Staff Directory

Dr Helen Noble, Honorary Fellow

Dr Helen Noble has extensive research expertise in nephrology nursing, particularly related to those who opt not to embark on dialysis. She is a Visiting Honorary Research Fellow, working in the Older Adult team at the School of Community and Health Sciences.

Career summary

Dr Helen Noble, PhD, BSc, Pg Dip Academic Practice (Technology enabled), DMS, Cert Couns, RGN, has extensive research expertise in nephrology nursing particularly related to those who opt not to embark on dialysis. Her PhD thesis explored the experiences and trajectories to death in those who choose not to have dialysis to treat stage 5 chronic kidney disease and was titled: 'Opting not to dialyse: A practitioner research study to explore patient experience'.

Helen's research interests lie in patient experience using a practitioner research approach. She has a range of expertise in data collection, in particular in depth interviewing, and has data analysis expertise assisted using computer software NVivo. Her genuine interest in those deciding not to have dialysis, a group about whom very little is known, is ensuring that this disadvantaged group are starting to have their voice heard. Through her research Helen hopes that she can continue to raise the standard of care that this group and their carers receive from the nephrology and palliative care speciality alike.

Helen's work has led to international interest and debate. She has published and presented widely Expertise in her area has led to invitations to Editorial boards including the Journal of Renal Care, End of Life Journal, Turkish Journal of Nephrology Nursing, the British Journal of Nursing and the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

Helen's research constitutes a contribution to health care management in those coming towards the end of life in the field of nephrology. It also includes development in practitioner research methodologies. Her post-doctoral work will include a prospective review of patients managed without dialysis and a similar cohort who have opted to embark on dialysis to establish any differences in length of life and decision making processes. She is also working internationally with the European Dialysis and Nurses Transplantation Association to produce a Continuing Education Article on caring for patients managed without dialysis and a handbook titled: A Practical guide to caring for patients who have no wish for or choose to withdraw from dialysis.

Helen supervises pre-registration, post-registration BSc, MSc and PhD students with several students successfully publishing their work.

Research interests

Helen's current research interests centre on supportive and palliative care for patients who have opted not to have dialysis. She is also involved in developing technology based teaching and learning resources.

National/international Research & Scholarly Activities

British Kidney Patient Association

Patient and carer leaflets

1. Choosing to Withdraw from Dialysis (2010)
2. Deciding not to have Dialysis (2010)

Available at: http://www.britishkidney-pa.co.uk/

Publications and other output

Publications in peer-reviewed journals

Editorials and Comment pieces

Research presentations at scientific meetings

Conference contributions as Invited Speaker

Other Conference contributions

Other

Theses

Book Chapters

Editorial Advisory Board

Editorial Board

Working Party and Committee Membership

Awards