
Dr Ginger Chu
Conjoint Senior Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery (Nursing)
- Email:g.chu@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:02 49048815
Career Summary
Biography
Ginger Chu, is a Hunter New England (HNE) Nursing Clinical Research Fellow anda leader in clinical practice as a NephrologyClinical Nurse Consultant. She has worked in Taiwan and Australia as a Registered Nurse for 16 years.
Her passion is in Education and Research; throughout her career as a Conjoint Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, she has successfully supported 7 of her colleagues to complete their master degrees. Her research focus is in management of patients with kidney disease; her past projects included:
- (2012) Can 2 % chlorhexidine aqueous solution provides better infection control in PD exit site care when compared with 10% povidine-iodine
- (2013) What is the patient’s perspective and experience of managing phosphate binders?
- (2014) Is low concentration of heparin lock (1000u/ml) adequate to maintain catheter patency in haemodialsysis patients?
In 2015, she was awarded a translational research award by HNELHD for recognition of the high impact to patient care and translation to practice from one of her projects.
HNE Nursing Clinical Research Fellowship has allowed her to focuse on the management of sleep apnoea in haemodialysis patients. She works collaboratively with her renal and respiratory colleagues at John Hunter Hospital to identify the best dialysis model for patients suffering from sleep apnoea symptoms. Sleep apnoea is common in dialysis patients. The consequences of sleep apnoea include depression, fatigue and risk of stroke and heart attack. Despite the high prevalence and poor outcomes being well published in literature, it is currently under-recognised and under-treated in the dialysis population. Her research will shed some light on how dialysis treatment improves the symptoms of sleep apnoea. She was awarded a clinical research fellowship by HNELHD for this project, which has the potential to make a significant difference in dialysis patient health management.
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
- Nephrology
- Renal
Languages
- Mandarin (Fluent)
Professional Experience
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
30/11/2011 - | Conjoint Senior Lecturer | The University of Newcastle Nursing and Midwifery School Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
31/5/2003 - 31/12/2004 | Registered Nurse | Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney New Graduate Program Australia |
31/1/2004 - 31/12/2005 | Registered Nurse | John Hunter Hospital Nephrology/Gastroenterology Australia |
1/1/2006 - 31/12/2008 | Clinical Nurse Specialist | John Hunter Hospital, Division of Medicine Division of Medicine Australia |
1/1/2009 - 31/12/2010 | Acting Nursing Unit Manager | John Hunter Hospital, Division of Medicine Division of Medicine Australia |
31/5/2010 - | Clinical Nurse Consutant | John Hunter Hospital, Division of Medicine Division of Medicine Australia |
9/1/2017 - 13/1/2020 | Clinical Research Fellow | Hunter New England Health Research and Innovation Unit Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2017 |
HNELHD High Value Health Care Award Hunter New England Health |
2017 |
2017 FHEAM HDR Award The University of Newcastle, Post Graduate Student Association |
2016 |
HNELHD Achievement Award Hunter New England Health |
2015 |
HNELHD Translational Research Award Hunter New England Area Health Service |
2010 |
HNELHD Quality award Hunter New England Health |
2007 |
HNE Chief Executive's Encouragement Award Hunter New England Health |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (11 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 |
Davis JS, Chu G, Pathinayake P, Jones D, Giffard P, Macera L, et al., 'Seroprevalence of Torque Teno Virus in hemodialysis and renal transplant patients in Australia: A cross-sectional study', TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE, 22 (2020)
|
||||||||||
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 (2020) [C1] © 2020 The Authors Rationale & Objective: More than 50% of hemodialysis patients experience sleep disturbance and most have coexisting sleep apnea. However, how sleep apnea af... [more] © 2020 The Authors 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.
|
||||||||||
2020 |
Chu G, Suthers B, Paech GM, Eyeington L, Gunawardhana L, Palazzi K, et al., 'Feasibility of Online Haemodiafiltration in Sleep Apnoea: A Randomized Crossover Study.', Blood Purif, 49 604-613 (2020)
|
||||||||||
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]
|
||||||||||
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] © 2018 Renal Society of Australasia. All rights reserved. Background: In Australia, more than 50% of end-stage kidney disease patients start haemodialysis treatment with a central... [more] © 2018 Renal Society of Australasia. All rights reserved. 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.
|
||||||||||
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]
|
||||||||||
2018 |
Chu G, Choi P, McDonald VM, 'Sleep disturbance and sleep-disordered breathing in hemodialysis patients', Seminars in Dialysis, 31 48-58 (2018) [C1] © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sleep disturbance is one of the most common dialysis-related symptoms reported by hemodialysis patients. Poor sleep confers significant physical and... [more] © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 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.
|
||||||||||
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] © 2016 International Society for Hemodialysis Introduction Heparin is commonly used after hemodialysis treatments as a locking solution to prevent catheter thrombosis. The compara... [more] © 2016 International Society for Hemodialysis 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.
|
||||||||||
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. |
||||||||||
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.
|
||||||||||
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 8 more journal articles |
Conference (7 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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)
|
||||
2018 |
Chu G, Choi P, McDonald V, 'SCREENING FOR SLEEP DISORDERED BREATHING IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS', RESPIROLOGY (2018)
|
||||
2017 | Chu G, 'Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Haemodialysis Patients', Sydney (2017) | ||||
Show 4 more conferences |
Other (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2014 | Chu G, 'Reduce Heparin use in Haemodialysis Patients', (2014) [O1] |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 11 |
---|---|
Total funding | $296,228 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20211 grants / $3,000
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 | C3120 - Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3120 |
UON | Y |
20181 grants / $9,664
HNELHD Innovation Scholarship$9,664
Funding body: Hunter New England Health
Funding body | Hunter New England Health |
---|---|
Project Team | John Hunter Hospital Wansey Community Dialysis Centre |
Scheme | Innovation Scholarship |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
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 |
---|---|
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 |
Dr Ginger Chu
Position
Conjoint Senior Lecturer
Nephrology Department, John Hunter Hospital
School of Nursing and Midwifery
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Focus area
Nursing
Contact Details
g.chu@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | 02 49048815 |
Mobile | 0429850453 |
Office
Room | 1a Dudley road Charlestown, NSW 2290 |
---|