
Dr Ginger Chu
Senior Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery (Nursing)
- Email:g.chu@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:02 49212017
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Ginger Chu is an experienced registered nurse and a mid-career researcher with a strong interest in research into sleep linked to kidney disease. Dr Chu commenced her academic career in 2021 as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Newcastle.
Prior to commencing her academic career, Dr Chu was a Clinical Nurse Consultant in the Nephrology Department at John Hunter Hospital, where she gained extensive experience in clinical work, health management and health service improvements. During her time at John Hunter Hospital, Dr Chu received 4 health quality awards from the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) in recognition of her work in improving the quality of care for patients with kidney disease. In 2017, she was awarded a coveted Clinical Research Fellowship by HNELHD to conduct a series of studies to address dialysis patients’ sleep disturbance, which led to the completion of her PhD in 2020.
Dr Chu’s current research interests include:
- Prevention and management of chronic kidney disease
- Symptom management, especially in patients receiving dialysis treatment
- Sleep disorders and sleep apnoea.
- The use of digital technologies in people with chronic diseases
- Nursing Scholarship
Research Experience
Dr Chu’s passion for research was ignited when, as a Clinical Nurse Consultant, she often heard patients on dialysis say, “Dialysis is supposed to make me feel better, but I don’t know why I still feel terrible after dialysis…”
People with End Stage Kidney Disease requiring regular dialysis treatment are known to have poor sleep quality and quality of life. This experience with patients in the hospital setting left Dr Chu wanting to find a way to further help her patients. Dr Chu’s research identified the best dialysis model for patients suffering from sleep apnoea symptoms. The research results have been published and presented nationally and internationally. The outcomes are also cited internationally in the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guideline that provides evidence-based health recommendations for health and care in the United Kingdom.
Her research achievements have also been recognised nationally, as she was invited by the Department of Health and Aged Care to attend the Medical Research Futures Fund (MRFF) roundtable to discuss and identify research priorities for people with sleep apnoea. In addition, Dr Chu is a member of the Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN) and an invited member to the global steering committee as a nurse expert for an MRFF-funded trial -The INCremental dialysis to improve Health outcomes in people starting Haemodialysis (INCH-HD) study.
Furthermore, Dr Chu is an affiliate researcher of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and the University of Newcastle’s Priority Research Centre for Asthma and Breathing.
Clinical Experience
Dr Chu has an extensive focus on Nephrology Nursing. In her role as a Nephrology clinical nurse consultant, she developed clinical research and quality improvement skills. Her work in quality improvement, particularly in the management of patients with kidney diseases, including reducing dialysis catheter-related bloodstream infections and improving patients’ quality of life, has been recognised and was awarded the high-value healthcare award by HNELHD. She also has experience in other leadership roles, such as nursing unit manager and relieving deputy director of nursing and director of nursing, where she gained knowledge in patient care from a broader perspective.
Teaching and Leadership
Since 2021, she has been teaching the 1st-year curriculum (NURS 1001) with consistently high student satisfaction (above 4.6/5). From 2021 to 2023, Dr Chu served as Head of Professional Experience in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, where she developed an innovative clinical placement handbook. This living document has been highly praised by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) for its originality and educational innovation. Her expertise in teaching and training clinical facilitators/preceptors was recognized nationally when she was invited to join the expert advisory group for the Council of Deans Australia and New Zealand (CDNM) preceptorship project.
