
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
2019
Journal Article
Telepractice for the delivery of pediatric feeding services: A survey of practice investigating clinician perceptions and current service models in Australia
Raatz, Madeline K., Ward, Elizabeth C. and Marshall, Jeanne (2019). Telepractice for the delivery of pediatric feeding services: A survey of practice investigating clinician perceptions and current service models in Australia. Dysphagia, 35 (2), 378-388. doi: 10.1007/s00455-019-10042-9
2019
Journal Article
Evaluation of a speech pathology service delivery model for patients at low dysphagia risk during radiotherapy for HNC
Moroney, Laura B., Ward, Elizabeth C., Helios, Jennifer, Crombie, Jane, Burns, Clare L., Blake, Claire, Comans, Tracy, Chua, Benjamin, Kenny, Lizbeth and Hughes, Brett G. M. (2019). Evaluation of a speech pathology service delivery model for patients at low dysphagia risk during radiotherapy for HNC. Supportive Care in Cancer, 28 (4), 1867-1876. doi: 10.1007/s00520-019-04992-x
2019
Journal Article
A prospective examination of mask anxiety during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and patient perceptions of management strategies
Nixon, Jodie L., Brown, Bena, Pigott, Amanda E., Turner, Jane, Brown, Elizabeth, Bernard, Anne, Wall, Laurelie R., Ward, Elizabeth C. and Porceddu, Sandro V. (2019). A prospective examination of mask anxiety during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and patient perceptions of management strategies. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 66 (3) jmrs.346, 184-190. doi: 10.1002/jmrs.346
2019
Journal Article
Impact of head and neck cancer treatment on survivors' mealtime experience
Chan, Karen M. K., Chan, Herman K. W., Siu, Jerry Y. L., Pu, Dai, Nund, Rebecca L. and Ward, Elizabeth C. (2019). Impact of head and neck cancer treatment on survivors' mealtime experience. Laryngoscope, 129 (7), 1572-1578. doi: 10.1002/lary.27501
2019
Journal Article
Delegation models in dysphagia management: current policy, clinical perceptions and practice patterns
Schwarz, Maria, Ward, Elizabeth C., Cornwell, Petrea and Coccetti, Anne (2019). Delegation models in dysphagia management: current policy, clinical perceptions and practice patterns. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 22 (2), 1-11. doi: 10.1080/17549507.2019.1632932
2019
Journal Article
Dysphagia optimized radiotherapy to reduce swallowing dysfunction severity in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer: a systematized scoping review
Hutchison, Alana R., Cartmill, Bena, Wall, Laurelie R. and Ward, Elizabeth C. (2019). Dysphagia optimized radiotherapy to reduce swallowing dysfunction severity in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer: a systematized scoping review. Head & Neck, 41 (6) hed.25688, 2024-2033. doi: 10.1002/hed.25688
2019
Journal Article
Practices, knowledge and inter‐professional relationships between speech pathologists and radiation therapists managing patients with head and neck cancer
Hutchison, Alana R., Cartmill, Bena, Wall, Laurelie R., Ward, Elizabeth C., Hargrave, Catriona and Brown, Elizabeth (2019). Practices, knowledge and inter‐professional relationships between speech pathologists and radiation therapists managing patients with head and neck cancer. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 66 (2) jmrs.332, 103-111. doi: 10.1002/jmrs.332
2019
Book Chapter
Optimizing Clinical Management of Head and Neck Cancer
Messing, Barbara Pisano, Ward, Elizabeth Celeste and Lazarus, Cathy L. (2019). Optimizing Clinical Management of Head and Neck Cancer. Clinical Care and Rehabilitation in Head and Neck Cancer. (pp. 85-100) Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-04702-3_6
2019
Journal Article
Elizabeth Usher memorial lecture: Expanding scope of practice - inspiring practice change and raising new considerations
Ward, Elizabeth C. (2019). Elizabeth Usher memorial lecture: Expanding scope of practice - inspiring practice change and raising new considerations. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 21 (3), 1-12. doi: 10.1080/17549507.2019.1572224
2019
Journal Article
Evaluation of a multisite telehealth group model for persistent pain management for rural/remote participants
Scriven, Heather, Doherty, Darren P. and Ward, Elizabeth C. (2019). Evaluation of a multisite telehealth group model for persistent pain management for rural/remote participants. Rural and Remote Health, 19 (1). doi: 10.22605/rrh4710
2019
Journal Article
Optimising radiation therapy dose to the swallowing organs at risk: an in silico study of feasibility for patients with oropharyngeal tumours
Barnhart, Molly K., Cartmill, Bena, Ward, Elizabeth C., Brown, Elizabeth, Sim, Jonathon, Saade, George, Rayner, Sandra, Robinson, Rachelle A., Simms, Virginia A. and Smee, Robert I. (2019). Optimising radiation therapy dose to the swallowing organs at risk: an in silico study of feasibility for patients with oropharyngeal tumours. Dysphagia, 34 (6), 869-878. doi: 10.1007/s00455-019-09983-y
