Eranthi Weeratunga | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Eranthi Weeratunga | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.

Siyambalapiti Mudalige Eranthi Bimalee Weeratunga is an accomplished Senior Lecturer in the Department of Nursing at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, with over 14 years of academic experience. She holds an M.Phil. in Health Promotion and has focused her research on psychosocial factors affecting cancer patients’ quality of life, demonstrating her commitment to health promotion and palliative care. Weeratunga has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented her findings at both national and international conferences, showcasing her active engagement in the academic community. Additionally, her participation in interdisciplinary collaborations and various university committees reflects her dedication to advancing nursing education and research. With a strong focus on community impact, she aims to improve patient care for vulnerable populations. Overall, her extensive qualifications and contributions make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, embodying the ideals of excellence in research and education.

Profile:

Education

Eranthi Bimalee Weeratunga has a strong academic background that underpins her expertise in nursing and research. She holds an M.Phil. in Health Promotion from the University of Ruhuna, with her thesis focusing on psychosocial factors associated with the quality of life in cancer patients, reflecting her specialized interest in cancer care and palliative support. She also obtained a B.Sc. (Hons) in Nursing from the Open University of Sri Lanka, where her undergraduate research focused on causes of readmissions following heart valve replacement surgery. Additionally, Eranthi holds a Diploma in Nursing from the School of Nursing in Sri Jayewardenepura. Her commitment to continuous learning is further demonstrated by numerous certifications in critical care, research methodology, and higher education. Eranthi’s diverse educational experiences have equipped her with the knowledge and skills essential for her research and teaching, contributing to her development as a leader in nursing education and cancer care.

Professional Experiences

Siyambalapiti Mudalige Eranthi Bimalee Weeratunga has accumulated extensive professional experience inNursing and academia. After qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 1999, she worked at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, initially in the Otorhinolaryngology department and later in the Cardio-Thoracic Unit for nearly a decade. This clinical exposure provided her with invaluable skills and insights into patient care, particularly in high-pressure environments. Transitioning to academia, she joined the University of Ruhuna as a probationary lecturer, where she has served for over 14 years, contributing to the development of nursing programs and mentoring numerous undergraduate students. Eranthi has also participated in various professional development initiatives, including international training in Sweden, enhancing her expertise in primary health care. Her diverse experiences in clinical practice and education uniquely position her to advance nursing knowledge, particularly in cancer care and palliative support, making her a vital asset to her institution and the broader healthcare community.

Research Skills

Siyambalapiti Mudalige Eranthi Bimalee Weeratunga possesses a robust set of research skills honed through years of academic and professional experience. Her expertise in cancer nursing and palliative care drives her research focus, evidenced by her M.Phil. thesis on psychosocial factors affecting the quality of life in cancer patients. Eranthi is adept at designing and implementing research studies, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. She has successfully supervised numerous undergraduate research projects, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills among her students. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at various national and international conferences, showcasing her ability to communicate research findings effectively. Furthermore, Eranthi actively engages in professional development, continuously updating her research methodologies and techniques. Her strong foundation in research not only enhances her own scholarly contributions but also enriches the academic environment for her students and colleagues, making her an asset to the field of nursing.

Award and Recognition

Siyambalapiti Mudalige Eranthi Bimalee Weeratunga has received numerous accolades for her contributions to nursing and research. Her M.Phil. thesis on psychosocial factors affecting the quality of life of cancer patients garnered attention within the academic community, leading to presentations at national and international conferences. Eranthi’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her publications in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing her research findings and innovative approaches to cancer care and health promotion. She has also been recognized for her teaching effectiveness and dedication to mentoring students, earning positive feedback from both peers and students alike. Her involvement in various committees and initiatives further highlights her leadership within the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences. Additionally, her participation in international training programs has enriched her perspective, allowing her to bring global insights to her local context. These accomplishments collectively underscore Eranthi’s significant impact on the nursing field and her potential for future contributions.

Conclusion

Eranthi Bimalee Weeratunga’s extensive academic achievements, impactful research contributions, dedication to teaching, and commitment to professional and community service make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work in cancer care and health promotion reflects significant contributions to nursing science, underscoring her excellence as a researcher and educator.

