Overview
Background
Dr Jessica Schults is a Queensland Government Clinical Research Fellow and incoming NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow (2026) based at the Herston Infectious Diseases Institute and The University of Queensland. A previous paediatric critical care nurse, Jessica has extensive clinical experience in critical care, with a particular passion for ventilator associated infections. Jessica’s research program aims to reduce the burden of healthcare-associated infections through better hospital surveillance, safer invasive device care, and rapid translation of evidence. She is a Chief Investigator on the IVCare adaptive platform trial, which evaluates strategies to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections, and leads the NHMRC-funded REBUILD project, which aims to strengthen national infection control systems using a learning health system approach. Jessica has a strong interest in the application of digital technologies, including AI-enabled risk prediction and clinical decision support tools. Jessica has strong, established partnerships with national and international healthcare consumers, organisations, and health services. She holds leadership roles with the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society, is a board member for the ANZ Intensive Care Foundation and is a technical advisor to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Jessica is committed to growing the next generation of clinician-researchers, in-particular, in the underrepresented field of nursing.
Availability
- Dr Jessica Schults is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Science, James Cook University
- Masters (Research) of Applied Science, Queensland University of Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith University
Research interests
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Heallthcare-associated infection surveillance
State wide Delphi study to determine minimum dataset for HAI surveillance.
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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
2021
Journal Article
The Paediatric AirWay Suction (PAWS) appropriateness guide for endotracheal suction interventions
Schults, Jessica, Charles, Karina, Long, Debbie, Brown, Georgia, Copnell, Beverley, Dargaville, Peter, Davies, Kylie, Erikson, Simon, Forrest, Kate, Harnischfeger, Jane, Irwin, Adam, Kendrik, Tina, Lake, Anna, Ntoumenopoulos, George, Waak, Michaela, Woodard, Mark, Tume, Lyvonne, Cooke, Marie, Mitchell, Marion, Hall, Lisa and Ullman, Amanda (2021). The Paediatric AirWay Suction (PAWS) appropriateness guide for endotracheal suction interventions. Australian Critical Care, 35 (6), 651-660. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2021.10.005
2021
Journal Article
Techniques and technologies to improve peripheral intravenous catheter outcomes in pediatric patients: systematic review and meta-analysis
Kleidon, Tricia M., Schults, Jessica, Rickard, Claire M. and Ullman, Amanda J. (2021). Techniques and technologies to improve peripheral intravenous catheter outcomes in pediatric patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Hospital Medicine, 16 (12), 742-750. doi: 10.12788/jhm.3718
2021
Conference Publication
Recommendations for endotracheal suction interventions in children with highly infectious respiratory disease: results from a RAND/UCLA binational appropriateness panel
Schults, Jessica, Charles, Karina, Long, Debbie, Erikson, Simon, Irwin, Adam, Waak, Michaela, Hall, Lisa and Ullman, Amanda (2021). Recommendations for endotracheal suction interventions in children with highly infectious respiratory disease: results from a RAND/UCLA binational appropriateness panel. 9th International Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) online conference, Online, 7-10 November 2021. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.idh.2021.09.031
2021
Journal Article
The s2c study – securing cannulas in combat: a simulation-based mixed-method study
Mackie, Benjamin R., Williams, Christopher, Tribe, Benjamin, Muscat, Jessica, Clarke, Bradley, Schults, Jessica, Ray-Barruel, Gillian, Marsh, Nicole, Delport, Aldon and Alvarenga, Darwin (2021). The s2c study – securing cannulas in combat: a simulation-based mixed-method study. Vascular Access, 7 (2), 12-18. doi: 10.33235/va.7.2.12-18
2021
Journal Article
Comparison of midline catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters to reduce the need for general anesthesia in children with respiratory disease: A feasibility randomized controlled trial
Kleidon, Tricia M., Schults, Jessica A., Wainwright, Claire, Mihala, Gabor, Gibson, Victoria, Saiyed, Masnoon, Byrnes, Joshua, Cattanach, Paula, Macfarlane, Fiona, Graham, Nicolette, Shevill, Elizabeth and Ullman, Amanda J. (2021). Comparison of midline catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters to reduce the need for general anesthesia in children with respiratory disease: A feasibility randomized controlled trial. Pediatric Anesthesia, 31 (9) pan.14229, 985-995. doi: 10.1111/pan.14229
2021
Journal Article
Selection and reporting of outcome measures used in long-term follow-up studies of children and adolescents with chronic pain: a scoping review
Schults, Jessica A., Paterson, Rebecca S., Cooke, Marie, Richards, Julianne, Charles, Karina, Raithatha, Bhavesh, Theodoros, Joanne and Alcock, Mark (2021). Selection and reporting of outcome measures used in long-term follow-up studies of children and adolescents with chronic pain: a scoping review. Journal of Child Health Care, 26 (4) 13674935211026124, 1-23. doi: 10.1177/13674935211026124
2021
Journal Article
Midazolam exposure in the paediatric intensive care unit predicts acute post-traumatic stress symptoms in children
Long, Debbie, Gibbons, Kristen, Le Brocque, Robyne, Schults, Jessica A., Kenardy, Justin and Dow, Belinda (2021). Midazolam exposure in the paediatric intensive care unit predicts acute post-traumatic stress symptoms in children. Australian Critical Care, 35 (4), 408-414. doi: 10.1016/j.aucc.2021.06.004
2021
Journal Article
Midline catheters — A good alternative device?
