Research / Consultant and Committee

Over the past two years, the DNA has been working towards its long term vision, that the DNA will become the preeminent voice of quality dermatologic health care. In order to achieve this goal, research was identified as one of the four goals to move the DNA towards the realization of this vision. To increase the DNA's nursing research activities a research consultant was hired in October of 2005. To assist the consultant towards increasing the body of knowledge in dermatologic care and evidence-based research a task force was identified, and is now identified as one of the DNA's committees.

As we develop this new area of growth for the DNA we welcome all interested members to join the Research Committee. Current knowledge in the field of research is not required; enthusiasm and an interest in research are the only prerequisites. If you are interested in joining the committee, contact chair Leslie Plauntz at Leslie.Plauntz@sunnybrook.ca or the DNA directly. Currently we communicate by list serve to discuss new developments and ongoing review of additions to the web page. We look forward to new members!

Research Consultant

Steven Ersser, PhD (Lond) BSc (Hon) RGN, Cert.THEd
Professor of Nursing Development & Skin Care Research
Institute of Health & Community Studies
Bournemouth University, UK
sersser@bournemouth.ac.uk

Steven is co-founder and Chair of the International Skin Care Nursing Advisory Group (ISNG). ISNG promotes awareness of dermatology nursing worldwide and is recognized by the International Council of Nurses. Steven is on the editorial board of several journals and a member of several dermatology Scientific Committees. His research group has been awarded by Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Nursing Researach Fellowships from the Smith and Nephew Foundation. He has been a Visiting Scholar at St. John's College, University of Cambridge, at New York University and an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Sydney.

Steven trained at Guy's Hospital London and then took posts in Oxford, England in medical, elderly care and dermatology. He has worked as Senior Nurse/Clinical lecturer in the Oxford Department of Dermatology in one of the early lecturer-practitioner roles. Before moving to Southampton in 2000 he was an Associate Professor in Nursing at Oxford Brookes University. Steven has continued to practice part-time as a dermatology nurse in Southampton.

Currently Steven is a Professor of Nursing Development & Skin Care Research, at the Institute of Health & Community Studies, Bournemouth University, UK and a founder member of the Chronic Health Needs Research Group.

Steven's specific clinical and research interests revolve around improving the therapeutic impact of nursing for people living with chronic skin conditions, especially psoriasis and eczema. Is focus is on identifying skin care needs amenable to nursing interventions and then developing and evaluating these approaches to reduce patient vulnerability. Specific interests include promoting self-management using psychosocial strategies.

Research Committee Chair

Leslie Plauntz, RN, BA, DNC
Leslie.Plauntz@sunnybrook.ca

Research Committee Members

  • Jennifer Akeroyd, BA, MIR
  • Cathleen Boeck, RN, CCRC, DNC
  • Daniel B. Burfeind, RN, DNC
  • Maryann Forgach, BSN, RN, DNC
  • Karol Lindow, MSN, RN
  • Debra S. Shelestak, MSN, RN
  • Mary C. Smith, RN
  • Alicia Van Cott, RN