Publication Top Notes

  • Psychological distress in cancer patients in Southern province of Sri Lanka
    Authors: EB Weeratunga, C Senadheera, U Ekanayake
    Year: 2016
    Citation: Galle Medical Association, 10.
  • Validation of the Sinhalese Version of Brief COPE Scale for patients with cancer in Sri Lanka
    Authors: E Weeratunga, C Senadheera, M Hettiarachchi, B Perera
    Year: 2022
    Citation: BMC Psychology, 10(157), 1-11.
  • The prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms in patients with cancer treated in a Tertiary health care facility in Southern Sri Lanka
    Authors: EB Weeratunga, C Senadheera, M Hettiarachchi, B Perera
    Year: 2021
    Citation: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 8(2), 13-29.
  • Psychosocial Factors Associated with Quality of Life of Patients with Cancer in Southern Sri Lanka
    Authors: E Weeratunga, C Senadheera, M Hettiarachchi, U Ekanayaka, B Perera
    Year: 2019
    Citation: Proceeding of 2nd Annual Research Conference – RuFARS, pp. 30-41.
  • Examining the quality of life of patients living with breast cancer in Southern Sri Lanka: A descriptive cross-sectional study
    Authors: E Weeratunga, C Senadheera, M Hettiarachchi, B Perera
    Year: 2022
    Citation: International Health Trends and Perspective, 2(3), 272-285.
  • Validity and Reliability of the Multi Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) in Cancer Patients
    Authors: EB Weeratunga, C Senadheera, M Hettiarchichi, U Ekanayaka, B Perera
    Year: 2018
    Citation: 11th International Research Conference of General Sir John Kotelawala …
  • Psychological disturbances encountered by selected undergraduates studying at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
    Authors: THM Kauashani, EB Weeratunga
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Scientific Reports, 2(20559), 1-14.
  • Psychological disturbances encountered by the healthcare professionals, military professionals and general public in Sri Lanka during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
    Authors: TD Sundarapperuma, MWK Gamage, N Rathnayake, EB Weeratunga, …
    Year: 2023
    Citation: BMC Psychiatry, 23(1), 452.
  • Coping Strategies among Patients with Cancer: A Cross-sectional Study done in Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Southern Sri Lanka
    Authors: EB Weeratunga, C Senadheera, M Hettiarachchi, B Perera
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Proceeding of 4th Annual Research Conference – RuFARS, Faculty of Allied …
  • Satisfaction with cancer care among patients treated in a tertiary care hospital in Southern Sri Lanka
    Authors: EB Weeratunga, C Senadheera, M Hettiarchichi, U Ekanayaka, B Perera
    Year: 2019
    Citation: Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH), Thailand.
  • Correlates of social support of Breast cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital in Southern Sri Lanka
    Authors: EB Weeratunga, M Hettiarachchi, C Senadheera, U Ekanayaka, B Perera
    Year: 2018
    Citation: Proceedings of International Nursing Congress, Faculty of Allied Health …
  • Quality of life of Breast cancer patients treated at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Sri Lanka
    Authors: E Weeratunga, M Hettiarachchi, U Ekanayaka
    Year: 2018
    Citation: University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.
  • The depressive symptomatology among cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka.
    Authors: EB Weeratunga, B Perera, M Hettiarachchi, C Senadheera, U Ekanayaka
    Year: 2015
    Citation: Ruhunu Clinical Society, Matara, Sri Lanka.
  • The Necessity of Establishing an Advanced Certificate Course in Palliative Care Nursing at the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
    Authors: E Weeratunga, S Karunanayaka, P Kariyawasam, B Wickramarachchi
    Year: 2024
    Citation: International Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences …
  • Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms among Informal Caregivers of Patients with Advanced Cancer at the Apeksha Hospital Maharagama, Sri Lanka
    Authors: E Weeratunga, S Goonewardena, L Meegoda
    Year: 2024
    Citation: International Research Symposium of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences …

 

Joana Sousa | Nursing and Health | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Joana Sousa | Nursing and Health | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Polytechnic Institute of Leiria , Portugal .

Joana Sofia Dias Pereira de Sousa is an accomplished nursing professional with a strong academic and clinical background. She holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing and a Doctorate in Nursing from the Portuguese Catholic University. Her extensive education includes several postgraduate certificates in specialized fields such as Gerontogeriatric Nursing, Nursing Information Systems, Economics and Management in Health Organizations, and Medical-Surgical Nursing. Additionally, she has completed comprehensive training programs, including systematic review methodologies and pedagogical training for trainers.

Profile

Education

Joana Sofia Dias Pereira de Sousa has an extensive educational background in nursing, marked by her commitment to advancing her knowledge and expertise in the field. She completed her Nursing License Degree from the Nursing School of Coimbra, Portugal, in 2003, followed by a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the Institute of Health Sciences at the Portuguese Catholic University in 2009. Her master’s thesis focused on the care strategies employed by family members to manage confusion in hospitalized patients. Continuing her academic journey, she earned her Doctorate in Nursing (PhD) from the same institution in 2020, where her doctoral dissertation centered on “Self-care in Patients with Heart Failure.” In addition to these degrees, Dr. Sousa has also pursued various postgraduate certifications in Gerontogeriatric Nursing, Nursing Information Systems, and Economics and Management in Health Organizations, highlighting her dedication to specialized knowledge within her field.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sousa’s professional career is distinguished by her dual roles in academia and clinical practice. She currently serves as an Adjunct Teacher at the Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Escola Superior de Saúde, Portugal, where she has been a faculty member since 2022. Her teaching career also includes previous roles as an Invited Adjunct Teacher at the same institution and the Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra. In the clinical domain, Dr. Sousa has extensive experience working at the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, where she held positions ranging from Nurse to Nurse Specialist, and eventually, Principal Nurse. Her clinical expertise is particularly strong in Medical-Surgical Nursing, where she applied her specialized knowledge to improve patient outcomes in a hospital setting.