Dr Chu is currently the program convenor for the Master of Nursing program. She also supervises PhD students and has the capacity to take on additional PhD candidates.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, University of Newcastle
- Registered Nurse, NSW Nurses Registration Board
- Bachelor of Nursing, University of Newcastle
- Master of Nursing, University of Sydney
- Certificate of Chemotherapy Nursing Practice, Mater Misericordiae Hospital - Waratah - NSW
Keywords
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Dialysis
- Digital Technology
- Nursing
- Sleep
- Sleep Apnoea
- Symptom Management
Languages
- English (Fluent)
- Mandarin (Fluent)
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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420501 | Acute care | 50 |
420599 | Nursing not elsewhere classified | 50 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Nursing and Midwifery Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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30/11/2021 - 17/4/2024 | Conjoint Senior Lecturer | The University of Newcastle Nursing and Midwifery School Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
9/1/2017 - 13/1/2020 | Clinical Research Fellow | Hunter New England Health Research and Innovation Unit Australia |
1/5/2010 - 17/4/2021 | Clinical Nurse Consutant | John Hunter Hospital, Division of Medicine Division of Medicine Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
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2017 |
Clinical Research Fellowship Hunter New England Area Health Service |
2017 |
2017 Best HDR Confirmation Award The University of Newcastle, Post Graduate Student Association |
2017 |
HNELHD High Value Healthcare Award: Infection Control Hunter New England Health |
2016 |
HNELHD Achievement Award: Clinical team of the year Hunter New England Health |
2015 |
HNELHD Translational Research Award Hunter New England Area Health Service |
2010 |
HNELHD Quality Award: Building the Health Workforce Hunter New England Health |
2007 |
HNE Chief Executive's Encouragement Award Hunter New England Health |
Nomination
Year | Award |
---|---|
2025 |
2024 College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing Early-Career Teaching Award College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing - The University of Newcastle |
2021 |
Work integrated learning staff member of the year (Shortlisted) Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle |
2015 |
Outstanding Graduate School of Nursing and Midwifery University of Newcastle |
Recognition
Year | Award |
---|---|
2020 |
HNELHD High Value Healthcare Award: patients as partners (Finalist) Hunter New England Area Health Service |
2011 |
HNELHD Quality Award: Creating better journey- improving patient experience (Finalist) Hunter New England Area Health Service |
2010 |
NSW Health Premier's Award: Buidling Health Workforce (Finalist) NSW Health |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Nurs 1001 |
Introduction to Nursing Profession University of Newcastle |
Tutor | 31/1/2022 - 30/6/2024 |
NURS6910 |
Knowledge Translation The University of Newcastle |
Course Coordinator | 1/7/2023 - 31/12/2023 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Chapter (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
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2024 | Chu G, 'Living with chronic kidney disease', Stories in Chronic Illness and Disability Reflection, Inquiry, Action, Elsevier, Chatswood (2024) |
Conference (13 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2025 |
Chu G, Yu F, Ho YF, Chao CT, Viecelli AK, 'A Systematic Review of Sleep Hygiene Strategy in CKD', Kidney International Reports (2025)
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Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
2025 |
Chu G, Pitt V, cant R, Johnson A, Inder K, 'Students’ evaluation of professional experience placement quality in a pre-registration nursing program' (2025)
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2025 |
Chu G, Fernandez R, Jesudason S, Russo S, Abdullatheef V, Lazarus B, Matricciani L, Foster C, Blackamore C, LeLeu R, Vieccelli A, 'Sleep Habits, Sleep Quality, and Fatigue Among People with Chronic Kidney Disease' (2025)
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Show 10 more conferences |
Journal article (28 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2025 |
Alotni M, Fernandez R, Sim J, Chu G, Guilhermino M, 'Nurses' Readiness to Implement the Critical-Care Pain Observation Tool in the Intensive Care Unit—Instrument Adaptation and Psychometric Analysis', Pain Management Nursing (2025) [C1]
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2025 |
Stockings J, Heaney S, Chu G, Choi P, Fernandez R, 'Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia in People Receiving Dialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.', Semin Dial (2025)
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2025 |
Stevenson E, Coda A, Chu G, Bourke M, 'The role of digital health interventions in chronic ulcer management: a systematic review', Journal of Tissue Viability, 34 (2025) [C1]
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2025 |
Chen TH, Chu G, Pan RH, Ma WF, 'Effectiveness of mental health chatbots in depression and anxiety for adolescents and young adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Expert Review of Medical Devices (2025) [C1]
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2025 |
Alotni MA, Sim J, Chu G, Guilhermino M, Barker D, Szwec S, Fernandez R, 'Impact of implementing the critical-care pain observation tool in the adult intensive care unit: A nonrandomised stepped-wedge trial', Australian Critical Care, 38 (2025) [C1]
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2025 |
Sharifnia AM, Chu G, Manias E, Davidson PM, Fernandez R, 'Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions on arteriovenous fistula cannulation-related pain in patients receiving hemodialysis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis', International Journal of Nursing Studies, 169, 1-11 (2025) [C1]
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2024 |
Wu C-J, Yeh T-P, Chu G, Ho Y-F, 'Effectiveness of computerised decision aids for patients with chronic diseases in shared decision-making: A systematic review and meta-analysis', JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, 33, 2732-2754 (2024) [C1]
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2024 |
Yu F, Chu G, Yeh T, Fernandez R, 'Effects of interventions to promote resilience in nurses: A systematic review', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES, 157 (2024) [C1]
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2024 |
Sharifnia AM, Chu G, Zhang X, Green H, Fernandez R, 'Comparative efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on xerostomia and salivary flow rate among haemodialysis patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis', Clinical Kidney Journal, 17 (2024) [C1]
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2024 |
Alotni MA, Fernandez R, Chu G, Guilhermino M, 'How nurse researchers can use stepped-wedge design and analysis', NURSE RESEARCHER, 32 (2024) [C1]
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2024 |
Chu G, Silva C, Adams K, Chacko B, Attia J, Nathan N, Wilson R, 'Exploring the factors affecting home dialysis patients' participation in telehealth-assisted home visits: A mixed-methods study', JOURNAL OF RENAL CARE, 50, 128-137 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2024 |
Catiwa J, Gallagher M, Talbot B, Kerr PG, Semple DJ, Roberts MA, Polkinghorne KR, Gray NA, Talaulikar G, Cass A, Kotwal S, Tombocon O, Walker R, Wilson S, Balakrishnan SK, Fernandes D, Kulkarni H, Light C, Ryan J, Marsh E, Wei J, Lleva V, Mwangi L, Mount P, Ross-Smith M, Veenendaal M, Smith V, Somerville C, Davidson-West S, Grainer N, Green S, Mantha M, Thiessen K, Winsbury A, Yao I, Neville E, Marquez K, Razavian M, Tienstra L, Stewart G, Chan C, McLean P, McMahon L, Roberts M, Chang M, Chiam A, Wright D, O'Brien O, Swaminathan R, Wimalasena S, Puttagunta H, Barbara J, Luke A, Pummeroy M, Torpey K, Nicholls G, Swinbank A, Titus T, Bell J, Johnson D, Choi P, Chu G, Garvey L, Gillies A, Chow J, De Guzman I, Gando J, Wong J, Nguyen R, Cherian R, Gillard R, James R, Burke M, Glancy L, Lewis S, Baer R, Wade S, Lin D, Ngwenya F, Narayanankutty A, Fitt K, Seneviratne M, Komala M, McCourt J, Lawlor C, Kelleher M, Coburn A, Guo S, Sudak J, Leary D, Anderson J, Han T, Titmarsh T, Adam E, Hockley B, Latte J, Matthew Y, McDonald S, 'Clinical Adjudication of Hemodialysis Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections: Findings from the REDUCCTION Trial', Kidney360, 5, 550-559 (2024) [C1] Key PointsThe inter-rater reliability of reporting hemodialysis catheter-related infectious events between site investigators and trial adjudicators in Australia and New Zealand w... [more] Key PointsThe inter-rater reliability of reporting hemodialysis catheter-related infectious events between site investigators and trial adjudicators in Australia and New Zealand was substantial.The high concordance level in reporting catheter infections improves confidence in using site-level bacteremia rates as a clinical metric for quality benchmarking and future pragmatic clinical trials.A rigorous adjudication protocol may not be needed if clearly defined criteria to ascertain catheter-associated bacteremia are used.BackgroundHemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection (HD-CRBSI) are a significant source of morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients, but benchmarking remains difficult because of varying definitions of HD-CRBSI. This study explored the effect of clinical adjudication process on HD-CRBSI reporting.MethodsThe REDUcing the burden of Catheter ComplicaTIOns: a National approach trial implemented an evidence-based intervention bundle using a stepped-wedge design to reduce HD-CRBSI rates in 37 Australian kidney services. Six New Zealand services participated in an observational capacity. Adult patients with a new hemodialysis catheter between December 2016 and March 2020 were included. HD-CRBSI events reported were compared with the adjudicated outcomes using the end point definition and adjudication processes of the REDUcing the burden of Catheter ComplicaTIOns: a National approach trial. The concordance level was estimated using Gwet agreement coefficient (AC1) adjusted for service-level effects and implementation tranches (Australia only), with the primary outcome being the concordance of confirmed HD-CRBSI.ResultsA total of 744 hemodialysis catheter-related infectious events were reported among 7258 patients, 12,630 catheters, and 1.3 million catheter-exposure days. The majority were confirmed HD-CRBSI, with 77.9% agreement and substantial concordance (AC1=0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73 to 0.81). Exit site infections have the highest concordance (AC1=0.85; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.91); the greatest discordance was in events classified as other (AC1=0.33; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.49). The concordance of all hemodialysis catheter infectious events remained substantial (AC1=0.80; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.83) even after adjusting for the intervention tranches in Australia and overall service-level clustering.ConclusionsThere was a substantial level of concordance in overall and service-level reporting of confirmed HD-CRBSI. A standardized end point definition of HD-CRBSI resulted in comparable hemodialysis catheter infection rates in Australian and New Zealand kidney services. Consistent end point definition could enable reliable benchmarking outside clinical trials without the need for independent clinical adjudication.
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2024 |
Chu G, Matricciani L, Russo S, Viecelli A, Jesudason S, Bennett P, Fernandez R, 'Sleep Disturbances in Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease- An Umbrella Review' (2024) [C1]
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2024 |
Chu G, Pitt V, Cant R, Johnson A, Inder K, 'Students' evaluation of professional experience placement quality in a pre-registration nursing programme: A cross-sectional survey', NURSE EDUCATION IN PRACTICE, 75 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2023 |
Chu G, Connelly K, Mexon A, Britton B, Tait J, Pitt V, Inder K, 'Australian nurses' satisfaction and experiences of redeployment during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study', AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, 40, 20-27 [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2020 |
Davis JS, Chu G, Pathinayake P, Jones D, Giffard P, Macera L, Choi P, Bartlett NW, 'Seroprevalence of Torque Teno Virus in hemodialysis and renal transplant patients in Australia: A cross-sectional study', TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE, 22 (2020) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2020 |
Chu G, Price E, Paech GM, Choi P, McDonald VM, 'Sleep Apnea in Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Mixed-Methods Study', KIDNEY MEDICINE, 2, 388-397 [C1] Rationale & Objective: More than 50% of hemodialysis patients experience sleep disturbance and most have coexisting sleep apnea. However, how sleep apnea affects sleep and the... [more] Rationale & Objective: More than 50% of hemodialysis patients experience sleep disturbance and most have coexisting sleep apnea. However, how sleep apnea affects sleep and the overall experience of patients with chronic kidney disease treated by hemodialysis has not been evaluated. Study Design: A mixed-methods design, incorporating cross-sectional observational and descriptive qualitative methodologies. Setting & Participants: Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, with newly diagnosed sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index = 5 per hour). Assessments: In-laboratory polysomnography to assess sleep apnea and objective sleep parameters. Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess daytime symptoms. A semi-structured qualitative interview to explore patient experience. Analytical Approach: Descriptive and iterative thematic analysis. Results: We analyzed 36 patients with newly diagnosed sleep apnea and interviewed 26 (mean age, 62 years, median apnea-hypopnea index, 32 per hour). Severity of sleep apnea did not affect patients' sleep duration, sleep efficiency, or self-reported Epworth Sleepiness Scale score. From the qualitative interviews, 4 themes emerged: "broken sleep" related to short sleep duration, with waking and dozing off a common sleep cycle, caused by uncontrolled pain and dialysis. Many participants reported regularly "feeling unrefreshed" on waking. "Impact of sleep disturbance" included reduced physical, mental, and self-management capacity. Finally, interviewees described the need to use strategies to "soldier on" with symptoms. Limitations: Participants' views are only transferrable to hemodialysis patients with sleep apnea. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that severity of sleep apnea does not affect sleep time or patient-reported daytime sleepiness; however, hemodialysis patients with sleep apnea report disturbed and unrefreshed sleep and the debilitating effects of sleep disturbance is profound. Broken and unrefreshed sleep were the dominant symptoms of sleep apnea and should be assessed routinely to identify patients with sleep apnea and improve quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease treated with hemodialysis.
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2020 |
Chu G, Suthers B, Paech GM, Eyeington L, Gunawardhana L, Palazzi K, McDonald VM, Choi P, 'Feasibility of Online Haemodiafiltration in Sleep Apnoea: A Randomized Crossover Study', BLOOD PURIFICATION, 49, 604-613 (2020) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2019 |
Chu G, Suthers B, Moores L, Paech GM, Hensley MJ, McDonald VM, Choi P, 'Risk factors of sleep-disordered breathing in haemodialysis patients', PLOS ONE, 14 (2019) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2018 |
Chu G, Adams K, Fogarty G, Holliday L, 'Does good hygiene compliance reduce catheter-related blood stream infection? A single centre experience', Renal Society of Australasia Journal, 14 65-69 (2018) [C1] Background: In Australia, more than 50% of end-stage kidney disease patients start haemodialysis treatment with a central venous catheter (CVC). While there are benefits of CVC ac... [more] Background: In Australia, more than 50% of end-stage kidney disease patients start haemodialysis treatment with a central venous catheter (CVC). While there are benefits of CVC access, they are associated with a high risk of bacteraemia infection. National guidelines for prevention of catheter-related infections advocate the importance of hand hygiene and asepsis practices, and for this reason, many dialysis units have regular auditing on hand hygiene and aseptic technique. Aim: To report the relationship between hygiene audit results and infection rates in our facility. Method: A hygiene audit tool was developed with 17 hygiene measures, categorised into three domains: environment, aseptic technique, and dressing care. This tool was used to observe nursing staff's hand hygiene compliance and aseptic technique during CVC care across five regional and remote units. Audit results were collected from 2011 to 2015. Results: A total of 350 audits were analysed, and the overall hygiene compliance was consistently high (85-99%). The relationship between mean hygiene score and infection rates was negative and the association was non-significant (p=0.7). Conclusion: The overall infection rates have decreased in our facility, by an average of 76% across sites. The decrease in infection was correlated to interventions such as minimising catheter utilisation, implementation of antimicrobial dressings and streamlining protocols but not hygiene audit results. Good hygiene is fundamental in the care of a CVC; however, whilst all facilities should strive for excellent audit results, it should not be the sole focus to prevent catheter infection.
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2018 |
Chu G, Szymanski K, Tomlins M, Yates N, McDonald V, 'Nursing care considerations for dialysis patients with a sleep disorder', Renal Society of Australasia Journal, 14, 52-58 (2018) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2018 |
Chu G, Choi P, McDonald VM, 'Sleep disturbance and sleep-disordered breathing in hemodialysis patients', SEMINARS IN DIALYSIS, 31, 48-58 (2018) [C1] Sleep disturbance is one of the most common dialysis-related symptoms reported by hemodialysis patients. Poor sleep confers significant physical and psychological burden on patien... [more] Sleep disturbance is one of the most common dialysis-related symptoms reported by hemodialysis patients. Poor sleep confers significant physical and psychological burden on patients with kidney disease and is associated with reduced quality of life and survival. More recent evidence also indicates that sleep-disordered breathing may be a risk factor for kidney injury.
