Research output per year
Research output per year
Personal profile
Biography
Patricia Leahy-Warren is Professor of Nursing and Chair of Health Services Research and Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at UCC. Patricia holds a Visiting Professorships at University of Western Sydney, Australia and Diakonova University, Norway. She has a strong national and international reputation in the disciplines of midwifery, nursing and public health nursing and in the field of maternal and child health. Patricia researches and supervises higher degree students in topics addressing the social and emotional health and well-being of women and men in the transition to parenthood, breastfeeding, perinatal mental health, and social support, particularly in vulnerable communities and researching improvements in service delivery and professional practice. She has published over 200 refereed journal articles, book chapters and published reports and regularly presents (including as a keynote speaker) at national and international conferences. Her research has been translated to policy and practice, for example through the development of health policy, models of care, teaching resources for consumers and health professionals. Her leadership capabilities contribute to the increasing QS rankings of the School of Nursing and Midwifery over the years to reach number one in Ireland and in the top 40 worldwide. RESEARCH She has developed a theoretically based social support instrument that is unique in that it is contextualised within infant care practices, which has been used internationally to devise theoretically sound perinatal interventions to facilitate the transition to motherhood. Example of Team Research projects: Research Focus 1: Promoting Positive Maternity Experiences for Women, Infants & Partners Women’s Experience of Maternity Care in The South/South West of Ireland Mother’s Experiences of Adaptat
Research Interests
Dr Leahy-Warren’s philosophy is that all women, infants and their families should be facilitated to have a positive pregnancy and child birth experience, receiving evidence based care from all healthcare professionals. Improving maternal health during pregnancy directly influences and enhances infant outcomes. Using her clinical and methodological expertise her specific areas of research focus include: (1) Promoting Positive Maternity Experiences for Women, Infants & Partners improving breastfeeding outcomes; (2) Improving Breastfeeding Outcomes; (3) Maternal, Paternal and Infant Perinatal Mental Health; and (4) Parental and Child Health in the Community. Dr Leahy-Warren has over 60 peer review publications and a number of ongoing research projects that strive to enhance maternal, paternal and infant health in Ireland. She has developed a theoretically based social support instrument that is unique in that it is contextualised within infant care practices, which has been used internationally to devise theoretically sound perinatal interventions to facilitate the transition to motherhood.
Research Grants
|
Project Title |
Role |
Funding Body |
Award |
|
Research into the Promotion of Nursing and Midwifery as a Career of Choice Involving the Media of Film |
Co-App |
NMBI |
€50,000 |
|
Optimising Team KT Capacity for Enhanced Implementation and Impact of MaxSBF |
Co-App |
Health Research Board |
€60,000 |
|
Maximise Support for Breastfeeding for Sustainable Population Health and Wellbeing (MaxSBF) |
PI |
HRB |
€2.6M |
|
A Standardised Approach to Measuring Infant Feeding Outcomes to Prevent Childhood Obesity |
Collab |
HRB Emerging Investigator Award |
€633,544 |
|
All Ireland Midwifery Network |
PI |
National Women and Infants Health Programme |
€25,000 p.a. |
|
Barriers, Facilitators and Strategies to Recognise and Refer High-Risk Individuals with Lung Cancer Symptoms |
Co-App |
National Cancer Care Programme |
€25,000 |
|
Research Programme – Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix for PHN/Community Nursing |
Co-App |
Health Research Board |
€1M |
|
A Study to Explore Practice Enhancement for Exclusive Breastfeeding (PEEB) |
PI |
Health Research Board (HRB-APA) |
€270,000 |
|
