
Overview
Background
Prof Ward's research program has focused on adult acute services, including head and neck cancer management, critical care, and general dysphagia management. She conducts research into improving services, evaluating new models of care and new workforce models, digital service delivery models eg., telehealth, as well as clinical training models eg., simulation. Liz is also engaged in exploring the role and benefits of the clinician-researcher workforce within health services.
Prof Ward currently holds a joint position as the Director of the Centre for Functioning and Health (CFAHR), in Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, and, Conjoint Professor with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. Her research has a clinical focus with particular emphasis on projects designed to improve patient outcomes within health services. She has published extensively with over 450 publications to date and has a track record of competitive grant funding across a number of research fields. Liz has been awarded multiple UQ teaching awards and has supervised >40 students to successful completion of their research higher degree. In 2014 Liz was awarded the title of Fellow of Speech Pathology Australia in recognition of her contributions to the profession.
Availability
- Professor Elizabeth Ward is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Postgraduate Diploma, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Telehealth
Assessment and treatment of dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, management of head and neck cancer.
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Speech and swallowing disorders
Management of speech and swallowing disorders in clinical populations including head and neck cancer, critical care populations (including tracheostomy management) and degenerative disorders.
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Models of student and professional training
Including the use of simulation technology for clinical skills development.
Research impacts
As Prof Ward's research is primarily clinically based, her work has great impact on clinical service provision within the field of speech pathology, enhancing the evidence base on swallowing and communication disorders within a variety of clinical populations, the assessment and treatment techniques used, and new models of care. Specifically her research into telepractice has led to a number of new service models implementated within Queensland Health and internationally. Her work in simulation (simulated learning) has contributed to changes in undergraduate training nationally and internationally.
Works
Search Professor Elizabeth Ward’s works on UQ eSpace
2016
Journal Article
Speech-language pathology in acute pediatric chemical or button battery ingestion injury
Follent, Anna M., Rumbach, Anna. F., Ward, Elizabeth C., Dodrill, Pamela and Lewindon, Peter (2016). Speech-language pathology in acute pediatric chemical or button battery ingestion injury. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 64 (1), 42-46. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000001256
2016
Journal Article
Tracheostomy tube type and inner cannula selection impact pressure and resistance to air flow
Pryor, Lee N., Baldwin, Claire E., Ward, Elizabeth C., Cornwell, Petrea L., O'Connor, Stephanie N., Chapman, Marianne J. and Bersten, Andrew D. (2016). Tracheostomy tube type and inner cannula selection impact pressure and resistance to air flow. Respiratory Care, 61 (5), 607-614. doi: 10.4187/respcare.04396
2016
Journal Article
Voice rehabilitation for laryngeal cancer patients: Functional outcomes and patient perceptions
Bergstrom, Liza, Ward, Elizabeth C. and Finizia, Caterina (2016). Voice rehabilitation for laryngeal cancer patients: Functional outcomes and patient perceptions. Laryngoscope, 126 (9), 2029-2035. doi: 10.1002/lary.25919
2016
Journal Article
A prospective longitudinal study of voice characteristics and health-related quality of life outcomes following laryngeal cancer treatment with radiotherapy
Karlsson, Therese, Bergstrom, Liza, Ward, Elizabeth and Finizia, Caterina (2016). A prospective longitudinal study of voice characteristics and health-related quality of life outcomes following laryngeal cancer treatment with radiotherapy. Acta Oncologica, 55 (6), 693-699. doi: 10.3109/0284186X.2016.1150604
2016
Journal Article
"ScreenIT": Computerized screening of swallowing, nutrition and distress in head and neck cancer patients during (chemo)radiotherapy
Wall, Laurelie R., Cartmill, Bena, Ward, Elizabeth C., Hill, Anne J., Isenring, Elizabeth, Byrnes, Joshua, Chambers, Suzanne, Dunn, Jeff, Nixon, Jodie, Whelan, Jane and Porceddu, Sandro V. (2016). "ScreenIT": Computerized screening of swallowing, nutrition and distress in head and neck cancer patients during (chemo)radiotherapy. Oral Oncology, 54, 47-53. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2016.01.004
2016
Journal Article
Oral health, dysphagia, distress, and health service needs of head and neck cancer survivors 5 years post-chemoradiotherapy
Cartmill, Bena, Ward, Elizabeth, MacGinley, Olivia and Porceddu, Sandro (2016). Oral health, dysphagia, distress, and health service needs of head and neck cancer survivors 5 years post-chemoradiotherapy. International Journal of Oral and Dental Health, 2 (1). doi: 10.23937/2469-5734/1510024
