'. Midwifery, [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Promoting men’s awareness, self-examination, and help-seeking for testicular disorders: a systematic review of interventions' Saab, Mohamad M.; Davoren, Martin; Murphy, Aileen; Murphy, David; Cooke, Eoghan; Landers, Margaret; Fitzgerald, Serena; Richardson, Noel; Rovito, Michael; Von Wagner, Christian (2018) 'Promoting men’s awareness, self-examination, and help-seeking for testicular disorders: a systematic review of interventions'. Hrb Open Research, 1 :1-19 [Details] | |
| (2018) | 'Electronic nursing documentation interventions to promote or improve patient safety and quality care: A systematic review' McCarthy, B., Fitzgerald, S., O’Shea, M., Condon, C., Hartnett‐Collins, G., Clancy, M., Sheehy, A., Denieffe, S., Bergin, M. and Savage, E. (2018) 'Electronic nursing documentation interventions to promote or improve patient safety and quality care: A systematic review'. Journal of Nursing Management, 27(3) :491-501 [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Stress in fathers in the perinatal period: a systematic review' Philpott, L.; Leahy-Warren, P.; Fitzgerald, S.; Savage, E. (2017) 'Stress in fathers in the perinatal period: a systematic review'. Midwifery, 55 :113-127 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Men's Perspectives on Cancer Prevention Behaviours associated with HPV' Fitzgerald, S., Cornally, N., Hegarty, J. (2017) 'Men's Perspectives on Cancer Prevention Behaviours associated with HPV'. Psycho-Oncology, [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Conceptualising a model to guide nursing and midwifery in the community guided by an evidence review' Leahy-Warren, P., Mulcahy, H., Benefield, L., Bradley, C., Coffey, A., Donohoe, A., Fitzgerald, S., Frawley, T., Healy, E., Healy, M. and Kelly, M. (2017) 'Conceptualising a model to guide nursing and midwifery in the community guided by an evidence review'. Bmj-British Medical Journal, 16 (1) [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Transitional care interventions: Relevance for nursing in the community' Coffey,A., Mulcahy, H., Savage, E., Fitzgerald, S., Bradley, C., Benefield, L., Leahy-Warren, P. (2017) 'Transitional care interventions: Relevance for nursing in the community'. Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.), :1-7 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Factors that influence nursing andmidwifery students' intentions to study abroad: A qualitative study using the theory of planned behaviour' Kelleher, S., FitzGerald, S., Hegarty, J. (2016) 'Factors that influence nursing andmidwifery students' intentions to study abroad: A qualitative study using the theory of planned behaviour'. Nurse Education Today, 44 :157-164 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'The Human Papillomavirus: Men's Attitudes and Beliefs Toward the HPV Vaccination and Condom Use in Cancer Prevention' FitzGerald, SM;Savage, EB;Hegarty, JM (2014) 'The Human Papillomavirus: Men's Attitudes and Beliefs Toward the HPV Vaccination and Condom Use in Cancer Prevention'. Journal Of Mens Health, 11 :121-129 [DOI] [Details] |
Other Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2017) | 'Preventative HPV Behaviours: What Do Males Think? (Abstract)' FitzGerald, S., Cornally, N., Hegarty, J. (2017) 'Preventative HPV Behaviours: What Do Males Think? (Abstract)' The journal of sexual medicine, . [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2018) | Evaluating the Irish Hospice Foundation Design & Dignity Programme Cornally, N. FItzGerald, S. Cagney, O., Burton, A., Coffey, A. Dalton, C., Hartigan, I., Harrison, J., Leahy-Warren, P., Nuzum, D., Murphy, M., Pennisi, Y., Savage, E. Seweeney, C. Timmons, S. . (2018) School of Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference Evaluating the Irish Hospice Foundation Design & Dignity Programme University College Cork, [Details] | |
| (2016) | A New Chapter: Healthy Ireland - Men, Men's Health Symposium, Dublin FitzGerald, S., Cornally, N., Hegarty, J. (2016) The Human Papillomavirus: An Online Survey Investigating Preventative Behaviours in Young Males A New Chapter: Healthy Ireland - Men, Men's Health Symposium, Dublin [Details] | |
| (2016) | 16th Annual Research Conference, School of Nursing & Midwifery, UCC Hegarty, J, Savage, E, Cornally, N, Byrne, S, Henn, P, Flynn, M, McLoughlin, K, & Fitzgerald, S (2016) Using a systematic literature review to provide clarity on the various types and formats of clinical guidance and their utility in practice 16th Annual Research Conference, School of Nursing & Midwifery, UCC [Details] | |
