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Dr Jessica Schults
Dr

Jessica Schults

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 66077

Overview

Background

Jessica is a paediatric critical care nurse and researcher with more than 15 years of clinical experience and expertise. Her research themes to date have focused on ventilation strategies to reduce ventilator associated pneumonia and interventions to improve the safety and quality of care related to invasive medical devices. Jessica's developing research themes focus on enhancing health service surveillance using electronic health information in two major spheres: hospital-level surveillance for hospital-acquired complications and unit level surveillance for vascular access device complications and ventilator associated events. She is particularly interested in advances in infectious disease surveillance and tracking, using a combination of mature platforms and new electronic platforms. Jessica has experience leading international consensus studies using Delphi methods and is interested in clinical trials which embed hybrid strategies to enable the rapid and sustainable translation of research findings upon study completion. Jessica is passionate about growing clinician researchers and nurses’ capacity to lead and undertake research which contributes to practice change and better outcomes in our vulnerable patient groups including paediatrics and minority groups.

Availability

Dr Jessica Schults is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science, James Cook University
  • Masters (Coursework), Queensland University of Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith University

Research interests

  • Development of core indicators for paediatric intensive care quality and safety measurement

    Australia and New Zealand Delphi study to define and select a core set of PICU quality indicators to measure and benchmark care quality in PICU

  • Implementing appropriate use criteria for endotracheal suction interventions in the PICU

    Following an extensive process to develop appropriate use criteria for endotracheal suction interventions, we will implement these guidelines in the PICU to determine whether implementation of the guidelines for 'children with a highly infectious respiratory disease' will lead to improved clinical and unit outcomes.

  • Development of a tool to support identification and escalation of children with Difficult Intravenous Access

    Together with consumers and clinicians at the Queensland Children's Hospital we have developed a DIVA tool. We are now testing this tool in practice to determine whether this supports first attempt insertion success and increased patient satisfaction. Trial lead Ms Tricia Kleidon.

  • Measuring the burden of hospital acquired complications in the PICU

    We are conducting a retrospective cohort study of 5 years worth of PICU admissions to determine the frequency and cost of HACs in the PICU. Our preliminary work (scoping review and stakeholder consultation) has shown that there is a lack of paediatric specific measures to support quality measurement and practice improvement.

Works

Search Professor Jessica Schults’s works on UQ eSpace

84 works between 2015 and 2024

61 - 80 of 84 works

2021

Journal Article

Endotracheal suction interventions in mechanically ventilated children: an integrative review to inform evidence-based practice

Schults, Jessica. A., Mitchell, Marion. L., Cooke, Marie., Long, Debbie. A., Ferguson, Alexandra and Morrow, Brenda (2021). Endotracheal suction interventions in mechanically ventilated children: an integrative review to inform evidence-based practice. Australian Critical Care, 34 (1), 92-102. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2020.05.003

Endotracheal suction interventions in mechanically ventilated children: an integrative review to inform evidence-based practice

2021

Journal Article

Ranitidine for pruritus management in an infant

Raithatha, B., Kotzur, C., Al Mahdy, A., Schults, J., Richards, J. and Rosen, D. (2021). Ranitidine for pruritus management in an infant. Anaesthesia Reports, 9 (1), 26-27. doi: 10.1002/anr3.12096

Ranitidine for pruritus management in an infant

2020

Journal Article

Prevention of occlusion of cEnTral lInes for children with cancer: an implementation study

Ullman, Amanda J., Condon, Paula, Edwards, Rachel, Gibson, Victoria, Takashima, Mari, Schults, Jessica, Dean, Anna, Cattanach, Paula, Nicholls, Wayne, Osborne, Sonya, Rickard, Claire M., Cooke, Marie and Kleidon, Tricia (2020). Prevention of occlusion of cEnTral lInes for children with cancer: an implementation study. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 56 (12), 1875-1884. doi: 10.1111/jpc.15067

Prevention of occlusion of cEnTral lInes for children with cancer: an implementation study

