Professor Elizabeth Ward
Professor

Elizabeth Ward

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+61 7 336 53079

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

Allied health and rehabilitation science Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Clinical sciences Curriculum and pedagogy Education Medicine, nursing and health curriculum and pedagogy

Qualifications

  • Bachelor, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Postgraduate Diploma, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Telehealth

    Assessment and treatment of dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, management of head and neck cancer.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Search Professor Elizabeth Ward’s works on UQ eSpace

450 works between 1995 and 2025
All (450) Journal Article (331) Book Chapter (44) Conference Publication (70) Book (2) Other Outputs (2) Edited Outputs (1)

441 - 450 of 450 works

1998

Book Chapter

Spastic dysarthria

Thompson-Ward, E.C. (1998). Spastic dysarthria. Dysarthria: A physiological approach to assessment and treatment. (pp. 205-241) edited by Bruce E. Murdoch. Cheltenham, England: Stanley Thornes.

Spastic dysarthria

1997

Journal Article

Biofeedback rehabilitation of speech breathing for an individual with dysarthria

Thompson-Ward, Elizabeth C., Murdoch, Bruce E. and Stokes, Peter D. (1997). Biofeedback rehabilitation of speech breathing for an individual with dysarthria. Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 5 (4), 277-288.

Biofeedback rehabilitation of speech breathing for an individual with dysarthria

1997

Journal Article

Interlabial contact pressures during performance of speech and nonspeech tasks in young adults

Thompson, Elizabeth C., Murdoch, Bruce E. and Stokes, Peter D. (1997). Interlabial contact pressures during performance of speech and nonspeech tasks in young adults. Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 5 (3), 191-199.

Interlabial contact pressures during performance of speech and nonspeech tasks in young adults

1997

Journal Article

Lip and tongue function in children with developmental speech disorders: a preliminary investigation

Bradford, A., Murdoch, B., Thompson, E. and Stokes, P. (1997). Lip and tongue function in children with developmental speech disorders: a preliminary investigation. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics, 11 (5), 363-387. doi: 10.3109/02699209708985201

Lip and tongue function in children with developmental speech disorders: a preliminary investigation

1997

Journal Article

Laryngeal and phonatory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Murdoch, B.E., Manning, C.Y., Theodoros, D.G. and Thompson, E.C. (1997). Laryngeal and phonatory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics, 11 (3), 245-266. doi: 10.3109/02699209708985194

Laryngeal and phonatory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

1997

Book Chapter

Spastic dysarthria

Murdoch, Bruce E., Thompson, Elizabeth C. and Theodoros, Deborah G. (1997). Spastic dysarthria. Clinical Management of Sensorimotor Speech Disorders. (pp. 287-310) edited by Malcolm R. McNeil. New York, NY, USA: Thieme.

Spastic dysarthria

1997

Journal Article

Variability in upper motor neurone-type dysarthria: an examination of five cases with dysarthria following cerebrovascular accident

Thompson, E.C., Murdoch, B.E. and Theodoros, D.G. (1997). Variability in upper motor neurone-type dysarthria: an examination of five cases with dysarthria following cerebrovascular accident. European Journal of Disorders of Communication, 32 (4), 397-427. doi: 10.3109/13682829709082256

Variability in upper motor neurone-type dysarthria: an examination of five cases with dysarthria following cerebrovascular accident

1997

Journal Article

Motor speech impairment in a case of childhood basilar artery stroke: Treatment directions derived from physiological and perceptual assessment

Horton S.K., Murdoch B.E., Theodoros D.G. and Thompson E.C. (1997). Motor speech impairment in a case of childhood basilar artery stroke: Treatment directions derived from physiological and perceptual assessment. Pediatric Rehabilitation, 1 (3), 163-177. doi: 10.3109/17518429709167355

Motor speech impairment in a case of childhood basilar artery stroke: Treatment directions derived from physiological and perceptual assessment

1995

Journal Article

Disorders of nasality in subjects with upper motor neuron type dysarthria following cerebrovascular accident

Thompson, Elizabeth C. and Murdoch, Bruce E. (1995). Disorders of nasality in subjects with upper motor neuron type dysarthria following cerebrovascular accident. Journal of Communication Disorders, 28 (3), 261-276. doi: 10.1016/0021-9924(94)00013-P

Disorders of nasality in subjects with upper motor neuron type dysarthria following cerebrovascular accident

1995

Journal Article

Lip function in subjects with upper motor neuron type dysarthria following cerebrovascular accidents

Thompson, E.C., Murdoch, B.E. and Stokes, P.D. (1995). Lip function in subjects with upper motor neuron type dysarthria following cerebrovascular accidents. European Journal of Disorders of Communication, 30 (4), 451-466. doi: 10.3109/13682829509087244

Lip function in subjects with upper motor neuron type dysarthria following cerebrovascular accidents

