Researcher
Dr Rachel Wiseman, Respiratory Physician, Christchurch Hospital
Dr Wiseman is qualified as both a respiratory and palliative care physician. She has been involved with the MND Service in Christchurch since 2014, and has developed an interest in this area due to her specialist interests, especially around respiratory support for people with MND.
Current Research
In collaboration with the Canterbury Respiratory Research Group and University of Otago Dr Wiseman is running a qualitative study, using patient interviews to explore views around the role of the MND Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Canterbury. Ten to fifteen patients will be recruited, themes from patient interviews will then be analysed to provide a unique perspective of the role of the MND CNS, as viewed by people with MND.
A separate project is ongoing over the Summer months (Dec 2021 – Feb 2022) to analyse local data to update the incidence of MND in Canterbury, local survival figures and any change in patterns of hospital admission/interventions (such as feeding tube insertion) over time.
Relationship to MND
The clinical nurse specialist role and establishment of a multidisciplinary MND clinic in Canterbury was introduced in 2013. This research study will provide local data on the impact of this service that can inform the management of MND moving forward, both locally and nationally. This study is funded by MND New Zealand.
Collaborations
Dr Wisemen is partnering with the Canterbury Respiratory Research Group and University of Otago for this research study.
Research Team
Dr Michael Epton – Respiratory Physician, Director, Canterbury Respiratory Research Group, Christchurch Hospital.
Dr Malina Storer – Research Manager, Canterbury Respiratory Research Group, Christchurch Hospital
Dr Mandy Wilkinson – Centre for Postgraduate Nursing Studies, University of Otago
Justin Jordan- fourth-year medical student completing a summer studentship, University of Otago
Contact details
Rachel Wiseman
Respiratory Service
Christchurch Hospital
Via Switchboard
