Research

Over its 120-year history Royal Rehab has developed a reputation for innovative thinking, pioneering research, collaboration and sharing knowledge.

Working with leading research partners and supported by an entrepreneurial culture, Royal Rehab values and fosters critical thinking and inquiry to expand knowledge and understanding within the areas of rehabilitation and disability service delivery to improve the quality of life for those within the rehabilitation and disability communities.

Nurturing partnerships with universities is a key priority for Royal Rehab as we strive to stay at the forefront of creative thinking in the rehabilitation and disability sectors.

Collaborative projects involving external researchers and Royal Rehab staff are common. A diverse range of research is conducted, with projects initiated by both internal and external researchers. 

We conduct research on neurological rehabilitation, advanced technology rehabilitation, as well as projects that inform development of our services. 

Our research initiatives aim to drive innovation, identify new best practices, and continuously improve our services. We collaborate with external researchers and prioritise ongoing learning to provide the highest quality care to our customers.

Research Projects

Current and select recent projects focusing specifically on neurological rehabilitation

  • Association between diet quality, lipid profile and body weight in patients with spinal cord injury
  • Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults with spinal cord injury in specialist rehabilitation: a retrospective cohort study
  • Electrical stimulation combined with strength training to increase the strength of very weak muscles in people with recent spinal cord injury. A randomised controlled trial.
  • Validity and Reliability of Self-administered version of Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injuries II (SA-WISCI II) outcome measure
  • Early and intensive motor training (versus usual care) to enhance neurological recovery and function in people with spinal cord injury: The Early & Intensive SCI-MT Trial
  • The Obesity Spinal Cord Injury Rehab (OSCIR) study
  • Nursing’s contribution to patient rehabilitation following spinal cord injury: a systematic review
  • The nature of readmission to acute care from inpatient rehabilitation: a retrospective cohort study
  • The measurement of functional outcomes at 12 months post TBI and how cognitive and psychological factors contribute to return to productivity. Neuropsychology Function Post Head Injury
  • Examining the effects of probiotics use on gastrointestinal function in adults with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review
  • Personalized Exercise for Priming Post-stroke (PREPP): A randomised trial
  • Are home-based physiotherapy sessions provided at an intensity to evoke cardiorespiratory stress in patients post-stroke?

Current and select recent projects focusing on advanced rehabilitation technology.

  • User-based testing of virtual reality applications for assessing cognitive-communication disorders following traumatic brain injury
  • Impact of robotic exoskeleton/other robotic mobility devices training on energy expenditure and body composition in adults with spinal cord injury: a systematic review
  • A mixed methods exploration of the uptake, experiences and perceptions of using advanced technology in rehabilitation and therapy from the perspectives of clinicians and patients
  • What is important to clinicians about digital devices in rehabilitation? A cross-cultural best-worst scaling study
  • Recreational therapists’ understanding of their role in advanced technology rehabilitation

Current and select recent projects to inform care and support.

  • Interviews with healthcare professionals and people with spinal cord injuries to guide the development and rollout of physiotherapy clinical practice guidelines
  • Digitalisation of the Health Maintenance Tool for people with spinal cord injury: Phase 2 of the SCI Wellness Project
  • Spinal Cord Injuries Australia Peer Support Program Evaluation
  • Exploring a novel well-being intervention for people with spinal cord injury
  • Social processes that promote and preserve personhood in Traumatic Brain Injury nursing care in hospital and rehabilitation settings
  • Rehab patients’ preferences for the introduction of spirituality into their healthcare journey
  • Spiritual Care Practice in Rehabilitation
  • Spiritual Care Practice: Trialling a Staff Training Program in Rehabilitation
  • What is the nature and experience of female sexuality following spinal cord injury?
  • A clinical profile of admission to the newly established Royal Rehab Sexuality Service: A clinical data mining project
  • Be Pain Smart Clinic Evaluation
  • Evaluating meal satisfaction in patients within a specialist rehabilitation
  • Clinical decision-making of nurses in relation to hygiene, dressing, and grooming in inpatient rehabilitation
  • Evaluation of the Vocational Intervention Program (VIP) 2.0
  • Evaluation of a Sleep Disordered Breathing Management Model for people with Spinal Cord Injury at Royal Rehab
  • Online communication partner training and social media initiatives for family members, carers, and service providers of people with TBI
  • Integrated oral care for spinal cord injury patients: A qualitative study
  • Metagenomics based diagnostics for control of urinary tract infections
  • Interviews to determine the smallest worthwhile treatment effect for motor training on strength for people with spinal cord injury