Skills-Based Programme for Breastfeeding Support for Healthcare Professionals |
PI |
NURTURE-HSE |
€25,000 |
|
Development of a Competency Framework for Clinical Effectiveness Education |
Co-App |
National Patient Safety Office |
€25,000 |
|
Evaluating Design and Dignity Programme |
Co-App |
Irish Hospice Foundation |
€16,000 |
|
Summer Studentship Award (2017) |
PI |
Health Research Board |
€2,000 |
|
Short Term Scientific Mission (STSM) for PhD Student |
PI |
COST Action IS1405 BIRTH |
€1,600 |
|
Teaching of Evidence-Based Practice in Ireland |
Co-App |
Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Department of Health |
€30,000 |
|
Strategic Vision and Educational Framework for Gerontological Nursing |
Co-App |
Health Service Executive |
€30,000 |
|
National Clinical Leadership Needs Analysis for Nurses and Midwives |
Co-App |
Health Services Executive |
€50,000 |
|
Fulbright Specialist Program |
Co-PI |
Irish Fulbright Commission |
€10,000 |
|
HRB Cochrane Training Fellowship |
Co-App |
Health Research Board-Cochrane Fellowship |
€66,478 |
|
Examining Women’s Experiences of Maternity Care in Ireland |
PI |
South/South West Hospital Group |
€50,000 |
|
Evidence Review on Community Nursing and Midwifery Practice Models |
PI |
Chief Nursing Office, Department of Health |
€50,000 |
|
Research Review on Tackling Delayed Discharges in Acute Hospitals |
Co-App |
Health Services Executive |
€20,000 |
|
iOS Software Development for Child Health Information Tracking App |
PI |
UCC Research Strategic Fund |
€7,428 |
|
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) |
Co-PI |
College of Medicine & Health |
€2,000 |
|
H2020 Proposal Preparation Travel Support |
Co-App |
Enterprise Ireland |
€20,000 |
|
Research on Health Inequalities and Young People |
Co-App |
National Youth Council of Ireland |
€2,500 |
|
Building Research Capacity within School |
Co-App |
UCC Strategic Research Fund |
€4,650 |
|
Continence Promotion in Community Nursing |
Co-App |
Miller Trust Award |
€1,500 |
|
Summer Studentship Award (2012) |
PI |
Health Research Board |
€2,000 |
|
Child Health Information Tracking App (CHeITA) |
PI |
Aptaclub |
€4,650 |
|
Building Research Capacity |
Co-App |
UCC Strategic Research Fund |
€3,000 |
|
Summer Studentship Award (2011) |
Co-App |
Health Research Board |
€2,000 |
|
Research Project Support |
PI |
Institute of Community Health Nursing |
€3,000 |
|
Developing Online Student Learning in Diabetes Care in the Community |
Co-App |
Erasmus Programme |
€398,919 |
|
Review of Breastfeeding Support Services by Public Health Nurses |
PI |
HSE Office of Population Health |
€35,000 |
|
Nursing & Midwifery Research Clinical Fellowship |
PI |
HRB |
€216,154 |
|
Research Support First-Time Mothers Project |
PI |
Martha McMenamin Fund |
€3,370 |
|
Research on Community Nursing Internationally |
PI |
Department of Health – Nursing Policy Division |
€12,500 |
|
Martha McMenamin Fund: First-Time Mothers Project |
PI |
Health Research Board |
€30,000 |
|
Nursing and Midwifery Research Clinical Fellowship |
PI |
Health Research Board |
€40,631 |
Biography
|
Committee |
Role |
From |
To |
|
Lecture Promotion Establishment Board |
COM&H Representative |
06-Oct-2014 |
11-Dec-2017 |
|
Postgraduate Education Committee |
Chair |
01-Sep-2014 |
25-Sep-2017 |
|
Postgraduate Teaching and Curriculum Committee |
Member |
01-Sep-2014 |
Present / Ongoing |
|
Steering Committee |
Member |
01-Sep-2014 |
01-Aug-2017 |
|
Academic Council |
COM&H Representative |
06-Jan-2014 |
11-Dec-2017 |
|
Academic Council Graduate Studies Committee |
COM&H Representative |
01-Jan-2014 |
11-Dec-2017 |
|
School Graduate Studies Committee |
Member |
01-Jan-2009 |
Present / Ongoing |
|
College of Medicine Council Committee |
Member |
01-Sep-2008 |
01-Aug-2017 |
|
School Executive |
Member |
01-Sep-2008 |
01-Aug-2017 |
|
School of Nursing & Midwifery Research Committee |
Member |
03-Sep-2001 |
03-Sep-2017 |
Biography
|
Level |
Role / Position |
Organisation / Committee |
From |
To |
|
International |
Adjunct Senior Lecturer |
Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney, Australia |
2018 |
Present |
|
International |
Visiting Professor |
