Dr Shep Chidarikire
Senior Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Email:shep.chidarikire@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:0249215661
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Shep Chidarikire is an experienced mental health nursing academic and clinician. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in Nursing in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle. Before becoming a mental health nurse, Shep trained as a primary school teacher in his native Zimbabwe. He is a UK trained mental health nurse and a holder of a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) from La Trobe University, Australia.
Shep is passionate about the influences of culture and mental health especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. His PhD research thesis, awarded in 2021, explored the experiences and quality of life of people living with schizophrenia in Harare, Zimbabwe using a focused ethnography. My research highlights the importance of language, culture, and idioms of distress in understanding mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. This is important if we as mental health providers will achieve better health outcomes for those that speak a different language other than English and have different cultural beliefs and norms.
Dr Chidarikire is a passionate teacher and academic with over 10 years’ experience. He holds the following qualification, Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner), Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) from Charles Sturt University and the PhD from the University of Tasmania.
Clinical ExperienceShep has several years of clinical nursing experience in adult forensic, acute and community mental health nursing. I have expertise and recent extensive experience in a wide range of mental health settings. After finishing his pre-registration nurse training at the University of York (UK), he worked in forensic adult psychiatry at Ravenswood House, a medium secure hospital located in Fareham, Hampshire. UK. He also worked as a community mental health nurse for Spelthorne Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) in Staines, a town on the outskirts of London, close to Heathrow Airport, UK. The area of Spelthorne Borough Council has a multi-ethnic population. After moving to Tasmania, Shep worked as a community mental health nurse with the Adult Community Mental Health Team (ACMHS) in Burnie, north-west of Tasmania.
Teaching Experience
Shep's teaching philosophy is based on the idea that learning must be fun to foster a relaxed, respectful, and co-collaborative learning environment. It acknowledges students as active learners and help to nurture students’ commitment to life-long learning. He is driven by quality and excellence in his teaching which ensures students meet registration standards for nursing.
He has extensive experience in coordinating and teaching into large units on multiple campuses. Shep has been a teaching intensive academic for over 11 years. In 2022, a teaching team led by Shep were awarded a team-Teaching Merit Certificate in recognition of his leadership in teaching practice at the University of Tasmania.
Research Experience
Shep has recognised research expertise in mental health nursing, with a record of demonstrable scholarly and professional achievement in the discipline. Graduating with his PhD after 8 years of part-time study, reinforced his standing as an expert in mental health nursing. The PhD helped him to advance the knowledge of mental health nursing through his original research. The results from his research can benefit local, national, and international communities and stakeholders of people living with a mental illness. Also, translating the WHO approved WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire into Shona has demonstrated Shep's expertise, influence and standing within the discipline of nursing on the international stage. Shep's is very proud of this achievement. To further enhance his standing, he has published articles in reputable first quartile high-quality journals.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (nursing), University of Tasmania
Keywords
- ethnography
- faith
- mental health
- mental health nursing
- qualitative research
- spirituality
- transcultural mental health
Languages
- English (Fluent)
- Shona (Mother)
- Nyanja (Chichewa) (Fluent)
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 420504 | Mental health nursing | 100 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
| Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|
| Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Nursing and Midwifery Australia |
Academic appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 30/1/2012 - 17/3/2023 |
Lecturer (Mental health) |
University of Tasmania School of Nursing and Midwifery Australia |
Professional appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 7/1/2008 - 27/1/2012 | Community Mental Health Nurse | Department of Health Tasmania Australia |
| 30/5/2005 - 21/12/2007 | Community Psychiatric Nurse | Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust United Kingdom |
| 1/11/2003 - 26/5/2005 | Senior Clinical Nurse (Forensic) | Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust United Kingdom |
Awards
Teaching Award
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
Teaching Merit Certificate University of Tasmania |
Prestigious works / other achievements
| Year Commenced | Year Finished | Prestigious work / other achievement | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2016 | I translated the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire from English to Shona language (Zimbabwe). The translated WHOQOL (BREF, Shona version is availabe via the WHO webiste here https://www.who.int/tools/whoqol/whoqol-bref/docs/default-source/publishing-policies/whoqol-bref/shona-whoqol-bref WHO | Translator |
Teaching
| Code | Course | Role | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12244 |
Master of Mental Health Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle |
Lecturer | 18/4/2023 - 25/1/2025 |
| NUR137 |
Mental health 1 University of Tasmania |
Course Coordinator | 30/1/2012 - 17/3/2023 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Highlighted Publications
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
