Andi Agbejule is from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and is one of the eight winners of the Best HDR Student Publication Award for 2022. Andi is supervised by Professor Raymond Chan, Professor Nicolas Hart and Associate Professor Stuart Ekberg.
The winning publication “Self-management support for cancer-related fatigue: A systematic review” explores the effectiveness of self-management support interventions on improving cancer-related fatigue and other related behavioural outcomes; and identifies the key self-management support intervention features and components that are associated with improved outcomes.
We invited Andi to share what her research is about, what winning the award means and what advice to fellow PhD students.
What is your research about?
The management of cancer-related fatigue – one of the most prevalent and distressing symptoms experienced by people diagnosed with cancer – requires individuals to adopt self-management behaviours (e.g., undertaking physical activity, self-monitoring fatigue levels, modifying diet, etc.). My research looks at how we can assist health professionals to provide support to those self-managing their fatigue and subsequently improve care and outcomes.
What does winning this award mean to you?
It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to share my findings with others. Winning this award is an honour and a validation of the hard work and dedication that I have put into my research.
What advice would you give to current or prospective PhD students?
My advice to current or prospective PhD students would be to stay organized, stay focused, and stay curious. Make sure to keep a detailed schedule, stay committed to your research, and never stop learning. Remember that the journey is as important as the destination (if not more!), so enjoy the process and celebrate your achievements along the way.
How did you choose your supervisor?
I had previously undertaken a vacation research experience program during my undergraduate degree and was fortunate to meet Professor Raymond Chan and get to know his research. I learned so much from his program, that three years later he was the first person I contacted for guidance about wanting to start my research journey. Fortunately, I was able to secure him as my Principal Supervisor when I decided to begin my PhD.
What are your future goals and plans? / Where do you see your career heading in the future?
I would like to further advance my research skills and knowledge and hope to continue collaborating with clinicians and other researchers to improve care outcomes. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the advancement of cancer care and make a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their families.
Publication Details:
Oluwaseyifunmi Andi Agbejule, Nicolas H. Hart, Stuart Ekberg, Megan Crichton, Raymond Javan Chan,
Self-management support for cancer-related fatigue: A systematic review,
International Journal of Nursing Studies, Volume 129, 2022, 104206, ISSN 0020-7489
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104206