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2022
    Delivering supervised group exercise to patients with cancer via telehealth: an implementation study (Administered by Princess Alexandra Hospital)
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2017
    Developing a research agenda for adult speech pathology services in health, informed by the perspectives of clinicians, researchers and consumers (PA Research Support Scheme Grant)
    Princess Alexandra Hospital
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    The development and validation of the Significant Other Scale for Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer (SOS-DYSPHAGIA H&N)
    The Australian & New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society Incorporated
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Can an Allied Health Assistant deliver the Subjective Global Assessment with the same reliability and confidence as an Accredited Practising Dietitian?
    Queensland Government
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Development, implementation and evaluation of a Queensland Health telepractice model for hte clinical assessment of adult dysphagia
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Evaluation of a clinical service model for hand therapy via telehealth
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Expanding scope for Allied Health Assistants: The validity and reliability of AHA involvement in mealtime screening of inpatients with dysphagia
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Speech pathology extended scope multi-site trial: Implementation and validation of a tracheal suctioning development framework
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Expansion of speech pathology telepractice dysphagia services
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Improving the impact on swallowing and voice production for patients with lymphoedema as a result of head or neck cancer treatment
    Calvary Mater Newcastle
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Impact of intensity-modulated radiotherapy on head and neck cancer survivors' long-term swallowing functions
    Hong Kong University
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Dysphagia outcomes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing Tomotherapy
    Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Conducting instrumental assessments of adult dysphagia via telehealth: A pilot validation study
    Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Does a computerised swallowing, nutrition, and distress screening tool capture those patients and carers who need face-to-face intervention during (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer?
    Cancer Council Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2019
    Can a new intensive model of aphasia rehabilitation achieve better outcomes than usual care?
    NHMRC Partnership Projects
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Clinical reasoning processes and predictive accuracy for speech pathologists' bedside assessment of swallowing function
    Flinders University
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Can a computerised home therapy program provide an effective and cost-efficient model for delivering intensive swallowing therapy? An RTC of an innovative service model...
    Princess Alexandra Hospital
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Training of nurses and medical assistants for dysphagia screening, with telerehabilitation consultations
    Ministry of HIgher Education Malaysia
    Open grant
  • 2013
    An economic analysis of a speech pathology telehealth service for head and neck cancer patient support
    Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Speech production during mechanical ventilation via a cuffed tracheostomy tube: A feasibility study comparing two tracheostomy tube designs
    Central Adelaide Local Health Network Incorporated, trading as Royal Adelaide Hospital
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    The impact of carbonation on swallowing patterns in patients with neurogenic dysphagia
    Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Evaluation of a telehealth service for head and neck cancer patients: A new speech pathology service model
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    Use of innovative mobile telehealth technology to enable a new service delivery solution for dysphagia management
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Food services in residential aged care: Financial, personnel, and service delivery factors
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    acilitating the integration of evidence based practice into speech patholgoy curricula
    Carrick Discipline Studies
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Telerehabilitation: Assessing acquired neurogenic communication disorders online
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006
    UQ_Travel Award_Cat2_2005
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2008
    A Telehealth Application In The Assessment And Treatment Of Disordered Speech In Parkinson¿s Disease
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Dysphagia (impaired swallowing) following surgical removal of the larynx
    Queensland Cancer Fund
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2002
    Perceptual, physiological and acoustic assessment of the speech outcomes of non-ventilator dependent patients with spinal cord injury following motor vehicle accident
    UQ Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Determining the Efficacy of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) Program Online.
    University of Queensland Small Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Impact of Orthognathic Surgery on Resonance and Articulation in Speech.
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Perceptual and physiological assessment of acquired childhoon dysarthria following posterior fossa tumor
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Speech, respiratory and swallowing outcomes following orthognathic surgery
    Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1999
    The effects of Pallidotomy surgery for Parkinson's Disease on motor speech function
    UQ Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1998 - 1999
    Clinical & radiological investigation of acquired dysphagia in children following traumatic brain injury subsequent to motor vehicle accident
    Centre of Nat. Res. on Disability & Rehab Medicine
    Open grant
  • 1998
    A Physiological Approach to Treatment of Dysrthria in Multiple Sclerosis
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Australia
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Characteristics of the neoglottis during speech production in pharyngolaryngectomy patients using free jejunal interposition reconstruction
    Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Characteristics of the Neoglottis During Speech Production in Pharyngolaryngectomy Patients with Free Jejunal Interposition Reconstruction: A Physiologic, Acoustic and Perceptual Study
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 1998
    Disordered speech in Parkinson's Disease: The effects of pallidotomy subsequent treatment with the Lee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT) program
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Elizabeth Ward is:
Available for supervision

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Available projects

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Examining Swallowing Outcomes Following Surgical Resection of Oral/Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the Mandibular Lingual Release Approach

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients presenting with systemic sclerosis

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Examining swallowing outcomes following surgical resection of oral and/or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma using the mandibular lingual release approach

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Determining the unmet supportive care needs of patients undergoing immunotherapy for head and neck cancer

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Laurelie Wishart

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Dysphagia post laryngectomy

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Investigating the interplay among frailty, sarcopenia, and dysphagia in the head and neck cancer population

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Rebecca Packer

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Feeding Behaviours of Young Children with Food Allergy

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jeanne Marshall, Dr Rebecca Packer

  • 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

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Psychology in the Intensive Care Unit: An Australian Context

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Melissa Day

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Integrating telehealth into allied health services

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Liam Caffery, Dr Emma Thomas

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Pharmacy telehealth service for adult patients with cancer

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Centaine Snoswell

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development and evaluation of telehealth service models for the delivery of multidisciplinary burn care

    Associate Advisor

  • 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

Completed supervision

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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