2020

Journal Article

Normal Saline and Lung Recruitment With Paediatric Endotracheal Suction: A Review and Critical Appraisal of Practice Recommendations

Schults, Jessica A., Cooke, Marie, Long, Debbie A. and Mitchell, Marion L. (2020). Normal Saline and Lung Recruitment With Paediatric Endotracheal Suction: A Review and Critical Appraisal of Practice Recommendations. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, 39 (6), 321-328. doi: 10.1097/DCC.0000000000000442

Normal Saline and Lung Recruitment With Paediatric Endotracheal Suction: A Review and Critical Appraisal of Practice Recommendations

2020

Journal Article

Evaluating an ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation training program for emergency clinicians: An Australian perspective

Archer-Jones, Amy, Sweeny, Amy, Schults, Jessica A., Rickard, Claire M., Johnson, Laura, Gunter, Ashleigh and Watkins, Stuart (2020). Evaluating an ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation training program for emergency clinicians: An Australian perspective. Australasian Emergency Care, 23 (3), 151-156. doi: 10.1016/j.auec.2019.12.008

Evaluating an ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous cannulation training program for emergency clinicians: An Australian perspective

2020

Journal Article

Adverse events and practice variability associated with paediatric endotracheal suction: An observational study

Schults, Jessica A., Long, Debbie A., Mitchell, Marion L., Cooke, Marie, Gibbons, Kristen, Pearson, Kylie and Schibler, Andreas (2020). Adverse events and practice variability associated with paediatric endotracheal suction: An observational study. Australian Critical Care, 33 (4), 350-357. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2019.08.002

Adverse events and practice variability associated with paediatric endotracheal suction: An observational study

2020

Journal Article

Smile - Secure my intravenous line effectively: a pilot randomised controlled trial of peripheral intravenous catheter securement in paediatrics

Kleidon, Tricia M., Rickard, Claire M., Gibson, Victoria, Mihala, Gabor, Schults, Jessica A., Xu, Hui (Grace), Bauer, Michelle J., Marsh, Nicole, Larsen, Emily N., Cattanach, Paula and Ullman, Amanda J. (2020). Smile - Secure my intravenous line effectively: a pilot randomised controlled trial of peripheral intravenous catheter securement in paediatrics. Journal of Tissue Viability, 29 (2), 82-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2020.03.006

Smile - Secure my intravenous line effectively: a pilot randomised controlled trial of peripheral intravenous catheter securement in paediatrics

2020

Journal Article

Development of a paediatric central venous access device database: a retrospective cohort study of practice evolution and risk factors for device failure

Kleidon, Tricia M., Rickard, Claire M., Schults, Jessica A., Mihala, Gabor, McBride, Craig A., Rudkin, John, Chaseling, Brett and Ullman, Amanda J. (2020). Development of a paediatric central venous access device database: a retrospective cohort study of practice evolution and risk factors for device failure. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 56 (2), 289-297. doi: 10.1111/jpc.14600

Development of a paediatric central venous access device database: a retrospective cohort study of practice evolution and risk factors for device failure

2020

Journal Article

Flushing of peripheral intravenous catheters: a pilot, factorial, randomised controlled trial of high versus low frequency and volume in paediatrics

Kleidon, Tricia M., Keogh, Samantha, Flynn, Julie, Schults, Jessica, Mihala, Gabor and Rickard, Claire M. (2020). Flushing of peripheral intravenous catheters: a pilot, factorial, randomised controlled trial of high versus low frequency and volume in paediatrics. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 56 (1), 22-29. doi: 10.1111/jpc.14482

Flushing of peripheral intravenous catheters: a pilot, factorial, randomised controlled trial of high versus low frequency and volume in paediatrics

2020

Journal Article

Healthcare practitioner perspectives and experiences regarding vascular access device data: An exploratory study

