Joanne Porter
@federation.edu.au
Collaborative Evaluation & Research Centre (CERC)
Federation University Australia
Professor Joanne Porter has worked at Federation University’s Gippsland campus since 2002. Dr Porter is the Director of the university’s Collaborative Evaluation & Research Centre (CERC), working in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Latrobe Health Assembly, Latrobe Valley Authority, and Gippsland Primary Health Network for example.
As Director, Joanne has successfully led several evaluation projects into community resilience and engagement programs. This includes the Hello Campaign to raise mental health awareness in the Latrobe Valley, the GippSport Latrobe StreetGames health and wellbeing exercise program, as well as several cancer screening and tobacco cessation projects. There has also been works on suicide prevention and community mental health projects. Joanne has an extensive research history with multiple publications in peer reviewed journals and competitive grants. She continues to lead clinically and community-based research projects.
EDUCATION
PhD, MN, Grad Dip HSM, Grad Dip CC, Grad Cert HeD, BN, RN
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Multidisciplinary, Research and Theory, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Joanne E. Porter, Daria Soldatenko, Kaye Borgelt, Lauren Sewell, Valerie Prokopiv, Megan Simic, Michelle James, and Vaughan Reimers
Wiley
AbstractBackground and AimsMore than 70% of current smokers in Australia have a definite plan to stop smoking and around half of them try to quit every year. Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) was commissioned by Gippsland Primary Health Network to establish Latrobe Smoking Support Service (LSSS) to break down barriers to accessing services and increase support for smoking cessation. This research aims to assess the feasibility of an ongoing smoking cessation support service and determine the effect the LSSS has on client smoking behavior.MethodsQuantitative data were collected for the LSSS situated at LCHS during the period from September 2021 to March 2022. A new client survey, a returning client survey, and a 6‐week follow‐up survey were conducted by Clinic staff. The consent forms were obtained from the clients. A total of 117 clients attended the LSSS at least once, and a further 315 returning client sessions were conducted. The data analysis was undertaken by means of various descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, such as multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe research findings demonstrate the strong positive effect of the LSSS in helping clients to change their smoking behavior. Results of multiple regression analysis highlight the significant role of behavioral intervention strategies in the LSSS's success. A combination of both nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and counseling was a key contributor to the project's success.ConclusionThis research proposed and tested the model of a smoking cessation support service that combines a comprehensive mix of services for smokers including free NRT, free counseling, and ongoing support of counselors or/and nurse practitioners.
Meghan Casey, Elissa Dabkowski, Ma Regina L. de Gracia, Kathleen A. Moore, Gerard A. Kennedy, Joanne E. Porter, Yasmina Nasstasia, and Marlies E. Alvarenga
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Abstract Importance Physical activity during menopause can be effective in reducing the physiological changes associated with reproductive aging that increase risks for noncommunicable diseases, yet many women do not meet the recommendations for physical activity. Objective This study aimed to synthesize factors influencing physical activity for women across menopausal transition phases using a socioecological approach. Evidence Review The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis was used to systematically search 10 databases between 2001 and 2021. A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify studies on physical activity of women in various stages of menopause. A socioecological model was used to categorize the reported barriers and enablers. Findings Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings highlight several intrapersonal barriers such as existing health complaints versus enablers such as awareness of the health benefits of physical activity during menopause. Ensuring women's safety, preventing injury, and enhancing exercise self-efficacy were important components of programs. Social support was also an important enabler of women's engagement in activities. Conclusions and Relevance Several barriers and enablers were identified and can inform practitioners and future interventions to encourage physical activity among women in various stages of menopause. For instance, when encouraging physical activity during menopause, practitioners should consider other health complaints, safety, and injury prevention while discussing the benefits of physical activity related to managing menopausal symptoms. There was a lack of theoretically informed studies exploring the barriers and enablers to physical activity for women in various stages of menopause; thus, research designs may not have fully accounted for influences. Future research that combines socioecological and individual theories of behavior is needed to comprehensively understand the complexity of physical activity among women across the menopausal transition.
Megan R. Simic, Joanne E. Porter, Blake Peck, and Christopher Mesagno
Elsevier BV
Hadi Hassankhani, Hamidreza Haririan, and Joanne E Porter
Maad Rayan Publishing Company
Background: Understanding the experiences of patients’ family members witnessing resuscitation helps develop care plans. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the experiences of witnessing resuscitation among the patients’ family members. Methods: A total of 15 patients’ family members were interviewed over a 4-month period (from April to July 2019). The participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and they were enlisted from three educational hospitals in Tabriz. Data were analyzed using Smith’s interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) via the MAXQDA12 software. Results: Data analysis led to the identification of four main themes and nine subthemes. The main themes included "the insistence on being present", "achieving calmness", "partnership and collaboration" and "hindrance". Conclusion: Although family members reported feelings of agitation towards the health professionals, there was also strong evidence of the benefits of witnessing resuscitation such as open communication, psychological support, and facilitating acceptance of the patient’s prognosis. The study highlighted the importance of developing formal policies based on a family-centered care (FCC) approach to observe family presence during resuscitation while maintaining the patient’s and family’s rights.
N.M. Coombs, J.E. Porter, and M. Barbagallo
Elsevier BV
Megan R. Simic, Joanne E. Porter, Blake Peck, and Christopher Mesagno
Elsevier BV
Jessy Benny, Joanne E. Porter, and Bindu Joseph
Wiley
AbstractPreceptorship is considered an essential component in undergraduate nursing student's clinical placement, especially those in speciality units such as mental health. During the preceptorship relationship students are granted the opportunity to work alongside experienced nurses in the ward observing their interactions with patients and other professionals. In addition, students are able to build clinical confidence and competence. There is currently a gap in the literature around the preceptorship experience in the mental health clinical environment which warrants further exploration. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Registered Nurses precepting undergraduate nursing students during mental health clinical placements. A qualitative, exploratory approach was performed. A total of eight registered nurses working in an acute in‐patient mental health unit in a large regional hospital, were recruited and interviewed using a semi‐structured interview technique. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the data resulting in the development of four overarching themes; (1) Time consuming and additional workload, (2) creating a safe environment, (3) providing and receiving feedback and (4) precepting is not a choice, it is an expectation. The results highlighted that preceptoring students was considered to be an extra workload that required significant time and effort. Preceptors also expressed concerns about student safety, emphasised the importance of feedback and acknowledged preceptorship as an expectation of registered nurses working in mental health. These findings underscore the necessity for further research to delve deeper into the experience of preceptors in mental health settings.
Natalie J. Bransgrove, Joanne E. Porter, Valerie Prokopiv, Robyn Wildblood, Michelle Prezioso, Vicki Bradley, and Barbara Look
Wiley
AbstractIssue AddressedSuicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15–49 (Department of Health and Aged Care Suicide in Australia, https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/suicide-in-australia, 2021). With the loss of one community member impacting the individual's family, friends, and wider community. The aim of the article is to showcase a process evaluation of a place‐based approach to suicide prevention, exploring the elements of mental health training and events that can be tailored to increase engagement with the men living in a rural Local Government Area in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia.MethodsParticipation records and promotional material for the Local Men Local Communities project was utilised to explore similarities and differences between the training and events offered.ResultsResults indicated that men living in rural areas engaged best with events that included a social element such as food or an activity, highlighting that men may find it easier to talk and connect when they have something to do.ConclusionMental health training and events need to be tailored to meet the needs of the target population. Key details to consider include location, time, promotional material, content, and inclusion of a social element.So What?When rural men were provided ownership of their conversations, they were more likely to have them. This challenges the stereotype that men do not talk and creates the opportunity for social connection within the community.