VID Specialised University, Oslo, Norway |
2017 |
Present |
|
International |
Co-Chair |
All-Ireland Midwifery Network |
2021 |
Present |
|
International |
Substitute National Lead Representative |
EU COST Action CA18211 DEVOTION: Perinatal Mental Health and Perinatal Trauma – Management Committee |
2018 |
Present |
|
International |
Substitute National Lead Representative |
EU COST Action 18138 RISEUP-PPD – Management Committee |
N/A |
N/A |
|
International |
National Lead Representative |
EU COST Action IS1405: BIRTH – Building Intrapartum Research Through Health – Management Committee |
2014 |
2018 |
|
International |
Committee Member |
INANE (International Association of Nurse Editors) 32nd Annual International Conference Committee |
2013 |
2013 |
|
National |
Member |
National Review/Revalidation of the Irish Management Institute (IMI) Professional Diploma in Leadership Programme |
2019 |
2019 |
|
National |
External Examiner |
Eight MSc Nursing and Healthcare Practice Programmes, School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University |
2014 |
2018 |
|
National |
Invited Participant |
ESRI Roundtable: Informing Policy through Research and Evidence |
2013 |
2013 |
|
National |
Delegate |
Institute of Community Health Nursing & UCC Meeting with Minister Roisin Shortall and Minister Kathleen Lynch, Dáil Éireann |
2012 |
2012 |
|
National |
Invited Contributor |
Department of Health Consultation – Your Health is Your Wealth Policy Development |
2011 |
2011 |
|
National |
National Steering Committee Member |
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) – Requirements and Standards for Public Health Nurse Registration Education Programmes |
N/A |
2005* |
|
University |
Member |
University Disciplinary Hearing Committee (DHC) |
N/A |
N/A |
|
University |
Member |
University Fitness to Practise Committee |
2018 |
2023 |
|
University |
Panel Investigator |
Student Issues |
2021 |
Present |
|
University |
Chair |
Academic Council Graduate Studies Committee |
2017 |
Present |
|
University |
Chair |
Special Academic Board – Human Capital Initiative Committee |
2020 |
2020 |
|
University |
Member |
ITS Upgrade Project Steering Group |
2021 |
Present |
|
University |
Member |
Postgraduate Administration Project for Research Students Steering Group |
2021 |
Present |
|
University |
Chair |
University Programme Approval Panel (UPAP) – Higher Diploma in Sustainability in Enterprise |
2020 |
2020 |
|
University |
Member |
Academic Council |
2017 |
Present |
|
University |
Member |
Academic Board |
2017 |
Present |
|
University |
Member |
University Lecture Promotion Establishment Board (LPEB) |
2015 |
2018 |
|
College |
Member |
CoMH Executive, Teaching & Learning, Research & Innovation, Adjunct and Sabbatical Committees (as Head of School) |
2023 |
Present |
|
College |
Deputy for Head of School |
College Council and Associated Committees |
2019 |
2023 |
|
College |
Deputy Chair |
College of Medicine and Health Graduate Studies Committee |
2021 |
2022 |
|
College |
Member |
College Council |
2008 |
Present |
|
College |
Member |
College Graduate Studies Committee |
2014 |
2022 |
|
School |
Head of School |
School of Nursing & Midwifery, University College Cork |
Apr 2023 |
Present |
|
School |
Chair |
School Internal Examination Boards |
2018 |
2022 |
|
School |
Director of Graduate Studies |
School of Nursing & Midwifery |
2017 |
2022 |
|
School |
Director of Postgraduate Education |
School of Nursing & Midwifery (16 Programmes) |
2014 |
2017 |
|
School |
Member |
Steering Committee |
2014 |
2017 |
|
School |
Member |
Research Committee |
2001 |
Present |
|
School |
Member |
Executive Committee |
2008 |
Present |
|
School |
Member |
Graduate Studies Committee |
2009 |
2022 |
|
School |
Member |
Teaching & Curriculum Committee |
2014 |
2015 |
PhD Supervision
- Available for PhD supervision
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
-
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
Fingerprint
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
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A Scoping Review of Instruments Used to Measure Weight and Body Composition in Infants Under 1 Year