2019
Journal Article
Understanding dysphagia care in the community setting
Howells, Simone R., Cornwell, Petrea L., Ward, Elizabeth C. and Kuipers, Pim (2019). Understanding dysphagia care in the community setting. Dysphagia, 34 (5), 681-691. doi: 10.1007/s00455-018-09971-8
2019
Journal Article
Dysphagia care for adults in the community setting commands a different approach: perspectives of speech–language therapists
Howells, Simone R., Cornwell, Petrea L., Ward, Elizabeth C. and Kuipers, Pim (2019). Dysphagia care for adults in the community setting commands a different approach: perspectives of speech–language therapists. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 54 (6) 1460-6984.12499, 971-981. doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.12499
2019
Journal Article
Prevalence and associated impacts of cervical esophageal clearance issues post chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)
Fong, Raymond, Rumbach, Anna F. and Ward, Elizabeth C. (2019). Prevalence and associated impacts of cervical esophageal clearance issues post chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Dysphagia, 35 (1), 99-109. doi: 10.1007/s00455-019-10007-y
2019
Journal Article
Impact of carbonation on neurogenic dysphagia and an exploration of the clinical predictors of a response to carbonation
Turkington, Leisa, Ward, Elizabeth C., Farrell, Anna, Porter, Linda and Wall, Laurelie R. (2019). Impact of carbonation on neurogenic dysphagia and an exploration of the clinical predictors of a response to carbonation. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 54 (3) 1460-6984.12458, 499-513. doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.12458
2019
Journal Article
Patient perceptions of living with head and neck lymphoedema and the impacts to swallowing, voice and speech function
Jeans, Claire, Ward, Elizabeth C., Cartmill, Bena, Vertigan, Anne E., Pigott, Amanda E., Nixon, Jodie L. and Wratten, Chris (2019). Patient perceptions of living with head and neck lymphoedema and the impacts to swallowing, voice and speech function. European Journal of Cancer Care, 28 (1) e12894, e12894. doi: 10.1111/ecc.12894
2018
Journal Article
Economic analysis of a three-arm RCT exploring the delivery of intensive, prophylactic swallowing therapy to patients with head and neck cancer during (chemo)radiotherapy
Wall, Laurelie R., Kularatna, Sanjeewa, Ward, Elizabeth C., Cartmill, Bena, Hill, Anne J., Isenring, Elizabeth, Byrnes, Joshua and Porceddu, Sandro V. (2018). Economic analysis of a three-arm RCT exploring the delivery of intensive, prophylactic swallowing therapy to patients with head and neck cancer during (chemo)radiotherapy. Dysphagia, 34 (5), 627-639. doi: 10.1007/s00455-018-9960-1
2018
Journal Article
Exploring the prevalence and experience of mask anxiety for the person with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy
Nixon, Jodie L., Cartmill, Bena, Turner, Jane, Pigott, Amanda E., Brown, Elizabeth, Wall, Laurelie R., Ward, Elizabeth C., Porceddu, Sandro V. and Wall, Laurelie (2018). Exploring the prevalence and experience of mask anxiety for the person with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 65 (4), 282-290. doi: 10.1002/jmrs.308
2018
Journal Article
Evaluating the feasibility and validity of using trained allied health assistants to assist in mealtime monitoring of dysphagic patients
Schwarz, Maria, Ward, Elizabeth C., Cornwell, Petrea, Coccetti, Anne and Kalapac, Naomi (2018). Evaluating the feasibility and validity of using trained allied health assistants to assist in mealtime monitoring of dysphagic patients. Dysphagia, 34 (3), 350-359. doi: 10.1007/s00455-018-9947-y
2018
Journal Article
Content analysis of rehabilitation goals for patients following non-surgical head and neck cancer treatment
Barnhart, Molly K., Ward, Elizabeth C., Cartmill, Bena, Nund, Rebecca, Robinson, Rachelle A., Chandler, Sophie J. and Smee, Robert I. (2018). Content analysis of rehabilitation goals for patients following non-surgical head and neck cancer treatment. Supportive Care in Cancer, 27 (2), 639-647. doi: 10.1007/s00520-018-4364-1
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
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
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
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
Carbonation as a sensory enhancement strategy: Evidence for clinical implementation
Principal Advisor
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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
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
ACQUIRED LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN CHILDREN FOLOWING TREATMENT FOR INTRACRANIAL TUMOUR
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
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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