Michelle H. James, Valerie Prokopiv, Michael S. Barbagallo, Joanne E. Porter, Nicholas Johnson, Jan Jones, and Tanisha Smitherson
Informa UK Limited
Purpose: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with a disability continue to experience barriers to service engagement such as mistrust of government services, lack of culturally appropriate support, marginalisation and disempowerment. This meta-synthesis reviews current literature regarding these experiences to explain why services are underutilised.Methods: The meta-synthesis was conducted using a meta-ethnographic approach to synthesise existing studies into new interpretive knowledge. The approach was supported by a search using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).Results: Ten original research papers utilising a qualitative methodology were extracted. Synthesis of the articles revealed four concepts that were developed into a conceptual model. These include:1) History Matters; 2) Cultural Understanding of Disability Care; 3) Limitations to Current Service Provision; and 4) Delivery of Effective Services.Conclusions: Disability services do not adequately consider the cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People or communicate in a culturally appropriate manner. There are expectations that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People acknowledge their disability in alignment with western definitions of disability in order to access services. More work is needed to align disability services with culturally appropriate support to provide better health outcomes.Implications for RehabilitationAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a disability continue to experience barriers to service engagement which must be addressed.An essential gap that must be filled in providing disability services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is the acknowledgment of culture as a resolute influence on all client interactions with providers.A cultural model of disability may better align with the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than current medical and social models used in healthcare.Disability services need to align better with culturally appropriate support to provide better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Nicole M. Coombs, Joanne E. Porter, and Michael Barbagallo
Elsevier BV
Joanne E. Porter, Elissa Dabkowski, Maryam Ghasemirdekani, Michael S. Barbagallo, Michelle H. James, Valerie Prokopiv, and Wendy Wright
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Abstract Objectives The impact of disasters on individual and community health can be extensive. As such, there exists the need to establish recovery measures that provides support psychologically and with additional mental health services and resilience building for affected people and their communities. Nature-led recovery is one such approach that has the ability to positively impact the mental health of people and their communities after a disaster. Nature-led recovery focuses on the social, economic and environmental recovery through activities that connect people and their communities to nature and the natural environment with the aim to foster recovery after a disaster. Nature-led recovery initiatives support the connection of people with nature and the natural environment to support such recovery processes. This review considers both community and government-led responses pertaining to nature-led recovery. The aim of this review is to systematically explore the literature on the impact of nature-led recovery initiatives on individual and community health following a disaster. Content This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) following a three-step process of planning, conducting and reporting the review. At least three authors reviewed all eligible articles. Summary There was significant methodological heterogeneity between the sources identified (n=9). A narrative synthesis identified five key themes; A symbol of loss; Nature: the provider; Fostering community connectedness; Spiritual and emotional nourishment; and Regeneration leads to recovery. Outlook The positive benefits from nature-led recovery initiatives provide an opportunity to promote community connectedness and resilience following a disaster. Further research is needed to explore the implementation and evaluation of these initiatives for community recovery.
Elizabeth M. Miller, Joanne E. Porter, and Michael S. Barbagallo
SAGE Publications
Objectives: The current study aimed to explore regional nurses’ perspectives of how bad news is delivered and the physical, natural, social, and symbolic environments where these conversations occur. Background: In regional hospitals within Victoria, Australia, palliative and end-of-life patients are cared for in acute wards that are often busy, noisy, and do not have a palliative psychosocial focus. On the other hand, Palliative Care Units (PCUs) have more home-like dedicated spaces, yet nearly all these facilities are in metropolitan areas. Diagnostic/prognostic (bad news) conversations about life-limiting illnesses often occur at the bedside in both environments. Method: Nurses providing palliative or end-of-life care in regional or metropolitan Victorian hospital inpatient wards were invited to interview and recruited through social media and snowballing. Six semi-structured, audio-recorded online interviews were conducted between March and May 2022, and themes were developed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with six female, registered nurses, four of whom worked in regional Victorian hospitals and two in metropolitan PCUs as Nurse Unit Managers. Three central themes were developed: “conducting family meetings,” “palliative care practice,” and “the environment matters.” Conclusions: A therapeutic environment for palliative patients and their families consists of home-like ambience and aesthetics and a psychosocial environment created by staff who can provide holistic palliative care. Holistic palliative care requires mentoring and mirroring of expert practice to increase the expertise and capacity of the palliative care workforce in acute general hospital wards.