Schults, Jessica A., Woods, Christine, Cooke, Marie, Kleidon, Tricia, Marsh, Nicole, Ray-Barruel, Gillian and Rickard, Claire M. (2020). Healthcare practitioner perspectives and experiences regarding vascular access device data: An exploratory study. International Journal of Healthcare Management, 14 (4), 1-8. doi: 10.1080/20479700.2020.1721750

Healthcare practitioner perspectives and experiences regarding vascular access device data: An exploratory study

2020

Journal Article

Application of the READY framework supports effective communication between health care providers and family members in intensive care

Mackie, Benjamin R., Mitchell, Marion and Schults, Jessica (2020). Application of the READY framework supports effective communication between health care providers and family members in intensive care. Australian Critical Care, 34 (3), 296-299. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2020.07.010

Application of the READY framework supports effective communication between health care providers and family members in intensive care

2019

Journal Article

Difficult peripheral venous access in children: an international survey and critical appraisal of assessment tools and escalation pathways

Schults, Jessica, Rickard, Claire, Kleidon, Tricia, Paterson, Rebecca, Macfarlane, Fiona and Ullman, Amanda (2019). Difficult peripheral venous access in children: an international survey and critical appraisal of assessment tools and escalation pathways. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51 (5), 537-546. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12505

Difficult peripheral venous access in children: an international survey and critical appraisal of assessment tools and escalation pathways

2019

Journal Article

Peripherally inserted central catheter design and material for reducing catheter failure and complications (protocol)

Schults, Jessica. A., Kleidon, Tricia, Petsky, Helen. L., Stone, Renee, Schoutrop, Jason and Ullman, Amanda. J. (2019). Peripherally inserted central catheter design and material for reducing catheter failure and complications (protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019 (7) CD013366. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013366

Peripherally inserted central catheter design and material for reducing catheter failure and complications (protocol)

2019

Journal Article

Insertion, management, and complications associated with arterial catheters in paediatric intensive care: a clinical audit

Schults, Jessica A., Long, Debbie, Pearson, Kylie, Takashima, Mari, Baveas, Thimitra, Schlapbach, Luregn J., Macfarlane, Fiona and Ullman, Amanda J. (2019). Insertion, management, and complications associated with arterial catheters in paediatric intensive care: a clinical audit. Australian Critical Care, 33 (4), 326-332. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2019.05.003

Insertion, management, and complications associated with arterial catheters in paediatric intensive care: a clinical audit

2019

Journal Article

Building a global, pediatric vascular access registry: a scoping review of trial outcomes and quality indicators to inform evidence-based practice

Schults, Jessica A., Rickard, Claire M., Kleidon, Tricia, Hughes, Rebecca, Macfarlane, Fiona, Hung, Jacky and Ullman, Amanda J. (2019). Building a global, pediatric vascular access registry: a scoping review of trial outcomes and quality indicators to inform evidence-based practice. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 16 (1), 51-59. doi: 10.1111/wvn.12339

Building a global, pediatric vascular access registry: a scoping review of trial outcomes and quality indicators to inform evidence-based practice

2019

Journal Article

“When no-one's looking,” the application of lung recruitment and normal saline instillation with paediatric endotracheal suction: An exploratory study of nursing practice

Schults, Jessica A., Cooke, Marie, Long, Debbie and Mitchell, Marion L. (2019). “When no-one's looking,” the application of lung recruitment and normal saline instillation with paediatric endotracheal suction: An exploratory study of nursing practice. Australian Critical Care, 32 (1), 13-19. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2018.03.002

“When no-one's looking,” the application of lung recruitment and normal saline instillation with paediatric endotracheal suction: An exploratory study of nursing practice

2018

Journal Article

mHealth Applications for Children and Young People With Persistent Pain: A Scoping Review

Schults, Jessica, Cooke, Marie, Richards, Julianne, Theodoros, Joanne, Andresen, Elizabeth, Paterson, Rebecca and Alcock, Mark (2018). mHealth Applications for Children and Young People With Persistent Pain: A Scoping Review. Clinical Nursing Research, 28 (7), 779-794. doi: 10.1177/1054773818795078

mHealth Applications for Children and Young People With Persistent Pain: A Scoping Review