2016
Journal Article
The Space of Family Care-Giving in Australian Aged Care Facilities: Implications for Social Work
Petersen, Maree, Wilson, Jill, Wright, Olivia, Ward, Elizabeth and Capra, Sandra (2016). The Space of Family Care-Giving in Australian Aged Care Facilities: Implications for Social Work. British Journal of Social Work, 46 (1), 81-97. doi: 10.1093/bjsw/bcu108
2016
Journal Article
Clinical indicators associated with successful tracheostomy cuff deflation
Pryor, Lee N., Ward, Elizabeth C., Cornwell, Petrea L., O'Connor, Stephanie N. and Chapman, Marianne J. (2016). Clinical indicators associated with successful tracheostomy cuff deflation. Australian Critical Care, 29 (3), 132-137. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2016.01.002
2016
Conference Publication
Simulation as a model for developing competency in management of communication and swallowing disorders in adults
Hill, A., Ward, E., Penman, A., Caird, E., Baldac, S., Cardell, E., Davenport, R., Davidson, B., Heard, R., Hewat, S., Howells, S., McAllister, S., McCabe, T., Purcell, A. and Walters, J. (2016). Simulation as a model for developing competency in management of communication and swallowing disorders in adults. International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics Conference, Dublin, Ireland, 21-25 August 2016.
2016
Journal Article
Establishing phonation using the Blom® tracheostomy tube system: a report of three cases post cervical spinal cord injury
Pryor, Lee N., Ward, Elizabeth C., Cornwell, Petrea L., O'Connor, Stephanie N. and Chapman, Marianne J. (2016). Establishing phonation using the Blom® tracheostomy tube system: a report of three cases post cervical spinal cord injury. Speech, Language and Hearing, 19 (4), 227-237. doi: 10.1080/2050571X.2016.1196035
2016
Conference Publication
Prevalence of mealtime-specific distress in carers of head/neck cancer patients receiving (chemo) radiotherapy
Wall, Laurelie, Cartmill, Bena, Ward, Elizabeth, Hill, Anne J., Nund, Rebecca L., Hutchison, Alana, Isenring, Elizabeth, Byrnes, Joshua, Chambers, Suzanne, Dunn, Jeff, Nixon, Jodie and Porceddu, Sandro V. (2016). Prevalence of mealtime-specific distress in carers of head/neck cancer patients receiving (chemo) radiotherapy. Dysphagia Research Society, Tucson, AZ United States, 25-27 February 2016. Springer.
2015
Journal Article
Long-term effects of an intensive voice treatment for vocal fold nodules
Fu, Sherry, Theodoros, Deborah and Ward, Elizabeth C. (2015). Long-term effects of an intensive voice treatment for vocal fold nodules. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 18 (1), 77-88. doi: 10.3109/17549507.2015.1081286
2015
Journal Article
Examining user perceptions of SwallowIT: A pilot study of a new telepractice application for delivering intensive swallowing therapy to head and neck cancer patients
Wall, Laurelie R., Ward, Elizabeth C., Cartmill, Bena, Hill, Anne J. and Porceddu, Sandro V. (2015). Examining user perceptions of SwallowIT: A pilot study of a new telepractice application for delivering intensive swallowing therapy to head and neck cancer patients. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 23 (1), 53-59. doi: 10.1177/1357633X15617887
2015
Journal Article
Service providers' perceptions of working in residential aged care: a qualitative cross-sectional analysis (vol 35, pg 2257, 2015)
Bennett, Michelle K., Ward, Elizabeth C., Scarinci, Nerina A. and Waite, Monique C. (2015). Service providers' perceptions of working in residential aged care: a qualitative cross-sectional analysis (vol 35, pg 2257, 2015). Ageing and Society, 35 (10), 2257-2257. doi: 10.1017/S0144686X14001019
2015
Journal Article
Orofacial contracture management outcomes following partial thickness facial burns
Clayton, N. A., Ward, E. C. and Maitz, P. K. M. (2015). Orofacial contracture management outcomes following partial thickness facial burns. Burns, 41 (6), 1291-1297. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2015.02.015
2015
Journal Article
Evaluation of a weekly speech pathology/dietetic service model for providing supportive care intervention to head and neck cancer patients and their carers during (chemo)radiotherapy
Wall, Laurelie R., Cartmill, Bena, Ward, Elizabeth C., Hill, Anne J., Isenring, Elizabeth and Porceddu, Sandro V. (2015). Evaluation of a weekly speech pathology/dietetic service model for providing supportive care intervention to head and neck cancer patients and their carers during (chemo)radiotherapy. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24 (3), 1227-1234. doi: 10.1007/s00520-015-2912-5
2015
Journal Article
Speech-language pathology services in Australian and New Zealand pediatric burn units and chemical ingestion injury
Follent, Anna M., Rumbach, Anna F., Ward, Elizabeth C., Dodrill, Pamela and Clayton, Nicola A. (2015). Speech-language pathology services in Australian and New Zealand pediatric burn units and chemical ingestion injury. Speech Language and Hearing, 18 (2), 116-124. doi: 10.1179/2050572814Y.0000000057
2015
Journal Article
The value of qualitative research in dysphagia in the head and neck cancer population: What can we learn from the survivors' perspective?