Chidarikire S, Cross M, Skinner I, Cleary M, 'An ethnographic study of schizophrenia in Zimbabwe: The role of culture, faith, and religion', JOURNAL OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH, 22, 173-194 (2020) [C1]
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Conference (4 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
Zhang S, Tang M, Chidarikire S, Sohail S, Alashwal A, 'What Mental Health Topics Do Female Practitioners Discuss in the Construction Industry? A Qualitive Literature Review', The Proceedings of the 23rd CIB World Building Congress, 1 (2025) [E1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||
| 2019 | Chidarikire S, Cross M, Skinner I, Cleary M, 'Importance of language, culture and idioms of distress in understanding schizophrenia in Zimbabwe: an ethnographic study' (2019) | ||||
| 2014 |
Chidarikire S, Harris D, Skinner I, 'The Role of Traditional and Faith Healers in Mental Health Care: A Meta Synthesis of Case Reports from sub-Saharan Africa', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, 23, 5-5 (2014)
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Journal article (16 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
Yu F, Fernandez R, Chidarikire S, Mackay L, Smith M, 'Associated factors, barriers, and interventions to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary time in academics: a systematic review', BMC Public Health, 25 (2025) [C1]
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| 2025 |
Molloy L, Beckett P, Chidarikire S, Cutler N, Isobel S, Murphy G, Zugai J, 'Mental Health Nurses' Enforcement of Involuntary Care in Inpatient Settings: A Meta-Ethnography', International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 34 (2025) [C1]
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| 2025 |
Patel H, Perry S, Badu E, Mwangi F, Onifade O, Mazurskyy A, Tavener M, Walters J, Noble D, Chidarikire S, Lethbridge L, Jobson L, Carver H, MacLellan A, Govind N, Andrews G, Kerrison-Watkin G, Lun E, Malau-Aduli BS, 'A scoping review of interprofessional education in healthcare: evaluating competency development, educational outcomes and challenges', BMC Medical Education, 25, 409-409 (2025) [C1]
BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential in healthcare to enhance collaboration, communication and teamwork among health professions education student... [more] BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential in healthcare to enhance collaboration, communication and teamwork among health professions education students. This review aimed to map out the core competencies health professions education students develop during IPE and identify the positive and negative educational outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was developed and reported in accordance with the PRISMA ScR guidelines. The search was conducted across five electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and EBSCO) for peer-reviewed articles published in English within the last 20¿years. Data was extracted and core competencies were categorised into four defined areas-roles and responsibilities; interprofessional communication; values for interprofessional practice; teams and teamwork. The frequency of occurrence of each core competency, along with the positive and negative outcomes of IPE were analysed. Mixed methods analysis was used to integrate both qualitative and quantitative data. RESULTS: Team and teamwork emerged as the most frequently attained core competency in IPE. The positive impacts of IPE include significant improvements in role clarity, communication skills, and teamwork dynamics. However, negative impacts were also noted, such as logistical challenges and interpersonal issues like power dynamics and communication barriers, which impeded the personal professional growth and professional interactional skill-related benefits of IPE. Additionally, some participants reported feeling overwhelmed by the extra workload required for IPE activities. CONCLUSION: IPE is a valuable component of health professions education, significantly contributing to the development of core competencies necessary for interprofessional collaborative practice. Addressing the challenges and implementing best practices can further enhance the effectiveness of IPE programs, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes. The implications for practice, training of healthcare students and future research are discussed.
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| 2025 |
Chidarikire S, Makaza M, Popoola T, Yu F, Molloy L, 'Bridging the gap: Normalising spiritual care in undergraduate nursing education: A review of qualitative research', Nurse Education in Practice, 85 (2025) [C1]
Aim: To summarise the qualitative evidence exploring the attitudes and experiences of undergraduate nursing students involving spiritual care. Background: Understanding... [more] Aim: To summarise the qualitative evidence exploring the attitudes and experiences of undergraduate nursing students involving spiritual care. Background: Understanding patients' spiritual needs allows nurses to provide support and comfort during illness and recovery. However, no consensus exists on how to teach and deliver spiritual care in the undergraduate nursing curriculum. Design: A review of qualitative research Methods: Systematic database searches included CINAHL Plus with full text, EMBASE, PubMed and Medline. The review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The reviewers independently conducted study selection, quality appraisal and data extraction. The included studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Thematic analysis guided by Thomas and Harden was used. Results: Twelve papers were included in this review. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) a complex understanding of spirituality and spiritual care, (2) a lack of comprehensive education on spirituality and spiritual care and (3) a quest to normalise spirituality and spiritual care among nursing students. Conclusions: This systematic review affirms the need to include the subject of spiritual care in the early stages of undergraduate nursing programs. More research is needed to examine how new nursing graduates incorporate spiritual care in their clinical practice and the barriers they face. Like other literature, there is a need for a clear definition of spirituality and spiritual care to allow student nurses to understand spirituality and spiritual care better and will enable them to integrate them into their future practice fully.