To learn more about our projects please email our Research Governance Officer research.governance@royalrehab.com.au

Publications over the last 5 years

2023


Barnes, S., Bransby-Bell, J., Gallagher-Beverley, Z., Mullay, J., McNeil, R. & Taylor, C. (2023). Verbosity, traumatic brain injury, and conversation: A preliminary investigation. Aphasiology,37(1), 1-24.

2022


Baker, M. J., Pryor, J. & Fisher, M. J. (2022). Potential for misinterpretation: an everyday problem male nurses encounter in inpatient rehabilitation. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 28, e12985.

Jones, K., Pryor, J., Care-Unger, C. & Simpson, G. (2022). “Spirituality is everybody’s business”: An exploration of the impact of spiritual care training upon the perceptions and practice of rehabilitation professionals. Disability & Rehabilitation, 44(8), 1409-1418.

McKechnie, D. & Fisher, M. J. (2022). Considerations when examining the psychometric properties of measurement instruments used in health. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing 39(2), 36-47

Pryor, J., Mitchell, E., Tanner, C., & Byrne, K. (2022). Uncovering the nature of cross-disciplinary inpatient rehabilitation care co-ordination. JARNA, 24(1), 4-11.

Pryor J. (2022). Return to work and vocational rehabilitation following SCI: how can nursing contribute? JARNA, 24(1), 29-35.

Wilson-Smith, A. R., Muralidaran, S., Maharaj, M., Pelletier, M. H., Beshara, P., Rao, P., Pearce, L. M., Wang, T., Mobbs, R. J., Walsh, W. R. (2022). Validation of a novel range of motion assessment tool for the cervical spine: the HALO© digital goniometer. Journal of Spine Surgery, 8(1), 93-102.

Kivunja, S, Pryor, J., River, J. & Gullick, J. (2022). Navigating the role of clinician-researcher: Insights from a Constructivist Grounded Theory study in traumatic brain injury. Australasian Journal of Neuroscience, 32(2), 5-14.

2021


Pryor, J., Haylen, D. & Fisher, M. (2021). Problems people with SCI experience accessing help with bowel care when hospitalised outside a specialist spinal injury service. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(11-12), 1633-1644.

Pryor, J., Haylen, D. & Fisher, M. (2021). Usual bowel care regimes of people living in the community with SCI and factors important for integrating bowel care into everyday life. Disability & Rehabilitation, 44(21), 6401-6407.

Yeung, H. Y., Iyer, P., Pryor, J., & Nicholson, M. (2021). Dietary management of neurogenic bowel in adults with spinal cord injury: An integrative review of literature. Disability & Rehabilitation, 43(9), 1208-1219.

2020


McKechnie, D., Pryor, J., Fisher, M. & Alexander, T. (2020). An examination of dependency and complexity of patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation in Australia. Australian Health Review, 44(1), 143-152.

McKechnie, D., Pryor, J., Fisher, M. J. & Alexander, T. (2020). A comparison of patients managed in specialist versus non-specialist inpatient rehabilitation units in Australia. Disability & Rehabilitation, 42(19), 2718-2725.

McKechnie, D., Fisher, M. J., Pryor, J. & McKechnie, R. (2020). An examination of the nature and characteristics of patients readmitted to acute care from inpatient brain injury rehabilitation. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(10), 2586-2596.

Pryor, J. & Lever, S. (2020). Insights into the nature of female sexuality from the perspective of female stroke survivors. Disability and Rehabilitation, 42(1), 71-77.