Nund, Rebecca, Ward, Elizabeth, Scarinci, Nerina and Cartmill, Bena (2015). The value of qualitative research in dysphagia in the head and neck cancer population: What can we learn from the survivors' perspective?. Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, 24 (3), 99-106. doi: 10.1044/sasd24.3.99
2015
Journal Article
A Dynamic Image Quality Evaluation of Videofluoroscopy Images: Considerations for Telepractice Applications
Burns, Clare L., Keir, Benjamin, Ward, Elizabeth C., Hill, Anne J., Farrell, Anna, Phillips, Nick and Porter, Linda (2015). A Dynamic Image Quality Evaluation of Videofluoroscopy Images: Considerations for Telepractice Applications. Dysphagia, 30 (4), 473-481. doi: 10.1007/s00455-015-9626-1
2015
Journal Article
Third-party disability in carers of people with dysphagia following non-surgical management for head and neck cancer
Nund, Rebecca L., Scarinci, Nerina A., Cartmill, Bena, Ward, Elizabeth C., Kuipers, Pim and Porceddu, Sandro V. (2015). Third-party disability in carers of people with dysphagia following non-surgical management for head and neck cancer. Disability and Rehabilitation, 38 (5), 462-471. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1046563
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Elizabeth Ward is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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General areas of PhD supervision
I supervise students interested in furthering knowledge in the areas of dsypahgia, telepractice, simulated learning, new models of care and health service implementations. Please contact me directly (liz.ward@uq.edu.au) to discuss possible project ideas
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Dysphagia post laryngectomy
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Examining Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the Mandibular Lingual Release Approach
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Examining Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the Mandibular Lingual Release Approach
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients presenting with systemic sclerosis
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Examining swallowing outcomes following surgical resection of oral and/or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma using the mandibular lingual release approach
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Examining Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the Mandibular Lingual Release Approach
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Determining the unmet supportive care needs of patients undergoing immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Laurelie Wishart
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Doctor Philosophy
Integrating telehealth into allied health services
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Helen Haydon, Professor Liam Caffery, Dr Emma Thomas
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Doctor Philosophy
Pharmacy telehealth service for adult patients with cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Centaine Snoswell
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Doctor Philosophy
Lymphoedema following head and neck cancer treatment: Prevalence, risk factors, and functional impact on swallowing and quality of life
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bena Brown
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Doctor Philosophy
Development and evaluation of telehealth service models for the delivery of multidisciplinary burn care
Associate Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Paediatric Dysphagia in the Intensive Care Unit: Development and Implementation of a Nursing Led Screening Tool.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jeanne Marshall
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the interplay among frailty, sarcopenia, and dysphagia in the head and neck cancer population
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rebecca Packer
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Doctor Philosophy
Feeding Behaviours of Young Children with Food Allergy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jeanne Marshall, Dr Rebecca Packer
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Doctor Philosophy
Psychology in the Intensive Care Unit: An Australian Context
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Melissa Day
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Doctor Philosophy
"Cancer Tracks": Establishing a best practice approach for supporting First Nations patients undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Care
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tamara Butler, Dr Bena Brown
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Doctor Philosophy
"Cancer Tracks": Establishing a best practice approach for supporting First Nations patients undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Care
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tamara Butler, Dr Bena Brown
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Examining Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the Mandibular Lingual Release Approach
Principal Advisor
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding and Improving Adult Dysphagia Services in Singapore
Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing the Understanding of, and Access to, Speech Pathology Head and Neck Cancer Services in Rural Areas
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rebecca Packer, Dr Laurelie Wishart
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating telepractice as an assessment model for paediatric feeding and dysphagia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jeanne Marshall
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Tracheoesophageal Speech Rehabilitation Following Laryngectomy: An Examination of Issues Relating to Consistency of Practice and Clinical Training
Principal Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Towards greater understanding of cricopharyngeal and cervical oesophageal clearance issues and their management in patients post chemo-irradiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anna Rumbach
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
An examination of functional outcomes following head and neck cancer and enhancing new pathways of care
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Carbonation as a sensory enhancement strategy: Evidence for clinical implementation
Principal Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Expanding Speech Pathology Delegation Practices: Engaging Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) in dysphagia management in the acute hospital setting
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Laryngeal cancer management: Voice, communication and quality of life outcomes following non-surgical treatment
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Examining the use of telepractice for delivering intensive, prophylactic swallowing therapy to patients with head and neck cancer undergoing (chemo)radiotherapy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bena Brown
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing access to specialist swallowing, speech, and voice intervention for patients with head and neck cancer: An evaluation of two new telepractice models.
