Personal profile
Biography
I teach across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the University of Galway. I have established robust international collaborations and led research that advances mental health nursing, dementia care, and nursing education. I prioritise interdisciplinary approaches that influence policy and drive better outcomes for patients and healthcare workers. As a widely recognised scholar, particularly for my qualitative research expertise, I have published 44 peer-reviewed articles, most in top-tier journals like the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Nurse Education Today, and delivered over 60 presentations across Europe and North America. I have secured over €2 million in research funding, including projects on virtual reality in medical education and dementia care innovation. My digital presence, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ORCID, and social media, reflects sustained engagement and impact. My citations show that my work continues to inform policy and practice while shaping inclusive, evidence-based solutions for long-term healthcare challenges.
Research Interests
My research focuses on mixed method methodologies and evidence synthesis. I have extensive publication record in high-impact journals that are aligning with several current trends in nursing education. My research outputs focus on ‘Technology Integration’ (Virtual Reality Simulation), Communication Skills, Service User involvement (reflecting the trend of interprofessional and patient-centered education) and Mentoring and Educator Support. These outputs not only contribute to the academic field but also have practical implications for improving nursing education and patient care. My research leadership also includes international interdisciplinary projects in nursing education, dementia, and mental health, funded by the HRB, Erasmus, and the Mental Health Commission.
Teaching Interests
I believe that each student brings unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths to the classroom. My teaching approach is rooted in inclusivity, ensuring that all students feel valued and empowered. I foster an environment where students actively engage in discussions, challenge ideas, and collaborate in meaningful ways. By incorporating diverse perspectives and adaptive teaching methods, I strive to make learning accessible and enriching for every student.
My teaching responsibilities are focused on undergraduate and postgraduate education in the School of Nursing and Midwifery. My current teaching interests focus on teaching and learning strategies, curriculum development, mental health nursing, problem based learning, skills teaching (OSCE, simulation, virtual reality) clinical supervision, communications, interprofessional learning, user involvement in curricula and e-learning. . The teaching strategies that I use are wide and varied. I am module lead for a number of undergraduate and postgraduate modules.
Education/Academic qualification
RPN,DipCPN,RNT,PG.DipCHSE,BNS,MSc, PhD
External positions
Nurse Tutor, Western Health Board, Galway
1 Jan 2002 → 1 Jan 2003
Accepting PhD Students
- Accepting PhD Students
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):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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SDG 4 Quality Education
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SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
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SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
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SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Irish Mental Health Nurses’ Readiness to Address Physical Health: A Quantitative Study
Lynch, E., Nash, M., Frawley, T., Power, B., Norton, M., Harrington, O., Murphy, L. & Smyth, S., 25 Feb 2026, Conference presentation.Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference Publication/Proceeding › Conference Publication
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Nurses’ Perceptions and Experiences of Clinical Supervision: A qualitative Study.
Munro, D., M, O., Gill Meeley, N., Power, B. & Smyth, S., May 2026.Research output: Contribution to conference (Published) › Poster › peer-review
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Palliative care nurses’ perceptions and experiences of clinical supervision: A qualitative study.
Munro, D., Gill Meeley, N., M, O., Power, B. & Smyth, S., 3 Mar 2026, Conference presentation.Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference Publication/Proceeding › Conference Publication
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A Scoping Review on The Delivery of a Co-Produced Module on Psychosis to Service Users/Family and Supporters
Smyth, S., Murphy, L., Harrington, O., Colleran, S., Kiely, C., Ivory, J. D. & jordan , F., 18 Feb 2025, In: International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Research. 8, 1617, p. 1-9 9 p.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile17 Downloads (Pure) -
Embedding Service User Experience (‘Experts by Experience’) Into Undergraduate Mental Health Nursing Education: A Co-Production Research Project
Bradley, S. K., Fowley, A., McDonald, D., Norton, M., Sulej, M. & Smyth, S., Feb 2025, In: International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. 34, 1, e13500.Research output: Contribution to a Journal (Peer & Non Peer) › Article › peer-review
4 Citations (Scopus)
Activities
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KN Cheung SK Chin InterSim Inaugural Conference
Smyth, S. (Other)
6 Sep 2024Activity: Talk or presentation (Unpublished) › Oral Presentation
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Alzheimers Association International Conference 2024. Philadelphia, USA.
Smyth, S. (Oral Presentation)
28 Jul 2024 → 31 Jul 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Organising a conference, workshop, ...
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Alzheimers Association International Conference 2024.Philadelphia, USA
Smyth, S. (Oral Presentation)
28 Jul 2024 → 31 Jul 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Organising a conference, workshop, ...
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INHED 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Building Relationships in Health Professions Education
Smyth, S. (Other)
24 Jan 2024 → 25 Jan 2024Activity: Talk or presentation (Unpublished) › Oral Presentation
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33rd Alzheimer Europe Conference New opportunities in dementia care, policy and research. Helsinki, Finland.
Smyth, S. (Poster Presentation)
16 Oct 2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Organising a conference, workshop, ...
Prizes
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President¿s Awards for Teaching Excellence, 2010-2011
Smyth, S. (Recipient), 2011
Prize: Honorary award
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