Monash University Hosts Inaugural Nursing and Midwifery Research Symposium

On June 18, 2025, Monash University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery will host its inaugural Research Symposium titled "Health Starts with Us: Nurses and Midwives Leading Innovative Health Research." This significant event aims to highlight the critical role that nurses and midwives play in various aspects of healthcare, from primary health management to hospital administration and policy formation.

The symposium will present a range of current research projects spearheaded by Monash Nursing and Midwifery, fostering opportunities for new research partnerships and enhancing healthcare practices. According to Professor Elizabeth Manias from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, "Nurses and midwives constitute the largest group of healthcare workers, and their involvement is crucial in ensuring effective healthcare delivery across multiple settings."

The conference will particularly focus on issues like medication safety, transitions of care, and the impacts of climate change on health, emphasizing the necessity for innovative solutions in these domains. Associate Professor Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins stated, "Medication errors, especially during transitions of care for older adults, highlight a critical area for improvement in patient safety. In Australia, around 250,000 hospital admissions annually occur due to medication errors, often stemming from communication breakdowns."

In addressing the intersection of climate change and healthcare, Professor Jenny Gamble emphasized that, "Nurses play a pivotal role in advocating for climate action to safeguard the health and well-being of mothers and children. By engaging with both health and environmental sectors, we can create climate-resilient healthcare systems that prioritize sustainability."

The symposium will also address the need for redesigning maternity services to meet the needs of mothers and babies effectively. Professor Philip Russo, Director of Research at the School, remarked that "Preventative care approaches are often overlooked in our current fragmented maternity services. Women consistently express a desire for continuity in midwifery care, which emphasizes informed choice and health promotion."

Furthermore, the role of hospital environment cleaning in preventing healthcare-associated infections will be a focal point, as highlighted by Professor Gabrielle Brand. She noted, "Regular disinfection of shared medical equipment significantly reduces the risk of infections, which is critical for patient safety and cost-efficiency in healthcare settings."

The event reflects a growing recognition of the essential contributions that nurses and midwives make to the healthcare system, particularly in leading innovative health research. By fostering collaboration among health professionals and stakeholders, the symposium aims to drive advancements in healthcare practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

As Monash University continues to explore the dynamic field of nursing and midwifery research, the upcoming symposium marks a pivotal step towards enhancing healthcare practices and outcomes for various populations, particularly the most vulnerable groups.