UKZN Lecturer Triumphs with PhD in Nursing

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In what is seen as a big plus for patient safety in specialised care units, UKZN lecturer Dr Tusiwe Gqaleni, has graduated with a PhD in Nursing for her study titled: Analysing the Implementation of Patient Safety Incident Reporting and Learning Guidelines in Specialised Care Units in Selected Hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.

Gqaleni’s thesis sheds light on crucial insights aimed at improving patient safety practices in healthcare settings.

Under the supervision of Dr Sipho Mkhize, Gqaleni’s research examined a critical aspect of healthcare delivery. Her study has brought to the forefront the challenges and opportunities surrounding patient safety incident reporting and learning in specialised care units within selected hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.

Reflecting on her accomplishment, Gqaleni said she was excited and proud, emphasising her passion for contributing to knowledge through publications, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the field of nursing and patient care.

Gqaleni’s research not only identifies existing gaps in patient safety practices but also proposes a comprehensive implementation strategy to address these shortcomings. By raising awareness of patient safety culture and highlighting barriers to implementation, her research aims to drive meaningful change in healthcare practices. The effective implementation of her proposed strategy promises to enhance patient safety and promote continuous professional development among healthcare professionals.

What sets Gqaleni’s research apart is its novelty, being the first of its kind, addressing critical issues in patient safety within specialised care units. This pioneering work underscores her dedication to addressing real-world challenges in healthcare delivery.

When asked about her motivation for pursuing this field of research, Gqaleni shared her personal connection as a critical care nurse. Having witnessed preventable incidents first hand, she was driven by a determination to be part of the solution to improve patient safety standards.

Gqaleni’s journey was not without its challenges - personal hardships, including the loss of close family members, tested her resolve. Yet, she found strength in her faith and the unwavering support of her loved ones, including her husband, Professor Nceba Gqaleni, and her son, Njongo. Additionally, the guidance of her supervisor played a pivotal role in her success.

Reflecting on her overall study experience at UKZN, Gqaleni mentioned the challenges of balancing academic pursuits with a demanding teaching workload. Nevertheless, she expressed gratitude for the support provided through programmes such as the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) and Thuthuka (National Research Foundation) grants, which eased her academic journey.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Gqaleni enjoys reading, travelling, and playing golf in her leisure time. As she looks to the future, she remains committed to furthering her contributions to patient safety and nursing research.

Gqaleni’s achievement is seen as a significant milestone in the area of nursing research and patient safety. Her pioneering work not only addresses critical gaps in healthcare practices but also inspires future generations of healthcare professionals to strive for excellence in patient care. As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, Gqaleni’s dedication to advancing healthcare standards serves as a beacon of hope for a safer and more compassionate healthcare system.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied