Alison Grant
Senior Research Nurse
Emergency Medicine, Nurse-led projects, End-of-Life Care, Palliative Care, Leadership Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Studies (2:1)
I moved to the big City of Edinburgh, from rural Perthshire, at the grand age of 17 to begin my nursing studies. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2000 with a 2:1 honours degree – all set to conquer the (nursing) world.
My career began in respiratory medicine, where I spent an enjoyable 4 years consolidating my training and love for nursing. Always after excitement and a fast-paced working environment, I was intrigued by the work of the Emergency Department. I moved to the ED as a staff nurse in 2004, and before too long I was promoted to deputy charge nurse. It is addictive working in the ED: it becomes a part of you and the loyalty you feel to your colleagues and patients is immeasurable. And so it was with mixed emotions that (after 9 years in a role I loved) I decided I was ready for a change and a new challenge.
Research nursing here I come!
I was delighted to not be going far. I have witnessed numerous changes over the years in the ED. My hope now is that, with my clinical experience and questioning approach to nursing and emergency care, I can be a part of the bigger medical and nursing picture and contribute in a different way. I hope to bring nurse-led projects to the department and bring the clinical and research teams closer together.
Out of work I spend time running around after a very active 4 year old and running an Airbnb on the Royal Mile. If I ever get some down-time then I would like to be on a paddle board or a set of skiis!
Trials
Early diagnosis is central to improving outcomes for patients with cancer. For cancers without specific risk factors, or with no screening programs are difficult to diagnose and patients often present with non-specific symptoms. Unfortunately this means that these patients are often diagnosed late on in the development of the disease and treatment options are reduced.
INFERENCE
This trial is an open label two-arm randomised trial focused on identifying the best treatment for community acquired sepsis patients. We will be investigating the feasibility of delivering early intravenous fluid resuscitation by comparing 5% human albumin solution (HAS) to balanced crystalloid. Currently, balanced crystalloids are used as routine care and the first line therapy in the international sepsis guidelines, whereas HAS is the second line fluid therapy in septic shock. Although, studies are showing that HAS may have further potential benefits to patients with sepsis.
ABC SEPSIS
ABC SEPSIS
To determine the association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentration and obstructive coronary artery disease in patients presenting to the Emergency Department with suspected acute coronary syndrome and cardiac troponin concentration within the normal reference range using CTCA.
PRECISE-CTCA Trial
To determine the association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentration and obstructive coronary artery disease in patients presenting to the Emergency Department with suspected acute coronary syndrome and cardiac troponin concentration within the normal reference range using CTCA.
To provide an overview of safety culture and patient safety issues in UK emergency departments, and to determine if there are significant differences between doctors and nurses’ perception of safety issues.
SECUre – A Multicentre Survey of the Safety of Emergency Care in UK Emergency Departments
SECUre – A Multicentre Survey of the Safety of Emergency Care in UK Emergency Departments
Detection of physiological deterioration by the SNAP40 wearable device compared to standard monitoring devices in the Emergency Department
SNAP40 Study
Evaluating the role of ambulatory, wireless vital sign monitoring in the detection of deterioration