Megan R. Jackson, Joanne E. Porter, Blake Peck, and Christopher Mesagno
Elsevier BV
Nicole M. Coombs, Lauren Sewell, Megan R. Jackson, Kaye Borgelt, Jessica Lee, and Joanne E. Porter
CSIRO Publishing
BACKGROUND
To improve preventative health screening in regional Victoria, Australia, a collaborative student-led health prevention strategy was initiated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of four health check clinics using a free 'pop-up' format within community settings.
METHODS
A mixed methods, explanatory sequential design was used to explore community health data and participant experiences in utilising the free health check clinics. The clinics were delivered over 6months and located in three different communities within the regional government area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse participant health data and a thematic analysis was utilised to determine themes from participant feedback and health outcomes.
RESULTS
The clinics were attended by 188 community members, largely impacted by government lockdowns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Health check results indicate the population is overweight and at high risk of diabetes. Participants enjoyed the free and convenient nature of the health check program and the location of the venues. Feedback from participants indicate the health education provided was useful and advocated for changes in current behaviours. Many embraced the new information and community connections and made changes to improve their future health. Others claimed to enjoy the clinic experience but reported no action from the recommendations.
CONCLUSIONS
Evaluation of the health check clinics indicate they had a minor, yet positive impact on the local community in increasing engagement with preventative screening strategies. COVID-19 restrictions impacted participant numbers and thus more research is needed in a time where community movement is not limited.
Elizabeth Miller, Joanne Porter, and Michael Barbagallo
Nova Southeastern University
Qualitative case study research can be a helpful methodology when conducting health research. However, it can be overlooked or dismissed as a possible methodological choice due to different epistemological positionings by case study theorists and often confusing and contradictory definitions and terminology. Much has been written about case studies, but it takes time to wade through volumes of often philosophically and methodologically dense material to locate a theorist who presents case study research at a depth the novice researcher can understand. Case study research literature may offer a condensed summary of processes but often needs more theoretical detail. Therefore, discerning where to begin can be time-consuming, frustrating, and overwhelming. There are very few qualitative case study protocols and no step-by-step guide describing the planning and decision-making process within nursing. To address the need for clarity, this article endeavors to set out how to conduct a qualitative case study in a step-by-step guide using the approaches of Merriam and Stake as the foundation using a palliative care setting as an application example. It contributes to knowledge and practice by developing a foundational understanding of case study methodology in the hope that novice researchers will consider case study research as a methodological choice for their study and conduct it in a trustworthy and rigorous manner.
Nicole M. Coombs, Joanne E. Porter, Michael Barbagallo, and Virginia Plummer
Elsevier BV
Megan R. Jackson, Joanne E. Porter, and Christopher Mesagno
Wiley
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of frontline nurses caring for patients during the first 6 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Jessy Benny, Joanne E. Porter, and Bindu Joseph
Wiley
Preceptorship in nursing has been a valued concept in nursing. Speciality area such as mental health nursing has a massive gap in research study. To develop sturdy mental health nursing workforce, it is necessary to conduct more studies.
Joanne E. Porter, Elissa Dabkowski, Owen Connolly, and Valerie Prokopiv
MDPI AG
Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the compliance of mental health clinicians in applying the Zero Suicide (ZS) approach to their clinical practice in a rural and regional health community setting. Methods: A retrospective clinical audit of six mental health teams was undertaken at a single site. A clinical audit tool was developed and validated using a six-step approach. The data was extracted and analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics and compared to a specialised mental health team, experienced with the ZS approach. Results: A total of 334 clinical records were extracted for January, April, August, November 2019 and June 2020. The clinical audit and analysis confirmed that the mental health teams are not consistently using the assessments from their training and are therefore not implementing all of these elements into their practice. This could have implications for the risk formulation and treatment for people at risk of suicide. Conclusions: The use of a validated clinical audit tool can be beneficial to establish compliance with the mental health clinicians and to determine any areas requiring further improvement. Further education and reinforcement may be required to ensure consistency with incorporating the elements of ZS into everyday clinical practice.