| (2016) | 16th Annual School of Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference Hegarty, J, Cornally, N, Fitzgerald, S, Landers, L, McCarthy, G, McAuliffe, A, Moran, J, Noonan, B, O’ Mahony, A, O’ Mahony, M, Power, S, O' Regan, P, Sweeney, C, Weathers, E, Drennan, J, Drummond, F (2016) The Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service: An outline of the findings of a quality evaluation & clinical review 16th Annual School of Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference [Details] | |
| (2015) | 15th Annual School of Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference FitzGerald, S., Cornally, N., Hegarty, J. (2015) HPV & Cancer: Investigating Preventative Behaviours in Young Males 15th Annual School of Nursing & Midwifery Research Conference [Details] | |
| (2013) | EUROGIN International Multidisciplinary Conference, Florence, Italy FitzGerald, S., Savage, E., Hegarty, J. (2013) The Human Papillomavirus: attitudes and behaviours toward the HPV vaccination & condom use, in relation to cancer prevention in males [Poster Presentation] EUROGIN International Multidisciplinary Conference, Florence, Italy [Details] | |
| (2013) | Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, UCC FitzGerald, S., Savage, E., Hegarty, J. (2013) Attitudes and behaviours toward the HPV vaccination & condom use, in relation to cancer prevention in males [Poster Presentation] Nursing and Midwifery Research Conference, UCC [Details] |
Published Reports
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | Evaluation of the Irish Hospice Foundation Design & Dignity Programme. Cornally, N., Cagney, O., Burton, A., Coffey, A., Dalton, C., Hartigan, I., Harrison, J., Murphy, M. Nuzum, D., Pennisi, Y., Savage, E., Sweeney, C., Timmons, S., Leahy Warren, P., & FitzGerald, S. (2019) Evaluation of the Irish Hospice Foundation Design & Dignity Programme. Irish Hospice Foundation/ HSE, Ireland. [Details] | |
| (2018) | Acute Sector Cancer Survivorship Services in the Irish Context. Hegarty J, Murphy A, Hanan T, O’ Mahony M, Landers M, McCarthy B, Lehane E, Noonan B, Fitzgerald S, Reidy M, Saab MM, Corrigan M, Mullen L (2018) Acute Sector Cancer Survivorship Services in the Irish Context. Health Service Executive/ NCCP, Ireland. [Details] | |
| (2015) | A systematic literature review to support a framework for the development of standards for clinical practice guidance. Hegarty J, Savage E, Cornally N., Byrne S., Henn P., Flynn M., McLoughlin K., Fitzgerald S. (2015) A systematic literature review to support a framework for the development of standards for clinical practice guidance. Department of Health, Dublin, Ireland. [Details] |
Presentation
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | The Flipped Classroom : Enhancing Student Learning in Sexual Health Higher Education. FitzGerald, S. Dawson, C. (2019) The Flipped Classroom : Enhancing Student Learning in Sexual Health Higher Education. Presentation [Details] | |
| (2014) | “A Sexually Transmitted Infection can cause Cancer?”. FitzGerald, S (2014) “A Sexually Transmitted Infection can cause Cancer?”. Doctoral Showcase, University College Cork: Presentation [Details] |
Unpublished Reports
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2016) | An Evidence Review on Current Models of Registered Nursing and Midwifery Practice in the Community to Inform Policy Development. Leahy-Warren, P., Mulcahy, H., Kelly, M., Phelan, A., Savage, E., Benefield, L., Bradley, C., Coffey, A., Donohoe,, A., Fitzgerald, S., Frawley, T., Healy, M., Meagher, C., McCarthy, B., O’Connell, R., Paul,, G., Stokes, D., McLoughlin, K., O’Mahony, A., Walsh, J. and Healy, L. (2016) An Evidence Review on Current Models of Registered Nursing and Midwifery Practice in the Community to Inform Policy Development. Unpublished Reports [Details] | |
| (2016) | An Evidence Review on Current Models of Registered Nursing and Midwifery Practice in the Community to Inform Policy Development. Department of Health. Leahy-Warren, P., Mulcahy, H., Kelly, M., Phelan, A., Savage, E., Benefield, L., Bradley, C., Coffey, A., Donohoe,, A., Fitzgerald, S., Frawley, T., Healy, M., Meagher, C., McCarthy, B., O’Connell, R., Paul,, G., Stokes, D., McLoughlin, K., O’Mahony, A., Walsh, J. and Healy, L. (2016) An Evidence Review on Current Models of Registered Nursing and Midwifery Practice in the Community to Inform Policy Development. Department of Health. Unpublished Reports [Details] | |
| (2016) | Clinical Systematic Literature Review to Support the Development of Best Practices in Nursing Documentation across Hospitals in the South/South West Hospital Group. Report prepared for South/South West Directors of Nursing Group. Savage, E., Harnett, G., Denieffe, S., Weathers, E., Hegarty, J., Mulligan, L., Condon, C., Fehin, P., FitzGerald, S., Marsh, L., McCarthy, B., Noonan, B., O Reilly, A., O’Shea, M., Wills, T., Clancy, M., Crosby, N., Herrity, L., Lyons, T., Sheehy, A., Thompson, E., Bergin, M., Finn, F., Madden, K., Wells, J. and Sheahan, L. (2016) Clinical Systematic Literature Review to Support the Development of Best Practices in Nursing Documentation across Hospitals in the South/South West Hospital Group. Report prepared for South/South West Directors of Nursing Group. Unpublished Reports [Details] | |