Anokye, R., Duffy, M., Looney, E., Birken, C., Brown, V., Dahly, D., Doherty, A., Dutch, D., Golley, R., Hayes, C., Johnson, B., Leahy-Warren, P., McBride, M., McCarthy, E., Murphy, A., Redsell, S., Terwee, C. & Matvienko-Sikar, K., Mar 2026, In: Obesity Reviews. 27, 3, e70038.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open Access -
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Fathers' Experiences of Early Parenting: A Qualitative Study
Elmir, R., Ormsby, S., Leahy‐Warren, P., Philpott, L. F., Kothari, A. & Schmied, V., 17 Mar 2026, In: Journal of Advanced Nursing. 82, 10, p. 9304-9318 15 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Health outcomes related to infant feeding in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland: A scoping review protocol [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]
Hanley, E., Bourke, J., Hanratty, J., Lehane, E., Mulcahy, H., O'Donovan, R., Long, A., Murphy, M., Matvienko-Sikar, K., Ward, S. & Leahy-Warren, P., 23 Jan 2026, In: HRB Open Research.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
-
Human milk banking services: an umbrella review
O’Donovan, R., Murphy, M., Lehane, E., Hanley, E., Bourke, J., Cogan, L., Hanratty, J., Hurley, N., Long, A., Mulcahy, H., Rogers, S., Ward, S., Weaver, G. & Leahy-Warren, P., 27 Jul 2026, In: Public Health Nutrition. 29, 1, e170.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open Access -
Preconception Risk and Promotive Factors of Postpartum Social Support: A Multidecade Prospective Cohort Study
Biden, E. J., Greenwood, C. J., Macdonald, J. A., Spry, E. A., Olsson, C. A., Leahy-Warren, P., Edwards, B. & Letcher, P., 13 Apr 2026, In: Developmental Psychology. 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
-
Proud to be a Midwife
Healy, M. (Speaker), Leahy-Warren, P. (Speaker), Close, C. (Speaker), Hudson , J. (Speaker) & Robinson, G. (Speaker)
2 May 2024Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
-
Sustaining momentum for breastfeeding support into the future
Leahy-Warren, P. (Speaker)
9 Apr 2024Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
-
Maternity severe Events for Women following a Traumatic Birth: An International Knowledge Mapping Exercise
Nieuwenhuijze, M. (Speaker) & Leahy-Warren, P. (Speaker)
7 Mar 2024Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
-
All-Ireland Midwifery Network
Leahy-Warren, P. (Speaker) & Healy, M. (Speaker)
2023Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
-
Midwifery, Sustainability and Breastfeeding
Leahy-Warren, P. (Speaker)
3 Nov 2022Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
Press/Media
-
University College Cork Researchers Release New Study Findings on Health and Medicine (Interprofessional undergraduate breastfeeding education: A scoping review protocol [version 1; peer review: 2 approved, 1 approved with reservations])
Long, A., Murphy, M., Fleming, A., Lehane, E., Mulcahy, H., Leahy-Warren, P. & Cogan, L.
7/04/25
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
-
University College Cork Reports Findings in Health and Medicine (Interprofessional undergraduate breastfeeding education: A scoping review protocol)
Long, A., Murphy, M., Fleming, A., Lehane, E., Mulcahy, H., Leahy-Warren, P. & Cogan, L.
3/04/25
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
-
UCC’s commitment to gender equality recognised by Athena SWAN awards
Khashan, A., Noonan, B., Flynn, A., Arensman, E., Whelton, H., Leahy-Warren, P., Byrne, S. & Godsmark, C.
5/09/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
-
Consultation process for National Inclusion Health Framework launched in UCC
Flynn, A., Whelton, H., Byrne, S. & Leahy-Warren, P.
28/06/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
-
New Health and Medicine Research Has Been Reported by Researchers at University College Cork [Evaluating the process of practice enhancement for exclusive breastfeeding (PEEB): a participatory action research approach for clinical innovation]
Murphy, M., Lehane, E., Mulcahy, H., Leahy-Warren, P., Cogan, L. & Leahy, P.
14/06/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media