Joanne E. Porter, Elissa Dabkowski, Val Prokopiv, Karen Missen, Michael Barbagallo, and Michelle James
SAGE Publications
This review explored the impact of physical literacy programs designed to engage two- to five-year-old preschool children. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was used. Six EBSCO host databases were searched for the period 2011 to April 2021 using the search terms “physical literacy,” “early childhood,” and “impact.” Articles were excluded if physical literacy was not the focal intervention. The final data set consisted of seven-peer reviewed articles meeting the eligibility criteria and quality assessment for this review. Three themes were created using Braun and Clark’s (2006) approach to thematic analysis: Holistic benefits of physical literacy, Barriers to physical literacy and Education begins at home. Early childhood physical literacy programs provide holistic benefits for children; however, further research is needed in an Australian context. Families and community members working in the early childhood sector could benefit from further education and training to improve physical literacy awareness.
Paul N. Kemel, Joanne E. Porter, and Nicole Coombs
Wiley
AbstractIssue AddressedThe COVID‐19 pandemic led to the closure of many physical activity programs, with many online programs being created in place to maintain physical activity engagement. This study explored the outcomes of an online physical program on its participants.MethodA validated survey was used to explore Virtual Streetgames (VSG) participants' perceptions about their physical, mental, and social health while participating in VGS. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the impact of the online format.ResultsMany VSG participants were not achieving their daily physical activity recommendations, with a considerable portion of individuals feeling frustrated at not being able to socialise. A substantial difference was seen between adults and adolescents, with increased adult activity rates for those adults participating in VSG. Despite this influence on physical well‐being, VSG did not seem to influence mental or social wellbeing.ConclusionsThe results give detail into how the COVID‐19 pandemic has influenced adolescent and young adult physical, mental, and social health, noting that the reduction of in‐person contact influenced motivation for exercise. Online physical activity programs may have some positive impact in improving adult physical activity rates, but they are not as effective as face‐to‐face programs in improving overall well‐being.So What?The findings of this study suggest that online physical activity programs may not be as effective as face‐to‐face programs in improving overall well‐being. Future research should explore ways to improve the social and motivational aspects of online physical activity programs to maximise their benefits for participants.
Elissa Dabkowski, Joanne E Porter, Michael Barbagallo, Val Prokopiv, Christopher Snell, and Karen Missen
Informa UK Limited
Michelle H James, Joanne E Porter, Vaughan Reimers, and Valerie Prokopiv
Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University - DIGITAL COMMONS JOURNALS
Paul N. Kemel, Joanne E. Porter, and Nicole Coombs
Informa UK Limited
ABSTRACT Background COVID-19 saw the global reduction of many physical activity programs. To maintain engagement, many programs adjusted their delivery to online formats. Purpose To explore the impact that a youth targeted virtual community exercise program had on its participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Seven participants of Virtual Streetgames took part in a semi-structured one-on-one interview, with questions around the impact of COVID-19, in addition to their view on the virtual program. Results Three major themes were identified. “Dawning of a new world” described the changes that occurred due to the pandemic. “Traveling together” identified the difficultly to maintain regular wellbeing activities. “Making a difference” contextualized how the virtual delivery was able to influence participants. Discussion The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the participants physical, mental and social health. The use of an online physical activity program had some positive impacts on health, however it did not seem to warrant the same level of engagement when compared to face-to-face. Translation to Health Education Practice The study helped identify those who are at risk of both short and long-term health impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it provided information on how virtual innovative interventions can influence wellbeing outcomes. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars