Dr Ginger Chu

Dr Ginger Chu

Senior Lecturer

School of Nursing and Midwifery (Nursing)

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
420501 Acute care 50
420599 Nursing not elsewhere classified 50

Professional Experience

UON Appointment

Title Organisation / Department
Senior Lecturer University of Newcastle
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Australia

Academic appointment

Dates Title Organisation / Department
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
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
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Publications

For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.


Chapter (1 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
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
2025 Chu G, Yu F, Ho YF, Chao CT, Viecelli AK, 'A Systematic Review of Sleep Hygiene Strategy in CKD', Kidney International Reports (2025)
DOI 10.1016/j.ekir.2025.06.018
Co-authors Fiona Yu
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)
Co-authors Victoria Pitt, Kerry Inder
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)
Co-authors Ritin Fernandez
2024 Chu G, Matrucciani L, Russo S, Vieceilli A, Jesudason S, Bennett P, Fernandez R, 'Sleep disturbances in adults with chronic kidney disease- an umbrella review' (2024)
Co-authors Ritin Fernandez
2023 Chu G, Silva C, Adams K, Chacko B, Attia J, Nathan N, Wilson R, 'Barriers and facilitators of engaging in telehealth-assisted home visits amongst home dialysis patients', Sydney (2023)
Co-authors John Attia
2021 Chu G, 'Challenges of preparing for COVID-19 in haemodialysis units: One unit’s experience' (2021)
2019 Chu G, Price E, Paech G, Choi P, McDonald V, 'The impact of sleep apnoea on sleep quality of haemodialysis patients-a mix-methods study', JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Sydney, AUSTRALIA (2019)
Co-authors Vanessa Mcdonald
2018 Chu G, Choi P, McDonald V, 'SCREENING FOR SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS', RESPIROLOGY (2018)
Co-authors Vanessa Mcdonald
2017 Chu G, 'Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Haemodialysis Patients', Sydney (2017)
2017 Chu G, 'Does regular hygiene audit reduce CVC infection rate in the dialysis unit? Single centre 5 year experience', Sydney (2017)
2016 Chu G, 'Can 2% chlorhexidine aqueous solution provide better infection control in PD exit site care when compared with 10% povidone-iodine: a single unit experience', Melbourne (2016)
2015 Chu G, 'Team Leader capability framework in dialysis', Perth (2015)
2012 Chu G, 'Dialysis Nurse Competency', Melburne (2012)
Show 10 more conferences

Journal article (28 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
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]
DOI 10.1016/j.pmn.2025.02.005
Co-authors Michelle C Guilhermino, Jenny Sim, Ritin Fernandez
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)
DOI 10.1111/sdi.70000
Co-authors Susan Heaney, Ritin Fernandez
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]
DOI 10.1016/j.jtv.2025.100928
Co-authors Andrea Coda
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]
DOI 10.1080/17434440.2025.2466742
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]
DOI 10.1016/j.aucc.2024.09.014
Co-authors Jenny Sim, Michelle C Guilhermino, Ritin Fernandez, Daniel Barker
2025 Chu G, Gois PF, Viecelli A, 'The Important Role of Sleep in CKD Prevention and Progression', Kidney International Reports, 10, 1613-1615 (2025)
DOI 10.1016/j.ekir.2025.04.023
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]
DOI 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2025.105123
Co-authors Ritin Fernandez
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]
DOI 10.1111/jocn.17095
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 2
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]
DOI 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104825
Citations Scopus - 9Web of Science - 3
Co-authors Ritin Fernandez, Fiona Yu
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]
DOI 10.1093/ckj/sfae334
Co-authors Ritin Fernandez
2024 Alotni MA, Fernandez R, Chu G, Guilhermino M, 'How nurse researchers can use stepped-wedge design and analysis', NURSE RESEARCHER, 32 (2024) [C1]
DOI 10.7748/nr.2024.e1940
Co-authors Ritin Fernandez, Michelle C Guilhermino
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]
DOI 10.1111/jorc.12475
Citations Scopus - 3Web of Science - 1
Co-authors John Attia, Rhonda Wilson, Nicole Nathan
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.

DOI 10.34067/KID.0000000000000389
Citations Scopus - 1
2024 Yu F, Chu G, Yeh T, Fernandez R, 'Authors' response to “Comment on Yu et al. (2024) ‘Effects of interventions to promote resilience in nurses: A systematic review’”', International Journal of Nursing Studies, 159 (2024)
DOI 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104870
Co-authors Fiona Yu, Ritin Fernandez
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]
Citations Scopus - 2
Co-authors Ritin Fernandez
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]
DOI 10.1016/j.nepr.2024.103877
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Victoria Pitt, Kerry Inder
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]
DOI 10.37464/2023.403.1047
Citations Scopus - 4Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Victoria Pitt, Kerry Inder, Benjamin Britton
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]
DOI 10.1111/tid.13400
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 4
Co-authors Prabuddha Pathinayake, Josh Davis, Nathan Bartlett
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.

DOI 10.1016/j.xkme.2020.02.006
Citations Scopus - 3Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Vanessa Mcdonald
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]
DOI 10.1159/000505572
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Vanessa Mcdonald
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]
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0220932
Citations Scopus - 8Web of Science - 9
Co-authors Michael Hensley, Vanessa Mcdonald
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.

Co-authors Liz Holliday
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]
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Vanessa Mcdonald
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.

DOI 10.1111/sdi.12617
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 22
Co-authors Vanessa Mcdonald
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.

DOI 10.1111/hdi.12401
Citations Scopus - 9Web of Science - 8
Co-authors Patrick Mcelduff
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.

Citations Scopus - 1
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.

Citations Scopus - 4
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]
Show 25 more journal articles

Presentation (5 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
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)
2022 Chu G, 'promoting quality in assessing nursing professional experience placements' (2022)
2014 Chu G, 'Reduce Heparin use in Haemodialysis Patients', (2014)
Show 2 more presentations
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Grants and Funding

Summary

Number of grants 15
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
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
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
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
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
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

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
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Research Supervision

Number of supervisions

Completed1
Current4

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
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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

Contact Details

Email g.chu@newcastle.edu.au
Phone 02 49212017
Mobile 0417246488

Office

Room RW-126
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