Fisher, M., Pryor, J., Capell, J., Alexander, T. & Simmonds, F. (2020). The psychometric properties of the Client-Centered Rehabilitation Questionnaire in an Australian population. Disability and Rehabilitation, 42(1), 122-129.

Iyer, P., Beck, E.J. & Walton, K.L. (2020). Exploring nutrition knowledge and dietary intake of adults with spinal cord injury in specialist rehabilitation. Spinal Cord, 58, 930–938.

Chen, L.W., Glinsky, J.V., Islam, M.S., Hossain, M., Boswell-Ruys, C.L., Kataria, C., Redhead, J., Xiong, Y., Gollan, E., Costa, P.D., Denis, S., Ben, M., Chaudhary, L., Wang, J., Hasnat, M.A.K., Yoemans, J., Gandevia, S.C. & Harvey, L.A. (2020). The effects of 10,000 voluntary contractions over 8 weeks on the strength of very weak muscles in people with spinal cord injury: a randomised controlled trial. Spinal Cord, 58, 857-864.

Li, I., Bui, T., Phan, H. T., Llado, A., King, C. & Scrivener, K. (2020). App-based supplemental exercise in rehabilitation, adherence, and effect on outcomes: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 34(8), 1083-1093.

Fisher, M. McKechnie, D. & Pryor, J. (2020). Conducting a critical review of the research literature. JARNA, 23(1), 20-29.

Jones, K. F., Pryor, J., Care-Unger, C. & Simpson, G. K. (2020). Rehabilitation health professionals’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care: the results of an online survey. Neurorehabilitation, 46, 17-30.

Capell, J., Alexander, T., Pryor, J & Fisher, M. (2020). Patient reported experiences of inpatient rehabilitation in Australia. Patient Experience Journal, 7(3), 49-57.

Jones, K., Pryor, J., Care-Unger, C. & Simpson, G. (2020). Effectiveness of spiritual care training for rehabilitation professionals: An exploratory controlled trial. NeuroRehabilitation, 47(4):393-403.

McKechnie, D. & Fisher, M. J. (2020). Quality appraisal of the research literature in healthcare: A discussion on quality appraisal tools. JARNA, 23(2), 25-34.

Sandalic, D., Craig, A., Arora, M., Pozzato, I., Simpson, G., Gopinath, B., Kaur, J., Shetty, S., Weber, G., Cameron, I., Middleton, J., et al. (2020). A prospective cohort study investigating contributors to mild cognitive impairment in adults with spinal cord injury: study protocol. BMC Neurology, 20(1), 341.

van Diemen, T., Craig, A., van Nes, I. J. W., Stolwijk-Swüste, J. M., Geertzen, J. H. B., Middleton, J, & Post, M. W. M. (2020). Enhancing our conceptual understanding of state and trait self-efficacy by correlational analysis of four self-efficacy scales in people with spinal cord injury. BMC Psychology, 8, 108.

2019


Boyle, C. & Pryor, J. (2019). Therapeutic horticulture: a mechanism for participate to learn in inpatient rehabilitation. JARNA, 22(1), 16-21.

McKechnie, D., Pryor, J., McKechnie, R. & Fisher, M. (2019). Predictors of readmission to acute care from inpatient rehabilitation: a systematic review. PM&R, 11(12), 1335-1345.

Pryor, J. & Fisher, M. (2019). An examination of the CCRQ as a measure of person-centred rehabilitation. JARNA, 22(2), 22-26.

Baker, M. J., Pryor, J. & Fisher, M. J. (2019). Nursing practice in inpatient rehabilitation: a narrative review – part 1. JARNA, 22(2), 7-21.

Baker, M. J., Pryor, J. & Fisher, M. J. (2019). Nursing practice in inpatient rehabilitation: a narrative review – part 2. JARNA, 22(3), 7-15.

McKechnie, D., Fisher, M. J., Pryor, J., & McKechnie, R. (2019). Predictors of unplanned readmission to acute care from inpatient brain injury rehabilitation. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29, 593-601.