2018

Journal Article

Dressings and securement devices to prevent complications for peripheral arterial catheters

Reynolds, Heather, Ullman, Amanda J., Culwick, Martin D., Mihala, Gabor, Alexandrou, Evan, Schults, Jessica A. and Rickard, Claire M. (2018). Dressings and securement devices to prevent complications for peripheral arterial catheters. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018 (5) CD013023. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013023

Dressings and securement devices to prevent complications for peripheral arterial catheters

2018

Journal Article

Normal saline instillation versus no normal saline instillation And lung Recruitment versus no lung recruitment with paediatric Endotracheal Suction: the NARES trial. A study protocol for a pilot, factorial randomised controlled trial

Schults, Jessica A, Cooke, Marie, Long, Debbie A, Schibler, Andreas, Ware, Robert S. and Mitchell, Marion L. (2018). Normal saline instillation versus no normal saline instillation And lung Recruitment versus no lung recruitment with paediatric Endotracheal Suction: the NARES trial. A study protocol for a pilot, factorial randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 8 (1) e019789, e019789. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019789

Normal saline instillation versus no normal saline instillation And lung Recruitment versus no lung recruitment with paediatric Endotracheal Suction: the NARES trial. A study protocol for a pilot, factorial randomised controlled trial

2018

Journal Article

Complication and failures of central vascular access device in adult critical care settings

Takashima, Mari, Schults, Jessica, Mihala, Gabor, Corley, Amanda and Ullman, Amanda (2018). Complication and failures of central vascular access device in adult critical care settings. Critical Care Medicine, 46 (12), 1998-2009. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000003370

Complication and failures of central vascular access device in adult critical care settings

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Co-designing patientcentric solutions: revolutionising intravascular catheter care practices for patients and families at RBWH
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    HAI-TECH: Healthcare-Associated Infection Tracking with Enhanced Connectivity and Health Informatics
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Investigating hospital acquired infection surveillance activities-perspectives of infection control practitioners in Queensland public hospitals
    Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2025
    Strengthening Hospital Associated Infection surveillance in Queensland: making sense through consensus
    Queensland Health Clinical Research Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2026
    Joint Research Fellowships (University Qld & Metro North Hospital & Health Service): Senior Research Fellow; Clinical Research Nurse; Research Team Leader
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    Difficult peripheral intravenous catheter insertion: Australian considerations for sustainable implementation of ultrasound guided procedures
    NHMRC Partnership Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2024
    Prediction of catheter associated bloodstream infection and hospital-onset sepsis events in critically ill adults
    Heidi-CSIRO IDR and AMR Projects
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Promoting safe, high quality care for every child: harnessing binational knowledge and expertise to develop quality indicators for paediatric critical care
    Intensive Care Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2021
    Measuring the incidence of hospital-acquired complications in paediatric critical care, their effect on duration of ventilation and economic impact -CHF Mary McConnell Grant led by Griffith University
    Griffith University
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Preventing healthcare acquired, ventilator- associated conditions in the PICU: Implementation of new airway clearance guidance
    The Children's Hospital Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Improving endotracheal suction practice in the PICU
    ACCCN Diane Chamberlain Research Seeding Grant
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Jessica Schults is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Master Philosophy

    Designing and implementing a nurse-led electronic medical record (EMR) integrated heparinisation protocol using optimal targets (anti Xa vs APTT)

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Jason Roberts, Associate Professor Jayesh Dhanani

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The effectiveness of peripheral intravenous catheter insertion techniques and technologies to improve insertion success and performance

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Claire Rickard, Professor Amanda Ullman

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Co-designing a healthcare policy review process amongst nursing and midwifery

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Claire Rickard

Media

Enquiries

Contact Dr Jessica Schults directly for media enquiries about:

  • harm measurement
  • infectious disease
  • paediatrics
  • patient safety
  • ventilation

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au