Marsh, Nicole, Corley, Amanda, Schults, Jessica A., Vemuri, Kanti and Rickard, Claire M. (2021). Midline catheters — A good alternative device?. Anaesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, 40 (3) 100885, 100885. doi: 10.1016/j.accpm.2021.100885
2021
Journal Article
Do antimicrobial and antithrombogenic peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) materials prevent catheter complications? An analysis of 42,562 hospitalized medical patients
Ullman, Amanda J., Paterson, Rebecca S., Schults, Jessica A., Kleidon, Tricia M., August, Deanne, O'Malley, Megan, Horowitz, Jennifer, Rickard, Claire M., Paje, David and Chopra, Vineet (2021). Do antimicrobial and antithrombogenic peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) materials prevent catheter complications? An analysis of 42,562 hospitalized medical patients. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 43 (4) PII S0899823X21001410, 1-8. doi: 10.1017/ice.2021.141
2021
Journal Article
Point-of-care hand-held ultrasound for peripheral intravenous cannulation: a scoping review protocol
Pather, Priscilla, Schults, Jessica, Rickard, Claire and RayBarruel, Gillian (2021). Point-of-care hand-held ultrasound for peripheral intravenous cannulation: a scoping review protocol. Vascular Access, 7 (1). doi: 10.33235/va.7.1.16-21
2021
Journal Article
Peripherally Inserted Central catheter iNnovation to reduce Infections and Clots (the PICNIC trial): a randomised controlled trial protocol
Ullman, Amanda J., August, Deanne, Kleidon, Tricia, Walker, Rachel, Marsh, Nicole M., Bulmer, Andrew, Pearch, Benjamin, Runnegar, Naomi, Schults, Jessica A., Leema, Joanne, Lee-Archer, Paul, Biles, Cathy, Southam, Katrina, Gibson, Victoria, Byrnes, Joshua, Ware, Robert S., Chopra, Vineet, Coulthard, Alan, Mollee, Peter, Rickard, Claire M. and Harris, Patrick N. A. (2021). Peripherally Inserted Central catheter iNnovation to reduce Infections and Clots (the PICNIC trial): a randomised controlled trial protocol. BMJ Open, 11 (4) e042475, 1-7. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042475
2021
Journal Article
myPainPal: Co-creation of a mHealth app for the management of chronic pain in young people
Cooke, Marie, Richards, Julianne, Tjondronegoro, Dian, Raj Chakraborty, Prithwi, Jauncey-Cooke, Jacqueline, Andresen, Elizabeth, Theodoros, Joanne, Paterson, Rebecca, Schults, Jessica, Raithatha, Bhavesh, Wilson, Susan and Alcock, Mark (2021). myPainPal: Co-creation of a mHealth app for the management of chronic pain in young people. Informatics for Health and Social Care, 46 (3), 1-15. doi: 10.1080/17538157.2021.1892697
2021
Journal Article
‘How many audits do you really need?’: Learnings from 5-years of peripheral intravenous catheter audits
Marsh, Nicole, Larsen, Emily, Hewer, Barbara, Monteagle, Emily, Ware, Robert S., Schults, Jessica and Rickard, Claire M. (2021). ‘How many audits do you really need?’: Learnings from 5-years of peripheral intravenous catheter audits. Infection, Disease and Health, 26 (3), 182-188. doi: 10.1016/j.idh.2021.03.001
2021
Journal Article
Peripherally inserted central catheter thrombosis after placement via electrocardiography vs traditional methods
Kleidon, Tricia M., Horowitz, Jennifer, Rickard, Claire M., Ullman, Amanda J., Marsh, Nicole, Schults, Jessica, Ratz, David and Chopra, Vineet (2021). Peripherally inserted central catheter thrombosis after placement via electrocardiography vs traditional methods. American Journal of Medicine, 134 (2), e79-e88. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.06.010
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
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
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
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
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
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
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Jessica Schults is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Designing and Implementing a Clinician-Led Protocol for Heparinisation Using Optimal Targets- anti Xa vs APTT
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jason Roberts, Associate Professor Jayesh Dhanani
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Doctor Philosophy
The IVCare adaptive platform trial: Towards zero bloodstream infections in IV catheters
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Eoin O'Sullivan, Professor Claire Rickard
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Doctor Philosophy
Designing an Intensive Care Unit Specific Alcohol Withdrawal Assessment and Management Protocol
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Stephen Parker, Professor Claire Rickard
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Techniques and Technologies to Improve First-Time PIVC Insertion Success in Paediatrics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Claire Rickard, Professor Amanda Ullman
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Jessica Schults directly for media enquiries about:
- harm measurement
- infectious disease
- paediatrics
- patient safety
- ventilation
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