Leung, J., King, C. & Fereday, S. (2019). Effectiveness of a programme comprising serial casting, botulinum toxin, splinting and motor training for contracture management: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 33(6), 1035-1044.

2018


McKechnie, D., Fisher, M. J., Pryor, J., Bonser, M. & De Jesus, J. (2018). Development of the Sydney Falls Risk Screening Tool in brain injury rehabilitation: a multisite prospective cohort study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 27, 958-968.

Pryor, J. & Boyle, C. (2018). Growing vegetables as part of rehabilitation. JARNA, 21(1), 24-28.

Jones, K., Pryor, J., Care-Unger, C. & Simpson, G. K. (2018). Spirituality and its relationship with positive adjustment following TBI: a scoping review. Brain Injury, 32(13-14), 1612-1622.

Fisher, M., Pryor, J., Leong, G. & Pont, L. (2018). Current bowel care practices in spinal cord units in Australia and New Zealand: a prospective, cross-sectional survey. JARNA, 21(3), 6-13.

Jones, K., Dorsett, P., Simpson, G. & Briggs, L. (2018). Moving forward on the journey: spirituality and family resilience after spinal cord injury. Rehabilitation Psychology, 63, 521-531.

Mantell, A., Simpson, G. K., Vungkhanching ,M,, Jones, K. F., Strandberg, S. & Simonson, P. (2018). Social work-generated evidence in traumatic brain injury from 1975 to 2014: A systematic scoping review. Health and Social Care in the Community, 26, 433-448.

2022


Pryor, J., O’Reilly, K., Bonser, M., McKechnie, D. & Garrett, G. (2022). Rehabilitation for the individual and family. In E. Chang & A. Johnson (Eds) Living with chronic illness and disability; Principles for nursing practice. (4th ed). Chapter 10, pp. 161-181. Elsevier. Sydney.

Jones, K. F., Pryor, J., Anderson, M., Care-Unger, C., & Simpson, G. (2022). Spirituality, hope, and resilience in the recovery and adaptation process following spinal cord injury. In R. Rajendram, V. Preedy, & C. R. Martin (Eds.), Cellular, Molecular, Physiological, and Behavioral Aspects of Spinal Cord Injury. Academic Press.

2021


Pryor, J. & Fisher, M.J. (2021). Rehabilitation Nursing. In Wilson, N. J., Lewis, P., Hunt, L. & Whitehead, L. (Eds.) Nursing in Australia: Contemporary professional and practice insights. Chapter 17, pp. 170-179. Taylor & Francis. London.

Pryor, J. & Fisher, M. J. (2021). Considering the person with disability. In Crisp, J., Douglas, C., Rebeiro, G. & Waters, D. (Eds.) Potter & Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing (6th ed). Chapter 33, pp. 1291-1312. Elsevier. Sydney.

2020


Harnett, A., Bateman, A., McIntyre, A., Parikh, R., Middleton, J., Arora, M., et al. (2020). Spinal cord injury rehabilitation practices. In Eng, J. J., Teasell, R. W., Miller, W. C., et al., (Eds). Spinal cord injury rehabilitation evidence. SCIRE. Canada.

Williams, J. & Pryor, J. (2020). Rehabilitation and recovery processes.  In J. Williams, L. Perry, & C. Watkins (Eds.) Acute stroke nursing. (2nd ed). Chapter 9, pp. 203-227. Wiley-Blackwell.

2018


Pryor, J., Lingane, B., McKechnie, D. & Garrett, G. (2018). Rehabilitation for the individual. In, E. Chang & A. Johnson (Eds) Chronic illness and disability. (3rd ed). Chapter 10, pp. 177-200. Elsevier. Sydney.

Pryor, J.& Lingane, B. with contributions from Royal Rehab nurses (2018). Rehabilitation, co-morbidity and complex care. In A. Johnson & E. Chang (Eds). Caring for older people in Australia: Principles for nursing practice. (2nd ed). Chapter 9, Wiley.

Middleton, J., Arora, M., McCormick, M. & O’Leary, D. (2020). Health Maintenance Tool: How to stay healthy and well with a spinal cord injury. A tool for consumers by consumers. Ed. 1. NSW Australia. ISBN: 978-1-921679-00-1.