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| 2024 |
Molloy L, Chidarikire S, Pullman J, Havilla S, Patton D, Beckett P, 'The Impact of Sensory Modulation Interventions on Practice in Acute Inpatient Mental Health Settings: A Meta-Ethnography', ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, 45, 580-588 (2024) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2024 |
Bvirindi TR, Landa NM, Chidarikire S, 'Transitional Justice and Human Rights in Zimbabwe's Gukurahundi Mass Grave Exhumations', African Conflict and Peacebuilding Review, 14, 123-143 (2024) [C1]
Transitional justice requires a multi-stakeholder as well as a multidimensional approach. In Zimbabwe, the issue of atrocities committed by the state (now commonly refe... [more] Transitional justice requires a multi-stakeholder as well as a multidimensional approach. In Zimbabwe, the issue of atrocities committed by the state (now commonly referred to as Gukurahundi) is a topic that evokes emotive debate, especially around the process of exhuming the remains of those who were buried in mass graves. One controversial issue surrounding the exhumation of mass graves is the idea of letting "by-gones be by-gones." This political strategy potentially allows perpetrators to circumvent the human rights issues that arise after mass graves are exhumed. It also denies the victims proper burial and closure for their families. Using an analysis of data in the form of legal reports, international laws, and case law, among other literature, this article examines the international norms on exhumation and the politics inhibiting exhumation of the Gukurahundi mass graves in Zimbabwe.
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| 2023 |
Ekemiri KK, Botchway EN, Ezinne NE, Sirju N, Persad T, Masemola HC, Chidarikire S, Ekemiri CC, Osuagwu UL, 'Comparative Analysis of Health- and Vision-Related Quality of Life Measures among Trinidadians with Low Vision and Normal Vision—A Cross-Sectional Matched Sample Study', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20 (2023) [C1]
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Open Research Newcastle | |||||||||
| 2023 |
Naamara W, Twesigye J, Muhwezi WW, Chidarikire S, 'Forms of social support received by family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in Sub-Saharan African urban settings: an integrative review of literature', SOCIAL WORK IN MENTAL HEALTH, 21, 306-328 (2023) [C1]
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| 2021 |
Molloy L, Beckett P, Chidarikire S, Scott MP, Guha MD, Tran Merrick T, Patton D, ''First tonight, the contentious new code telling nurses to say, 'sorry for being white': Mental health nurses' beliefs about their Code of Conduct and cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, 30, 1630-1639 (2021) [C1]
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| 2020 |
Chidarikire S, Cross M, Skinner I, Cleary M, 'Ethnographic Insights into the Quality of Life and Experiences of People Living with Schizophrenia in Harare, Zimbabwe', ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, 42, 65-78 (2020) [C1]
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| 2020 |
Molloy L, Beckett P, Chidarikire S, Merrick TT, Guha M, Patton D, 'Culture, the Stigma of Mental Illness, and Young People', JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOCIAL NURSING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, 58, 15-18 (2020) [C1]
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| 2020 |
Chidarikire S, Cross M, Skinner I, Cleary M, 'An ethnographic study of schizophrenia in Zimbabwe: The role of culture, faith, and religion', JOURNAL OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH, 22, 173-194 (2020) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Chidarikire S, Cross M, Skinner I, Cleary M, 'Treatments for people living with schizophrenia in Sub-Saharan Africa: an adapted realist review', INTERNATIONAL NURSING REVIEW, 65, 78-92 (2018) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Chidarikire S, Cross M, Skinner I, Cleary M, 'Navigating Nuances of Language and Meaning: Challenges of Cross-Language Ethnography Involving Shona Speakers Living With Schizophrenia', QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH, 28, 927-938 (2018) [C1]
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| 2016 |
Mandizadza EJR, Chidarikire S, 'A Phenomenological Study into the Role of Spirituality and Religiousness in the Mental Health of People with Cancer in Zimbabwe', Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 18, 145-161 (2016) [C1]
This study examines the role of spirituality in illness management and mental health of selected people with cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study inspects religiosity ... [more] This study examines the role of spirituality in illness management and mental health of selected people with cancer in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study inspects religiosity and spiritual elements among people with cancer. Narratives of women and men with cancer situated on different body sites was gathered using qualitative methodology. Data is analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Results indicate the central role of spiritual well-being and spirituality among people with cancer. Crucially, owing to scarcity and low uptake of institutionalized services, churches become essential conduits to cater for the spiritual well-being of people with cancer in resource constrained settings like Zimbabwe.