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2016 |
Chu G, Fogarty GM, Avis LF, Bergin S, McElduff P, Gillies AH, Choi P, 'Low dose heparin lock (1000 U/mL) maintains tunnelled hemodialysis catheter patency when compared with high dose heparin (5000 U/mL): A randomised controlled trial', HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, 20, 385-391 (2016) [C1] Introduction Heparin is commonly used after hemodialysis treatments as a locking solution to prevent catheter thrombosis. The comparative efficacy and safety of different heparin ... [more] Introduction Heparin is commonly used after hemodialysis treatments as a locking solution to prevent catheter thrombosis. The comparative efficacy and safety of different heparin concentrations to maintain catheter patency has been previously reported in retrospective studies. We conducted a prospective, randomised, controlled study of 1000 U/mL heparin (low dose) versus 5000 U/mL heparin (high dose) locking solution to maintain patency of tunnelled catheters. Methods One hundred patients receiving chronic, unit-based hemodialysis with newly placed tunnelled hemodialysis catheters (less than 1 week) were randomly assigned to either a low dose (n = 48) or high dose heparin (n=52). The primary intention-to-treat analysis examined time to malfunction in both groups over a 90 day period. A secondary analysis compared baseline patient characteristics in relation to catheter malfunction. Findings Overall rate of catheter patency loss was 32% of catheters by 90 days. There was no significant difference in time to malfunction of catheters locked with low dose or high dose heparin (P = 0.5770). Time to catheter malfunction was not associated with diabetic, hypertensive or smoking status. There was no difference in mean delivered blood flow rate, venous and arterial pressure, and dialysis adequacy between low dose and high dose groups. No patient suffered a hemorrhagic complication requiring hospitalisation during the study period. Discussion Low dose heparin is adequate to maintain tunnelled hemodialysis catheter patency when compared with high dose heparin. The study also suggests that there is no relationship between catheter malfunction and diabetic, hypertensive or smoking status.
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2014 |
Chu G, 'A defined peritonitis clinical pathway in the emergency department improves outcomes for peritoneal dialysis patients', Renal Society of Australasia Journal, 10 30-33 (2014) [C1] Background Peritonitis is the most common infection and cause of treatment failure for patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Peritonitis can be life-threatening if treatmen... [more] Background Peritonitis is the most common infection and cause of treatment failure for patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Peritonitis can be life-threatening if treatment is not initiated in a timely manner. We have identified in our facility that patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with peritonitis often have delayed treatment. This could be due to a lack of understanding from ED clinicians and/or poor communication between ED and the renal department. Therefore, a local clinical pathway was developed to optimise peritonitis patient care. Aims To evaluate the effectiveness of a local peritonitis clinical pathway designed to reduce time for patients with PD-related peritonitis receiving their first antibiotic treatment. Setting All patients with PD peritonitis presenting through a tertiary hospital ED. Main outcome measured Time for patients with PD-related peritonitis receiving their first antibiotic treatment in hospital. Results The average time for peritonitis treatment decreased from 6 hours and 49 minutes to 5 hours and 18 minutes after the clinical pathway was implemented. Currently there is no published data to benchmark our result, even though the results indicated that the local clinical pathway may have been effective. Implications for clinical practice Since the implementation of this project, three patients were able to be safely discharged from ED without needing hospital admission and this is due to prompt management and good communication between ED and the renal department. Delayed treatment not only causes increased demand in ED service, but also results in unnecessary hospital admission, which impacts on both the patient and the overall health care system.