Middleton, J., Arora, M., McCormick, M. & O’Leary, D. (2020). Health Maintenance Tool: How to stay healthy and well with a spinal cord injury. A tool for consumers by consumers: Module 1 The bladder and its associated problems. Ed. 1. NSW Australia. ISBN: 978-1-921679-00-1.

Middleton, J., Arora, M., McCormick, M. & O’Leary, D. (2020). Health Maintenance Tool: How to stay healthy and well with a spinal cord injury. A tool for consumers by consumers; Module 2: The bowel and its associated problems; Ed. 1, NSW Australia. ISBN: 978-1-921679-00-1.

Middleton, J., Arora, M., McCormick, M. & O’Leary, D. (2020). Health Maintenance Tool: How to stay healthy and well with a spinal cord injury. A tool for consumers by consumers; Module 3: The skin and its associated problems; Ed. 1, NSW Australia. ISBN: 978-1-921679-00-1.

Middleton, J., Arora, M., McCormick, M. & O’Leary, D. (2020). Health Maintenance Tool: How to stay healthy and well with a spinal cord injury. A tool for consumers by consumers; Module 4: Pain; Ed. 1, NSW Australia. ISBN: 978-1-921679-00-1.

Middleton, J., Arora, M., McCormick, M. & O’Leary, D. (2020). Health Maintenance Tool: How to stay healthy and well with a spinal cord injury. A tool for consumers by consumers; Module 5: Autonomic Dysreflexia; Ed. 1, NSW Australia. ISBN: 978-1-921679-00-1.

2022


Pryor, J. An Australian and New Zealand perspective on rehabilitation specific nurse competencies [Virtual presentation]. Portuguese Rehabilitation Nurses Association Conference. Portugal. 2 December 2022.

Graco, M., Weber, G., Joffe, D., Saravanan, K., Heriseanu, R., Whitehead, N., Alava-Bravo, K., DelaCruz, C., Sood, S., Curran, J., Kaumaitotoya, E., Pryor, J., Ross, J., Chai-Coetzer, C. L., & Berlowitz D. Rehabilitation-led management of sleep disordered breathing: adapting a model of care for a rehabilitation centre in Australia [Poster]. Sleep DownUnder, 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Sleep Association, Brisbane 9-11 November 2022.

Garrett, G. The effect of including nursing activities on patients’ timetables on an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association National Conference, Adelaide 20-21 October 2022.

Garrett, G. The Royal Rehab spinal cord injury rehabilitation nursing RN development program. Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association National Conference, Adelaide 20-21 October 2022.

Pryor, J. A very long rehab LOS. Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association National Conference, Adelaide 20-21 October 2022.

Graco, M., Weber, G., Joffe, D., Saravanan, K., Heriseanu, R., Whitehead, N., Alava-Bravo, K., DelaCruz, C., Sood, S., Curran, J., Kaumaitotoya, E., Pryor, J., Ross, J., Chai-Coetzer, C. L., & Berlowitz D. Rehabilitation-led management of sleep disordered breathing: adapting a model of care for a rehabilitation centre in Australia. [Poster]. 61st Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Spinal Cord Society Conference, Vancouver, 15-18 September 2022.

Rigoli, A., Francis, L., Nicholson, M., Weber, G., Redhead, J. & Iyer, P. The impact of robotic exoskeleton training on energy expenditure and body composition in adults with spinal cord injury – a systematic review. 61st Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Spinal Cord Society Conference, Vancouver, 15-18 September 2022.

2021


Pryor, J. A few words about rehabilitation nursing from Australia and New Zealand. International Congress of Rehabilitation Nursing. [Virtual presentation]. Lisbon, Portugal. 3 December 2021.

Bradshaw, J. & Schultz, R. Be Pain Smart Clinic – A new model care for chronic pain management of people with brain injuries [Virtual presentation]. 6th Pacific Rim Conference which is the first joint conference of the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI), and the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Clinical Neuropsychologists (CCN). 30 June to 3 July 2021.

