Research Seminar Series
Our Seminar Series offer patients, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers access to support in diverse research methods and opportunities for sharing knowledge, networking, and collaboration. This includes fostering partnerships between patients, caregivers, and researchers.
We’d like to invite you to the next BEAT-CKD Research Seminar Series presentation, scheduled for Monday 2nd December at 1pm – 2pm (Alice Springs), 1:30pm – 2:30pm (QLD), 2pm – 3pm (SA), 2:30pm – 3:30pm (NSW/VIC) and 4:30pm – 5:30pm NZ time.
Speaker: Dr Nishanta Tangirala is a nephrologist and obstetric medicine physician at St George Hospital, Sydney. She completed her nephrology training at The Royal Prince Alfred, Sydney, and in the Northern Territory, before completing a fellowship in obstetric medicine at The Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH) in Adelaide. Nishanta is one of the lead researchers in Pregnancy Kidney Research Australia and a recipient of the prestigious Foundational Scholarship from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation, to support her PhD studies with the University of Adelaide, under the supervision of Prof Shilpa Jesudason. Her postgraduate research explores decision-making complexities and aims to improve outcomes and clarity of choice around reproductive care for all women with kidney disease.
Chair: Dr Shilpa Jesudason is Program Lead, Pregnancy and Kidney Research Australia, and Head of Unit, Central and Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service (CNARTS).
Coordinators: Dr Georgina Irish, Transplant Nephrologist, Central and Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service (CNARTS), Royal Adelaide Hospital; Director of Projects and Analytics, ANZDATA; Medical Director, Transplant Australia. Hayley Candler, Consumer Engagement Coordinator, Australasian Kidney Trials Network (AKTN), The University of Queensland.
Topic: Can I have a baby? Understanding the complexities and drivers in decision-making around reproductive health for women with kidney disease.
Short description:
Making the decision to start a family can be a joyous and exciting time. But for women with chronic kidney disease, the decision can be complicated and risky. The answers to questions like “Can I have a baby?” can be difficult to find, and in some cases, are provided too late, putting both mother and baby at risk of complications such as preterm birth, high blood pressure, and the deterioration of kidney function. Dr Tangirala’s project will look at the decision-making process for mothers and clinicians embarking on this journey, including perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Ultimately, her research will improve the evidence base for pre-pregnancy counselling and management, informing new models of care for safer pregnancy planning and parenthood in this population.
Consumer involvement in this work: consumers have been actively involved in this work through engagement with women across several studies who have lived experience of chronic kidney disease and pregnancy. This collaborative approach ensures that the research is grounded in real-world needs and experiences, offering valuable insights into their challenges, preferences, and priorities. These women, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, have provided critical input to shape the study’s focus areas, such as decision-making processes and the development of supportive tools. Furthermore, consumer feedback has been sought through focus groups, interviews, and ongoing consultations to ensure that the project remains responsive to the community’s needs. By integrating consumer perspectives throughout, the research aims to enhance the relevance, cultural sensitivity, and practical application of findings; ultimately improving care models and outcomes for women facing these complex health decisions.
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