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2013 |
Chu G, Adams K, Crawford S, 'Improving catheter-related blood stream infection in haemodialysis patients using a practice development framework', Renal Society of Australasia Journal, 9 16-21 (2013) [C1] Catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) contributes to hospitalisation and death in the haemodialysis population. Increasing numbers of catheter infections prompted a unit... [more] Catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) contributes to hospitalisation and death in the haemodialysis population. Increasing numbers of catheter infections prompted a unit practice development program to reduce infection episodes. Objective/hypothesis: Improvement in clinical practice in dialysis catheter care would decrease dialysis CRBSI in the haemodialysis population. Context: Five dialysis units and one nephrology ward in regional Australia. Participants: Nephrology nurses working with haemodialysis patients who have central venous dialysis catheters (CVDC) in situ. Method: Use of a practice development framework to engage clinicians in reviewing their clinical practice and developing strategies to decrease dialysis CRBSI. Clinical practice was measured by undertaking clinical audits of CVDC care. The CRBSI rate was monitored and reported by the infection control department annually. Results: Rates of dialysis CRBSI have decreased from 4.39 per 100 patient-months to 3.42 per 100 patient-months (p<0.001) 12 months after the implementation of the project. There was a statistically significant association between improved staff practice and infection outcome measures. Conclusion: Dialysis CRBSI is a common, yet preventable complication in the dialysis unit. The results show that dialysis nurses play a significant role in preventing dialysis CRBSIs. Basic infection control standards are paramount and should be strictly followed for effective CVDC care.
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
2011 | Chu G, Williams A, 'Working towards improved communication between patients, visitors and staff using essentials of care', HNE Handover for Nurses and Midwives, 4, 36-37 (2011) [C2] | Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
Show 25 more journal articles |
Presentation (5 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
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2025 | Chu G, 'Scoping Review of Sleep Hygiene in Chronic Kidney Disease' (2025) | ||
2025 | Chu G, 'Sleep disturbances in adults with chronic kidney disease- an umbrella review' (2025) | ||
2022 | Chu G, 'Pitching your research idea to your manager' (2022) | ||
Show 2 more presentations |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 15 |
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Total funding | $3,024,511 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20241 grants / $5,000
Healthy Sleep Habits in People with Chronic Kidney Disease$5,000
Funding body: UON School of Nursing and Midwifery
Funding body | UON School of Nursing and Midwifery |
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Project Team | Ginger Chu (lead), Sarah Russo, Cassandra Foster, Catherine Blackmore, Vasif Abdul Latheef, Lisa Matricciani, Ritin Fernandez, Benjamin Lazarus, Andrea Viecelli, Shilpanjali Jesudason |
Scheme | UON School of Nursing and Midwifery |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2024 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20231 grants / $2,679,683
INCremental dialysis to improve Health in people starting HaemoDialysis (INCH-HD)$2,679,683
Funding body: The Commonwealth Australia
Funding body | The Commonwealth Australia |
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Project Team | Prof. David Johnson (CIA), A/Prof. Matthew Roberts, A/Prof. Rathika Krishnasamy, A/Prof. Andrea Viecelli, Mrs Nicole Scholes-Robertson, Dr Martin Wolley, Prof Kirsten Howard, Prof Allison Jaure, Prof Carol Pollock, Prof Charmaine Lok, Prof Stephen McDonald, Ms Elaine Pascoe, Prof Robert Walker, Prof Peter Kerr, Dr Ginger Chu |
Scheme | Medical Research Future Fund |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2028 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C1300 - Aust Competitive - Medical Research Future Fund |
Category | 1300 |
UON | N |
20221 grants / $28,800
New colombo plan mobility grant$28,800
Funding body: New Colombo Plan Student Mobility Project, Australian Government
Funding body | New Colombo Plan Student Mobility Project, Australian Government |
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Scheme | New Colombo Plan Student Mobility Project, Australian Government |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C2110 - Aust Commonwealth - Own Purpose |
Category | 2110 |
UON | N |
20212 grants / $17,800
Barriers and facilitators that influence a telehealth assisted model of home visits for patients on home dialysis$14,800
Funding body: 2021 Strategic Research Pilot Grant - College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
Funding body | 2021 Strategic Research Pilot Grant - College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
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Project Team | Dr Ginger Chu, Dr Nicole Nathan, Prof Rhonda Wilson, Prof John Attia, A/Prof Bobby Chacko |