Jones, K., Best, M. & Pryor, J. What are the most important features of spiritual care training for Australian healthcare professionals? An overview of four influential studies [Virtual presentation]. Spiritual Care in the 21st Century Conference, 20-23 June 2021.

Pryor, J. The role of ARNA in the formalization of rehabilitation as a nursing specialty in Australia [Virtual presentation]. National NZ Neuroscience Nursing Symposium, 13-14 May 2021.

Pryor, J. Using rehab thinking to improve nurse effectiveness across the continuum of care [Virtual presentation]. Middlemore NZ Nursing & Midwifery Symposium “Celebrating Our People”, 12 May 2021.

Iyer, P. Nutrition in spinal cord injury [Virtual presentation]. African Spinal Cord Injury Network. 29 April to 1 May 2021.

2020


Arora, M., McCormick, M., O’Leary, D., Rowe, S., Jerram, A. S. & Middleton, J. W. Health Maintenance Tool for People with Spinal Cord Injury – A tool for consumers from consumers. 59th Annual Scientific Meeting, International Spinal Cord Society: ISCoS 2020 Virtual, United Kingdom, 1-5 September 2020.

Harper, R. & Pryor, J. The evolution of a program logic and an intermediate outcome measurement tool for an early intervention vocational rehabilitation service [Poster]. 59th International Spinal Cord Society. Virtual Conference. 1-5 September 2020.

Bidgood, L. & Pryor, J. An evaluation of an adapted yoga program for people with a spinal cord injury: A journey of reconnection with the self [Virtual poster]. 59th International Spinal Cord Society 1-5 September 2020.

Arora, M., McCormick, M., O’Leary, D., Rowe, S., Jerram, A. S., Weber, G. & Middleton, J. W. Health Maintenance Tool for People with Spinal Cord Injury – A tool for consumers from consumers [Poster]. 14th International Society of Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine (ISPRM) World Congress, Orlando, USA, 4-9 March 2020.

2019


Mason, F., George, S. & Pryor, J. Utilisation of the Brannagan Executive Functions Assessment in increasing self-awareness in relation to the goal of return to work in individuals post traumatic brain injury. NSW Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program Forum, Sydney 14 November 2019.

Jones, K., Care-Unger, C., Simpson, G. & Pryor, J. Development and evaluation of a staff training program on spiritual care practices within a rehabilitation context. Australian Association of Social Workers conference. Adelaide, 9 November 2019.

McKechnie, D. Fisher, M. & Pryor, J. Predictors of readmission to acute care from inpatient rehabilitation: an integrative review. ARNA National Conference, Brisbane 14-15 October 2019.

Walsh, D., Fisher, M. & Pryor, J. The nature and extent of unplanned readmission to acute care from inpatient rehabilitation. ARNA National Conference, Brisbane 14-15 October 2019.

Baker, M. J., Pryor, J. & Fisher, M. J. Finding a safe way: a grounded theory of male nurse practice in inpatient rehabilitation. ARNA National Conference, Brisbane 14-15 October 2019.

Jones, K., Pryor, J., Care-Under, C. & Simpson, G. Trial of a staff training program in spiritual care: a pilot study. ARNA National Conference, Brisbane 14-15 October 2019.

Fisher, M. & Pryor. J. On-the-spot goals to support the biographical work of rehabilitation: a nursing intervention. ARNA National Conference, Brisbane 14-15 October 2019.

Baker, M. J., Pryor, J. & Fisher, M. J. ‘Finding a safe way’ – a visual presentation of male nurse practice in inpatient rehabilitation [Poster]. ARNA National Conference, Brisbane 14-15 October 2019.

McKechnie, D., Fisher, M, & Pryor, J. A comparison of patients managed in specialist versus non-specialist inpatient [Poster]. ARNA National Conference, Brisbane 14-15 October 2019.

Kivunja, S. Gullick, J., River, J. & Pryor, J. Constructing the meaning of personhood for people with traumatic brain injury. Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association (ANNA) Conference, Wellington, New Zealand, 17-18 October 2019.