Principal Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Dysphagia and Orofacial Contracture Management in patients with Severe Thermal Burn Injury to the Head and Neck: Enhancing the Evidence Base and Defining Outcomes
Principal Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Critical care interventions in speech pathology practice: Implications for communication, swallowing and tracheostomy management
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
A systematic investigation of communication and mealtime management in residential aged care: Exploring perspectives and management across service providers.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nerina Scarinci
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Dysphagia following non-surgical management for head and neck cancer: Using the ICF to explore the rehabilitation needs of survivors and their carers
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nerina Scarinci, Dr Bena Brown
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Telerehabilitation Application for the Clinical Assessment of Dysphagia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring Dysphagia Management Practices and Barriers to Service Improvement in Malaysia
Principal Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Dysphagia following thermal burn injury: Clinical risk factors, anatomical and physiological characteristics and road to resolution and recovery
Principal Advisor
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Speech Pathology Service Provision For Children With Speech And/Or Language Impairments In Tasmania
Principal Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
An examination of speech production in individuals post cervical spinal cord injury
Principal Advisor
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
An electropalatographic investigation of articulation in Parkinson's Disease
Principal Advisor
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2003
Master Sp Pathology
Comparing clinical and radiological assessments in paediatric swallowing.
Principal Advisor
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Development, implementation, and evaluation of a telepharmacy service for adult patients with cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Centaine Snoswell
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Lymphoedema following head and neck cancer treatment: Prevalence, risk factors, and functional impact on swallowing and quality of life
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bena Brown
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding Speech-Language Pathology Practices in the Emergency Department
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Laurelie Wishart
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing speech pathology practice in videofluoroscopic swallow studies
Associate Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Utilising Dosimetric Information to Enhance the Clinical Management of Dysphagia in Patients Undergoing (Chemo) Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Laurelie Wishart, Dr Bena Brown
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Optimising head and neck cancer survivorship with speech pathology care: Identifying patient and service needs to improve the management of patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Bena Brown
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Paediatric Chemical and Button Battery Ingestion Injury: Dysphagia, Feeding Outcomes, and Speech-Language Pathology Involvement in Care
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anna Rumbach
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Efficacy of intensive voice therapy for patients with vocal fold nodules
Associate Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Swallowing, nutrition, and patient-rated functional outcomes in head and neck cancer patients treated with altered fractionation radiotherapy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandro Porceddu
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
The Assessment and Treatment of Disordered Speech and Voice in Parkinson's Disease using a PC-based Telerehabilitation System
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
The Assessment of Acquired Neurogenic Communication Disorders in Adults using a Telerehabilitation Application
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
THE EFFECTS OF NEUROSURGICAL TREATMENTS ON MOTOR SPEECH FUNCTION IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Associate Advisor
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
PHYSIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF DYSARTHRIA IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR POSTERIOR FOSSA TUMOURS
Associate Advisor
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
ACQUIRED LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN CHILDREN FOLOWING TREATMENT FOR INTRACRANIAL TUMOUR
Associate Advisor
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
Paediatric Dysphagia following Traumatic Brain Injury
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Elizabeth Ward directly for media enquiries about:
- Cancer - head and neck
- Head cancer
- Head surgery - speech rehabilitation
- Laryngectomy - speech rehabilitation
- Neck cancer
- Neck surgery - speech rehabilitation
- Parkinson's disease - speech rehabilitation
- Speech - following cancer
- Speech pathology
- Speech rehabilitation
- Stroke - speech rehabilitation
- Stroke and language disorders
- Swallowing and rehabilitation - following cancer
- Swallowing disorders
- Voice - assessment and rehabilitation
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