Scheme | College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing - 2021 Strategic Pilot Grant Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Statistical support to assess the association between overnight oximetry and mortality in haemodialysis patients$3,000
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
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Project Team | Doctor Ginger Chu, Professor Vanessa McDonald, Dr Peter Choi |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G2100111 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
20181 grants / $9,664
A new model of care for preparing patients for home peritoneal dialysis$9,664
Funding body: Hunter New England Health
Funding body | Hunter New England Health |
---|---|
Project Team | Gemma Fogarty (Lead), Ginger Chu, Peter Sinclair, Sarah Crowford, Sarah woolgar-Robe, Carla Silva, Nina Hodge, Kelly Adams |
Scheme | Innovation Scholarship |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Not Known |
Category | UNKN |
UON | N |
20174 grants / $248,376
Clinical Research Fellowship$225,876
Funding body | Hunter New England Local Health District |
---|---|
Project Team | John Hunter Nephrology and Respiratory Department, Dr. Peter Choi, Prof Vanessa McDonald |
Scheme | Clinical Research Fellowship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Woodend fundation funding for surgical and clinical research equipment$15,000
Funding body: The University of Newcastle, Australia
Funding body | The University of Newcastle, Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | E/Prof Michael Hensley (Lead), Ginger Chu, Prof Vanessa McDonald, Dr Peter Choi, Dr Alastair Gillies |
Scheme | Equipment Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Graham Burley Memorial Scholarship$6,000
Funding body: Baxter HealthCare
Funding body | Baxter HealthCare |
---|---|
Scheme | Graham Burley Memorial Scholarship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Grant - Aust Non Government |
Category | 3AFG |
UON | N |
Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship $1,500
Funding body: Australian College of Nursing
Funding body | Australian College of Nursing |
---|---|
Scheme | Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
20162 grants / $27,788
Australian Postgraduate Award $26,288
Funding body: Australian Government Department of Education
Funding body | Australian Government Department of Education |
---|---|
Scheme | Australian Postgraduate Award |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Commonwealth |
Category | 2OPC |
UON | N |
Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship $1,500
Funding body: Australian College of Nursing
Funding body | Australian College of Nursing |
---|---|
Scheme | Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
20152 grants / $3,000
International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) conference scholarship$1,500
Funding body: Baxter HealthCare
Funding body | Baxter HealthCare |
---|---|
Scheme | ISPD conference scholarship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship $1,500
Funding body: Australian College of Nursing
Funding body | Australian College of Nursing |
---|---|
Scheme | Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
20111 grants / $4,400
Post Graduate Scholarship$4,400
Funding body: NSW Department of Health | Australia
Funding body | NSW Department of Health | Australia |
---|---|
Scheme | Post Graduate Scholarship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2011 |
Funding Finish | 2012 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - State |
Category | 2OPS |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | PhD | Exploring the Role of Peer-Led Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Programs in the Australian Community. | PhD (Nursing), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2025 | PhD | Enhancing Chronic Ulcer Management Using Smart Technology | PhD (Podiatry), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2025 | Masters | Enhancing Social and cultural connection among African females with chronic kidney disease | M Philosophy (Nursing), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2025 | PhD | Inadvertent Perioperative Hypothermia (IPH) Prevention and Management Strategies in Australia: Nurses Knowledge and Practices and the Patient Experience. | PhD (Nursing), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | PhD | Pain Management in Adult Intensive Care Unit in Saudi Arabia | PhD (Nursing), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Research Projects
Healthy Sleep habits in people with chronic kidney disease 2024 - 2025
This is a national collaboration project with John Hunter Hospital, Gosford Hospital, Royal Adelaide Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital aims to investigate three key areas: (1) Patients with CKD, their levels of awareness and practice of sleep hygiene; (2) the relationship between patients with CKD, their awareness and practice of sleep hygiene and their self-reported sleep quality and fatigue, and (3) Patients with CKD, their perceptions of sleep hygiene to determine how sleep hygiene recommendations can be adapted to the lifestyles of patients with CKD.
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Dr Ginger Chu
Position
Senior Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery
School of Nursing and Midwifery
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Focus area
Nursing