Pryor, J., Fisher, M. & Haylen, D. Problems accessing help with bowel care following spinal cord injury. International Spinal Cord Society, Sydney, 13-15 September 2019.

Pryor, J., Allen, J. & Harper, R. Unpacking the theoretical underpinnings of an early intervention vocational rehabilitation service. ANZSCoS, Melbourne 21-23 August 2019.

Pryor, J. & Harper, R. Using most significant change stories to explore the contexts, mechanisms and outcomes of an early intervention vocational rehabilitation service. ANZSCoS, Melbourne 21-23 August 2019.

Harper, R., Verbeek, M. & Pryor, J. Most significant change – introduction of a novel monitoring and evaluation tool to as early intervention vocational rehabilitation service [Poster]. ANZSCoS, Melbourne 21-23 August 2019.

Jones, K., Pryor, J., Care-Unger, C. & Simpson G. Staff perspectives regarding spirituality and spiritual care practice: results of an online survey[Poster].  ANZSCoS, Melbourne 21-23 August 2019.

Jones K, Pryor J, Care-Unger C., Simpson, G. Spirituality after traumatic brain injury: The results of a scoping review. International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health. University of York, York, 22-26 July 2019.

Jones K, Pryor J, Care-Unger C., Simpson, G. Spirituality and spiritual care in traumatic injury rehabilitation: an exploration of staff perspectives and implications for training. International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health. University of York, York, 22-26 July 2019.

Jones K, Pryor J, Care-Unger C., Simpson, G. Development and evaluation of a staff training program on spiritual care practice within a rehabilitation context. International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health. University of York, York, 22-26 July 2019.

Pryor, J. Preserving and enabling the person who is the patient. NSLHD Nursing & Midwifery Research and Innovative Practice Conference, 23 May 2019.

2018


Lever, S., McGrath, M., Power, E., McCluskey, A. & Pryor, J. Sexuality after stroke – where are we up to? [Poster]. ARNA National Conference, Leura, 18 & 19 October 2018.

Fisher, M., Pryor, J., Leong, G. & Pont, L. Current bowel care practice in spinal cord injury units in Australia and New Zealand [Poster]. ARNA National Conference, Leura, 18 & 19 October 2018.

Cappel, J., Fisher, M., Pryor, J., Alexander, T. & Simmonds, F. The Implementation and Evaluation of a Rehabilitation Specific Patient Experience Survey [Poster]. ARNA National Conference, Leura, 18 & 19 October 2018.

Pryor, J., Jones, K., Care-Unger, C. & Simpson, G. Rehabilitation nurses’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care practice. ARNA National Conference, Leura, 18 & 19 October 2018.

Boyle, C. & Pryor. J. Inpatients growing vegetables in public spaces: the first 3 years.  Australian Therapeutic Landscapes Conference, Gold Coast, 26 October 2018.

Fisher, M., Pryor, J., Leong, G. & Pont, L. Current bowel care practice in spinal cord injury units in Australia and New Zealand [Poster]. International Spinal Cord Society, Sydney, 13-15 September 2018.

Cappel, J., Fisher, M., Pryor, J., Alexander, T. & Simmonds, F. The Implementation and Evaluation of a Rehabilitation Specific Patient Experience Survey [e-poster]. International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 12th World Congress, Paris, 8-12 July 2018.

Pryor, J. & Fisher, M. Living fast, partying hard: A life history study of men with SCI. Spinal Injury Nurses’ Association Conference, Sydney 9-10 July 2018.

Pryor, J., Fisher, M. & Haylen, D. Problems accessing help with bowel care practices following spinal cord injury: a qualitative study. Spinal Injury Nurses’ Association Conference, Sydney, 9-10 July 2018.

i. Each year Royal Rehab provides a $2000 Nursing Research Prize for the best nursing research paper at the national conference of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association

ii. Our scholarships

In collaboration with the University of Notre Dame Australia, Royal Rehab is currently funding a PhD scholarship, valued in total at $30,000 per annum for up to three years under the direction and supervision of an expert academic and clinical team based at the University of Notre Dame Australia and Royal Rehab.