Research Interest

Dr. Sousa’s research interests lie primarily in the field of health sciences, with a specific focus on nursing. Her doctoral research on self-care in patients with heart failure reflects her interest in chronic disease management and patient-centered care. She is particularly interested in exploring how nurses can empower patients to take an active role in managing their health, which is crucial in chronic conditions like heart failure. Additionally, her postgraduate training in Nursing Information Systems and Gerontogeriatric Nursing indicates a broader interest in integrating technology into nursing practice and addressing the unique needs of elderly populations.

 Research Skills

In addition to her specialized knowledge in nursing, Dr. Sousa possesses a range of skills that complement her professional and research endeavors. She is proficient in English at an advanced level (C1) and has intermediate proficiency in Spanish and French, which enhances her ability to collaborate internationally and contribute to global research initiatives. Her skills in systematic review methodologies, gained through comprehensive training programs, enable her to critically assess and synthesize research findings, further supporting her work in evidence-based practice. Her technical skills are also evident in her contributions to technical production and her participation in both national and international events.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Sousa has garnered recognition for her contributions to the field of nursing, though specific awards are not detailed in her curriculum vitae. Her consistent involvement in research, teaching, and clinical practice has earned her a respected position within the nursing community. Her ability to publish in specialized journals, contribute to conference proceedings, and collaborate with a wide network of co-authors demonstrates her standing as a recognized expert in her field. Her ongoing role as a Co-Principal Investigator in projects at the Instituto Politécnico de Leiria further underscores her leadership and commitment to advancing nursing education and practice.

Conclusion

Dr. Joana Sofia Dias Pereira de Sousa is a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award in the field of Nursing and Health Sciences. Her academic qualifications, combined with her extensive research contributions, demonstrate her commitment to advancing knowledge and improving patient care. Her ability to publish in specialized journals, collaborate with a wide network of researchers, and contribute to the academic and clinical development of the nursing profession make her a deserving candidate for this recognition.

Publications Top Notes

  • “Dimensions of clinical leadership among pre-registration nursing students: A cross-sectional study between two countries”
    📅 Year: 2024
    📰 Journal: Nurse Education in Practice
    ✍️ Authors: Baron, S., Grinberg, K., Sousa, J.P., Scammell, J., Warshawski, S.
  • “GOOD PRACTICES IN THE PRE-ANALYTICAL PHASE OF BLOOD CULTURES: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT”
    📅 Year: 2024
    📰 Journal: Millenium: Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health
    ✍️ Authors: Baptista, T., Sousa, J.
  • “Exploring Professional Practice Environments and Organisational Context Factors Affecting Nurses’ Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice: A Scoping Review”
    📅 Year: 2024
    📰 Journal: Healthcare (Switzerland)
    ✍️ Authors: Furtado, L., Coelho, F., Mendonça, N., Santos, C., Araújo, B.
  • “Interventions to Minimize Medication Error by Nurses in Intensive Care: A Scoping Review Protocol”
    📅 Year: 2023
    📰 Journal: Nursing Reports
    ✍️ Authors: Coelho, F., Furtado, L., Mendonça, N., Santos, C., Sousa, J.P.
  • “A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of an Anti-Stress Ball Technique for Pain Reduction during Vascular Access Cannulation in Haemodialysis Patients”
    📅 Year: 2023
    📰 Journal: Nursing Reports
    ✍️ Authors: Dinis, M., Sousa, J.P.
  • “Changes in Clinical Training for Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review”
    📅 Year: 2023
    📰 Journal: Nursing Reports
    ✍️ Authors: Lobão, C., Coelho, A., Parola, V., Sousa, J.P., Gonçalves, R.
  • “NURSING CARE AT CRITICAL CARE PATIENT INTER-HOSPITAL TRANSFER: A SCOPING REVIEW PROTOCOL”
    📅 Year: 2022
    📰 Journal: Millenium: Journal of Education, Technologies, and Health
    ✍️ Authors: Carvalho, C., Sousa, J.P.
  • “Nursing Care in Peripheral Intravenous Catheter (PIVC): Protocol of a Best Practice Implementation Project”
    📅 Year: 2022
    📰 Journal: Nursing Reports
    ✍️ Authors: Catarino, F., Lourenço, C., Correia, C., Cardoso, D., Costeira, C.R.
  • “Helmet-Noninvasive Ventilation for Hospitalized Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: Has Vaccination and the New Variants Changed Evidence?”
    📅 Year: 2022
    📰 Journal: Nursing Reports
    ✍️ Authors: Neves, H., Parola, V., Bernardes, R.A., Catela, N., Cruz, A.
  • “Burnout and Nursing Care: A Concept Paper”
    📅 Year: 2022
    📰 Journal: Nursing Reports
    ✍️ Authors: Parola, V., Coelho, A., Neves, H., Sousa, J.P., Catela, N.