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| Show 13 more journal articles | |||||||||||
Other (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 |
Chidarikire S, Cross M, '03 - IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND IDIOMS OF DISTRESS IN UNDERSTANDING SCHIZOPHRENIA IN ZIMBABWE: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY' (2019)
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Preprint (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 |
Chidarikire S, Cross M, Skinner I, Cleary M, 'An ethnography exploring the quality of life of people living with schizophrenia in Zimbabwe: Implications for health service policy and practice' (2019)
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Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 5 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $911,686 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20251 grants / $14,922
College of Engineering, Science & Environment (CESE) Pilot Research Scheme$14,922
Funding body: College of Engineering, Science and Environment (CESE), University of Newcastle
| Funding body | College of Engineering, Science and Environment (CESE), University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Shaleeza Sohail, Sherphard Chidarikire, Melsina Makaza, Boyang Li, Liyaning Maggie Tang |
| Scheme | CESE Pilot Research Grant Scheme |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2025 |
| Funding Finish | 2025 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20241 grants / $9,599
CESE Multidisciplinary Strategic Investment$9,599
Funding body: College of Engineering, Science and Environment (CESE), University of Newcastle
| Funding body | College of Engineering, Science and Environment (CESE), University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Doctor Liyaning Maggie Tang, Doctor Sherphard Chidarikire, Doctor Shaleeza Sohail |
| Scheme | COLLEGE MULTIDISCIPLINARY STRATEGIC INVESTMENT SCHEME FUNDING (2024) |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2024 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20231 grants / $864,165
National Mental Health Pathways to Practice Program Pilot$864,165
Funding body: Department of Health and Aged Care
| Funding body | Department of Health and Aged Care |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Associate Professor Samantha Ashby, Professor Kristen Pammer, Professor Kristen Pammer, Professor Amanda Johnson, Doctor Gary Crowfoot, Doctor Gary Crowfoot, Doctor Shep Chidarikire, Doctor Shep Chidarikire, Associate Professor Samantha Ashby, Doctor Kirsti Haracz, Professor Margaret Alston, Doctor Kirsti Haracz, Professor Margaret Alston, Mr Brad Peschar, Mrs Rebecca Bojkowski, Mr Brad Peschar, Mrs Rebecca Bojkowski, Doctor Sally Hunt, Doctor Sally Hunt, Mrs Sonja Pohlman, Doctor Tanya Hanstock, Mrs Sonja Pohlman, Doctor Tanya Hanstock, Professor Stephen Maloney, Doctor Milena Heinsch, Professor Esther May, Professor Charlotte Rees |
| Scheme | National Mental Health Pathways to Practice Program Pilot Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2025 |
| GNo | G2301300 |
| Type Of Funding | Scheme excluded from IGS |
| Category | EXCL |
| UON | Y |
20151 grants / $8,000
The Recovery Camp Program in Tasmania – an experiential learning opportunity for students of health disciplines and mental health consumers$8,000
Funding body: University of Tasmania
| Funding body | University of Tasmania |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Heather Bridgman, Sherphard Chidarikire, Allyson Smith, David Lees |
| Scheme | Teaching Development Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2015 |
| Funding Finish | 2016 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20101 grants / $15,000
Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship$15,000
Funding body: Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
| Funding body | Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2010 |
| Funding Finish | 2012 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | PhD | Long-Distance Caregiving for the Elderly in India: Challenges and Coping Strategies among Indian Migrant Nurses with Implications on Work Performance | PhD (Nursing), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2025 | PhD | Nursing Interventions to Reduce Social Isolation in Patients with Chronic Mental Health Conditions | PhD (Nursing), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2024 | Honours | How do nurse practitioners enhance healthcare delivery and access in rural areas, and what barriers and enablers influence their scope of practice across different contexts? | Nursing, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing - The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2024 | PhD | An Exploration of Cultural Impacts on Mental Health Disorder Knowledge and Risk Perceptions Among Ghanaian Migrants in Australia | PhD (Nursing), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Research Projects
PhD Thesis Titled: A Focused Ethnography Exploring the Experiences and Quality of Life of People Living with Schizophrenia in Harare, Zimbabwe. 2012 - 2020
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects about 20 million people worldwide irrespective of race, culture, or language. There is limited research on the experiences and quality of life of people living with schizophrenia in low-income countries such as Zimbabwe. This PhD study addressed this knowledge gap by using a focused ethnography. Shona language had no word or phrase for schizophrenia; it is understood as kupenga (mad), or kurwara nepfungwa (illness of the mind). Findings revealed that factors such the environment, culture, beliefs, and language impacted on their quality of life. Most people reported experiencing different forms of stigma from relative, friends and the community. People had difficulty in accessing affordable medications and support. However, their faith, spirituality and belonging to a religious group was an untapped therapeutic resource that provided support. Care givers were mainly family members who often faced financial and emotional challenges. This study showed that future research should aim to recruit participants from rural backgrounds to obtain a deeper knowledge and compare the experiences of rural and urban people living with schizophrenia.
Edit
Dr Shep Chidarikire
Position
Senior Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
| shep.chidarikire@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Phone | 0249215661 |
| Mobile | 0439269080 |
Office
| Room | RW120 |
|---|---|
| Building | Richardson Wing |
| Location | Callaghan Campus University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |
Connect with me
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