Research Governance

Research Governance relates to the authorisation of research to be conducted at Royal Rehab. The purpose of this authorisation is:

  • to ensure that the proposed research project complies with appropriate ethical, scientific, regulatory and professional standards
  • to consider whether the project should be conducted at and supported by Royal Rehab, and/or whether the provision of access to participants, their tissue and/or data should be supported
  • to enable Royal Rehab to be aware of all research taking place at sites under their control.

All research whether conducted by researchers internal or external to Royal Rehab must apply for and be granted site authorisation before the research can commence.

Researchers interested in using Royal Rehab as a study site are asked to discuss this with the relevant Royal Rehab staff in the project design and planning stage to ensure collaborative decision-making about the role of Royal Rehab in the project. Being involved early enables Royal Rehab to plan ahead for the conduct of multiple concurrent projects which is common in several of our services. While these discussions will involve Royal Rehab’s Director of Research and relevant operational managers, first contact should be made with the Research Governance Officer (research.governance@royalrehab.com.au)

An application for site authorisation can only be received after a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) has approved the project. Royal Rehab uses different processes for different service types.

Research governance authorisation processes for Royal Rehab’s public health services

Royal Rehab uses both Site Specific Assessments (SSA) and Access Requests to provide site authorisation for its public health services. Most applications involve an SSA, which is submitted via REGIS (https://regis2.health.nsw.gov.au/) and must have approval from a NSW Health HREC.

Access Requests may be used for requesting support from Royal Rehab in the form of access to participants, tissue or data and does not involve conducting research at any facilities, locations or services under the control of Royal Rehab.

Examples of research projects that may be suitable for an Access Request include projects that only involve one or more of the following activities at Royal Rehab:

  • Participant recruitment through posters, leaflets and letters of invitation but not recruitment through direct contact with potential participants or enrolment
  • Distribution of surveys and questionnaires through Royal Rehab staff but not collation and analysis of responses at Royal Rehab
  • Access to data or tissue held at Royal Rehab but not processing or analysis at Royal Rehab

Researchers considering submitting an Access Request are required to discuss this with Royal Rehab’s Research Governance Officer (research.governance@royalrehab.com.au) to ensure the request fits Royal Rehab’s criteria for an Access Request. The Access Request form will be provided by Royal Rehab’s Research Governance Officer and Access Requests are to be submitted by email to the Research Governance Officer (research.governance@royalrehab.com.au)

Research governance authorisation processes for Royal Rehab’s private hospitals, disability services (including breakthru), Sargood and LifeWorks

Royal Rehab uses both Site Specific Assessments (SSA) and Access Requests to provide site authorisation for their private hospitals, disability services (including breakthru), Sargood and LifeWorks. Most applications involve an SSA, which is submitted following HREC approval. Royal Rehab accepts approval from HRECs in Australian universities or NSW Health. Approval from other HRECs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Royal Rehab’s Research Governance Officer (research.governance@royalrehab.com.au) will provide researchers with the SSA form and guide researchers through the process.

Access Requests may be used for requesting support from Royal Rehab in the form of access to participants, tissue or data and does not involve conducting research at any facilities, locations or services under the control of Royal Rehab.

Examples of research projects that may be suitable for an Access Request include projects that only involve one or more of the following activities at Royal Rehab:

  • Participant recruitment through posters, leaflets and letters of invitation but not recruitment through direct contact with potential participants or enrolment
  • Distribution of surveys and questionnaires through Royal Rehab staff but not collation and analysis of responses at Royal Rehab
  • Access to data or tissue held at Royal Rehab but not processing or analysis at Royal Rehab

Researchers considering submitting an Access Request are required to discuss this with the Royal Rehab’s Research Governance Officer (research.governance@royalrehab.com.au) to ensure the request fits Royal Rehab’s criteria for an Access Request. The Access Request form will be provided by Royal Rehab’s Research Governance Officer and Access Requests are to be submitted by email to research.governance@royalrehab.com.au.