| (2015) | Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service: Quality Evaluation & Clinical Review. Irish Cancer Society, Page: 1-220. Hegarty, J., Drummond, F., Cornally, N., Fitzgerald, S., Landers, M., McCarthy, G., McAuliffe, A.,Moran, J., Noonan, B., O’ Mahony A., O'Mahony, M., Power, S., O'Regan, P., Sweeney, C., Weathers, E., Drennan, J. (2015) Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service: Quality Evaluation & Clinical Review. Irish Cancer Society, Page: 1-220. Unpublished Reports [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Best Oral Presentation Award | UCC | |
| 2017 | Erasmus+ Programme- Teaching Staff Visit | University College Cork | |
| 2017 | Health Promotion Bursary | Marie Keating Foundation | |
| 2013 | Studentship | School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC | |
| 2013 | Conference Travel Bursary | School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC | |
| 2012 | Studentship | School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation | Member | 01-NOV-10 / |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career Research Committee (my Support JPND) | Director | 2019 / | |
| School of Nursing and Midwifery Executive Committee | General member | 2019 / | |
| School of Nursing and Midwifery Research Committee | General member | 2019 / | |
| School of Nursing and Midwifery Teaching and Curriculum Committee | General member | 2019 / | |
| SONM Postgraduate Committee | General member | 2019 / | |
| Student Experience Committee | Member | 2018 / | |
| AIIHPC Early Career Researchers Forum (ECRF) Executive Committee | Member | 2018 / | |
| External Communications & Relations Committee | Member | 2018 / |
Teaching Activities
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Minhee Yang | UCC | MSc (Nursing) | The effectiveness of pain management interventions for people with dementia in long-term care | |
| 2020 | Una Lehane | UCC | MSc (Nursing) | Examining Healthcare Professionals opinions and use of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Admission Care Bundle in the Emergency Department | |
| 2020 | Sophia Egan | UCC | MPH | Examining the Barriers and Facilitators to Contraceptive Healthcare in Cork city: A healthcare Worker’s Perspective | |
| 2020 | Melissa Margaret-Alice O'Neill | UCC | MPH | Knowledge of and Barriers to the use of Long Acting Reversible Contraception | |
| 2019 | Jenny Lynch | UCC | Advanced Nursing | Healthcare professional perceptions towards nurse-led discharge. | |
| 2019 | Elaine O’Donovan | UCC | Advanced Nursing | The Impact of death and dying on the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community Palliative Care. | |
| 2018 | Lalu Laby | University College Cork | MSc (Nursing) | Nurse’s knowledge and attitudes towards late life depression in long term care | |
| 2018 | Myra Hume | University College Cork | MSc (Nursing) | Meaningful Activities in Long Term Care | |
| 2017 | Evelyn Savage | University College Cork | Masters in Nursing | The evaluation of nurse’s knowledge, perceptions and current practice in the use of pain assessment tools for dementia residents. | |
| 2017 | Asha Sebastian | University College Cork | Masters in Nursing | Attitudes and Expectations of Nursing staff and Healthcare Assistants towards the Implementation of Music therapy for Older adults with Dementia. | |
| 2017 | Sean Kelleher | University College Cork | Doctor of Nursing | Determinants of Intention to Study Abroad among Nursing and Midwifery Students: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour |
Modules Taught
| Term (ID)) | Title | Link | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Evidence Based Cervical Screening | NU6158 | Evidence Based Cervical Screening | |
| 2021 | Research for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Care | NU2050 | Research for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Care | |
| 2021 | Research for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Care | NU4073 | Research for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery Care | |
| 2021 | Clinical General Practice Nursing I | NU6155 | Clinical General Practice Nursing I | |
| 2021 | Clinical General Practice Nursing II | NU6156 | Clinical General Practice Nursing II | |
| 2021 | Personal and Professional Development | NU6301 | Personal and Professional Development | |
| 2021 | Research Methods | NU6005 | Research Methods |
Contact details
- Serena Fitzgerald
University Lecturer - serena.fitzgerald@ucc.ie
- University College Cork