Dr Peter 'Kevin' O'Shaughnessy

Dr Peter ‘Kevin’ O’Shaughnessy continues to explore the role loneliness and isolation play in the lives of cancer survivors.

Research: Kevin's research currently involves:

• an exploration of the role loneliness and isolation play in the lives of cancer survivors.
• the supportive care needs of prostate cancer survivors and those people that love and care for them.
• exploring how to address the needs of Australian prostate cancer survivors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• exploring how clinicians can facilitate difficult conversations around sensitive issues such as cancer and end of life care.

Kevin has experience researching the supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer, their partners and families; at various stages of men’s prostate cancer journey. At diagnosis men are faced with difficult decisions regarding treatments. Following treatment, many men are faced with physical and psychosocial side effects from the treatment, and uncertainty with their futures. Men with recurrent prostate cancer are often devastated by the return of cancer and the impact of subsequent treatments and their side effects. Kevin's research established a deeper understanding of men and their partners as their journey after diagnosis and treatment continues into the months and years. It provides insight into the supportive care needs of these men and their families.

Teaching Background: Kevin is experiences in course coordination and teaching within Clinical Health Sciences-Nursing at the University of South Australia. 

Nursing Background: As the Clinical Health Sciences - Nursing Program Coordinator (Clinical), he brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career as a Clinical Nurse, with a particular expertise in Emergency Department care. His background encompasses extensive nursing, operational and administrative knowledge.

Special achievements: UniSA Slingshot grant (2024), UniSA Accelerator publishing grant (2024), Completed the TREK research program (2024), Awarded the UniSA School of Nursing and Midwifery Pathfinder travel grant (2018), Completed PhD program, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia (2016); Invited to and participated in, the Australian and Asia Pacific Oncology Research Development ACORD workshop Sunshine Coast, Queensland (2012); Chancellors Merit List, University of South Australia (2004); Deans Merit List, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia (2004); Short listed for St. Andrews Scholarship (2004)

Research groups: Rosemary Bryant Research Centre; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA)

Reviewer: Kevin is a reviewer for the journals; Clinical Simulation in Nursing™ Psychosocial oncology™ Cancer Nursing™ American Journal of Men's Health™ BMC Urology™ Contemporary Nurse™

Australasian Epidemiology Association (AEA)

Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA)

College of Emergency Nurses Australia (CENA) SA committee member

South Australian Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (SAPoCog)

Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Trials Group (PC4)

Australian Nurses Federation

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy University of South Australia

• Bachelor of Health Sciences(Nursing) Honours University of South Australia

• Bachelor of Nursing The University of South Australia

Work history

Clinical Nurse formally at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Emergency Department