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Dr. Melissa Corbally

Dr. Melissa Corbally

Associate Professor, School of Nursing & Midwifery

3531896 3553

Biography

Melissa is passionate about fostering excellence in general nursing practice and provides leadership in all aspects of her work. She has over 20 years' experience in nurse education and in 2018 was awarded a fellowship Ad Eundem of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland for her outstanding contribution to nursing and nurse education. In her twenty years as an Assistant Professor in DCU, Melissa received numerous nominations for teaching and learning awards as well as the Richard O'Kennedy award in 2021 for her unique contribution to innovations in nurse education. and created one of the first large scale ward-based simulation scenarios in Ireland for nursing students. She has also developed a framework for nursing assessment which she utilises to aid nurses in tailoring their assessment practices. Melissa has a broad spectrum of research expertise and is currently focussing on prostate cancer care, intimate partner violence, gender, masculinities, nursing assessment, and the use of clinical judgement in the provision of care. She has a particular interest in narrative methodologies and life story research. Her doctoral thesis entitled 'making sense of the unbelievable: a biographic narrative study of men's stories of female abuse' completed in 2011 highlighted the vulnerability of men who experience double victimisation in an area which is largely gendered as a female entity. Since then, she has supervised several doctoral students in this area and led research projects in the area of intimate partner violence experienced by heterosexual, gay and bisexual men. She has published numerous papers, supervised several PhD students to completion, examined several theses and has presented over 90 conference papers in her areas of interest. More recently, Melissa set up and co-ordinated a contact tracing centre as part of the early HSE response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Melissa is passionate about the importance of attending to the narratives of others as many clinical decisions are made on the basis of a told story. Her most recent research is a collaborative project with surgical and nursing staff at the Mater Misericordiae hospital Dublin exploring men's narratives of the experience of radical prostatectomy over time. The findings of this study reiterate the importance of gender sensitivity in ensuring best practice and attentive nursing care.

Publications and Further Research Outputs

  • Corbally, M. and Timmins, F. , The 4S Approach: A Potential Framework for Supporting Critical Care Nurses' Patient Assessment and Interprofessional Communication , Nursing in Critical Care , 21, (2), 2016, p64 - 67Journal Article, 2016
  • Flynn, S. & Corbally, M., Narrative and Remaking Social Futures in Times of Pandemic Crisis: The Story-Making and Story-Telling of the Heroic Nurse, The Sociological Observer, (3), 2021, p68 - 76Journal Article, 2021, TARA - Full Text
  • Gilmartin, D., McElvaney, R., Corbally, M., "Talk to me like I'm a human" An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the psychotherapy experiences of young people in foster care in Ireland, Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 2022, p1 - 23Journal Article, 2022, URL
  • Callan, A., Corbally, M., McElvaney, R., A Scoping Review of Intimate Partner Violence at it Relates to the Perspectives of Gay and Bisexual Men, Trauma, Violence and Abuse, 22, (2), 2021, p233 - 248Journal Article, 2021, URL
  • Corbally, M., Kestell, B. , First and Second Wave Abuse in the context of IPV victimisation: is it time to re-imagine definitions?, 4th European Conference on Domestic Violence, Slovenia / Online, 13th - 15th Sept, 2021Oral Presentation, 2021
  • Callan, A., Corbally, M., McElvaney, R. , A Scoping Review of Intimate Partner Violence at it Relates to the Perspectives of Gay and Bisexual Men, 4th European Conference on Domestic Violence, Slovenia, 13th-15th Sept, 2021Oral Presentation, 2021
  • Jennings, S., Corbally, M. , An exploration of the experiences of intimate partner violence among gay men in Ireland, 4th European Conference on Domestic Violence, Slovenia, 13th-15th September, 2021Oral Presentation, 2021
  • Corbally, M., Lees-Deutsch, L,, Restriction by advancement - the irony of advanced nursing practice in Ireland, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2018Journal Article, 2018, URL
  • Hou, Y., Corbally, M., Timmins, F., Violence against nurses by patients and visitors in the emergency department: a concept analysis, Journal of Nursing Management, 2022Journal Article, 2022, URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Corbally, M., O' Riordan, F., Kirwan, A., Developing an interactive oral assessment for final year undergraduate nurses: lessons learned, International Nurse Education Conference (NETNEP 2022), Sitges, 19th October 2022, 2022Poster, 2022
  • Corbally, M., Kirwan, A., The influence of a simulated ward exercise on nursing competence: findings from a narrative study, International Nurse Education Conference (NETNEP 2022), Sitges, 19th October, 2022Conference Paper, 2022
  • Callan, A., Corbally, M., McElvaney, A commentary on the challenges for nurses in identifying and responding to intimate partner violence amongst gay and bisexual men, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2022Journal Article, 2022, URL
  • Corbally, M., Donaldson, L., The Scope of e-portfolios in augmenting learning amongst student nurse cohorts in Ireland, Journal of Advanced Nursing, International Nurse Education Conference (NETNEP 2022), Sitges, 19th October, 2022Poster, 2022
  • Corbally M., Editorial: Domestic violence - Time for a rethink?, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19, (3-4), 2010, p301 - 302, p301-302Journal Article, 2010, DOI
  • Corbally M., O'Neill C.S., An introduction to the biographical narrative interpretive method, Nurse Researcher, 21, (5), 2014, p34 - 39, p34-39Journal Article, 2014, DOI
  • Casey B., Proudfoot D., Corbally M., Narrative in nursing research: An overview of three approaches, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72, (5), 2016, p1203 - 1215, p1203-1215Journal Article, 2016, DOI
  • Corbally M., Grant A., Narrative competence: A neglected area in undergraduate curricula, Nurse Education Today, 36, 2016, p7 - 9, p7-9Journal Article, 2016, DOI
  • Sweeney M.-R., Kirwan A., Kelly M., Corbally M., O Neill S., Kirwan M., Hourican S., Matthews A., Hussey P., Transition to blended learning: experiences from the first year of our blended learning Bachelor of Nursing Studies programme, Contemporary Nurse, 52, (5), 2016, p612 - 624, p612-624Journal Article, 2016, DOI
  • Corbally M., Review: Researching domestic violence and abuse in healthcare settings: Challenges and issues, Journal of Research in Nursing, 21, (5-6), 2016, p477 - 478, p477-478Journal Article, 2016, DOI
  • Corbally M., Hughes J., Delay D., Gender Arguments and Paradigmatic Challenges within Intimate Partner Violence Research: A Call for a more Inclusive Paradigm of Understanding Regarding Physical Partner Violence Perpetration, Journal of Family Violence, 31, (8), 2016, p1009 - 1012, p1009-1012Journal Article, 2016, DOI
  • Hussey, Pamela, Corbally, Melissa, Rodger, Daragh, Kirwan, Anne, Adams, Elizabeth, Kavanagh, Paula, Matthews, Anne, ICNP® R&D Centre Ireland: Defining Requirements for an Intersectoral Digital Landscape, Informatics, 4, (2), 2017, p7Journal Article, 2017, DOI
  • Corbally, M., Accounting for Intimate Partner Violence: A Biographical Analysis of Narrative Strategies Used by Men Experiencing IPV from Their Female Partners, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30, (17), 2015, p3112 - 3132Journal Article, 2015, DOI
  • Corbally, M., McGarvey, C., Kestell, B., Prostate Cancer, Radical Prostatectomy, Recovery, and Survivorship: A Narrative Study of How Men Make Sense of a Cancer Diagnosis, European Journal of Cancer Care, 2023, p7 - p7Journal Article, 2023, URL
  • Journal of Nursing Management, Elsevier, [Guest editor - Violence and Abuse in Society special edition], 2022-2022Editorial Board, 2022, DOI
  • Hou, Y., Corbally, M., Timmins, F., Violence against nurses by patients and visitors in the emergency department: An integrative review, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2023Journal Article, 2023, URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Corbally, M., Hine, B., Kestell, B., Characteristics of Men Who Seek Help From an Irish Domestic Abuse Helpline: The MENCALLHELP Study, Partner Abuse, 14, (4), 2023, p501 - 524Journal Article, 2023
  • Corbally, M., Hine, B., Kestell, B., Characteristics of Men Who Seek Help From an Irish Domestic Abuse Helpline: The MENCALLHELP Study, Partner Abuse, 14, (4), 2023, p501 - 524Journal Article, 2023, URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Corbally, M., McDermott, A., Bentley, K., The nature and characteristics of call data from an Irish domestic abuse helpline for male victims in 2016 compared with call data in 2022: findings and reflections, European Conference on Domestic Violence, Reykjavik, Iceland, 11/09/23, 2023Conference Paper, 2023
  • Corbally, M., Callan, A., Introducing the Biographical Narrative Interpretive Method interview technique as a viable means of investigating IPV life stories, European Conference on Domestic Violence, Reykjavik, Iceland, 11/09/2023, 2023Conference Paper, 2023
  • Corbally, M., McDermott, A., Bentley, K., Paul, A., A retrospective analysis of call characteristics to the Men's Aid Helpline, Men and Families 2023, Toronto, Canada, 12/10/23, 2023Conference Paper, 2023
  • Corbally, M., Making Sense of the Unbelievable: A Biographical Narrative Study of Men's Stories of Female Abuse , Making Research Count Series, Salford Media City, 28th February, 2017Invited Talk
  • Men's Aid Webinar, Men's Aid Annual Conference, 11/12/20, In:When Men Call Help reflections on the past, directions for the future, 2020, OnlineMeetings /Conferences Organised
  • Corbally, M., McGarvey, C., Kestell, B., Galvin, D. , Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Inquiry. Invited Keynote Presentation, John Fitzpatrick Irish Genitourinary Cancer Conference , Aviva Stadium Conference Centre, 28-29th April, 2022, Global TeamworkInvited Talk
  • Corbally, M., 'Making Sense of the Unbelievable': understanding the problem of domestic violence and abuse against men, ICGP Webinar , Online, 4th of May, 2022, Irish Congress of General PractitionersInvited Talk
  • Mc Garvey, C., Corbally, M., Kestell, B., Galvin, D. , Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Inquiry, Nursing & Midwifery Planning & Development Dublin North Regional Conference, Clayton Hotel, Dublin Airport, 18th May , 2022Conference Paper
  • Corbally, M., The evolution of knowledge relating to intimate partner violence, National LGBT+ Domestic Violence Training Launch , Trinity College, The University of Dublin, June 9th, 2022, Mensaid IrelandInvited Talk
  • Melissa Corbally, Establishing and coordinating a COVID-19 contact tracing centre., International Council of Nurses, 2020Journal Article, URL
  • Corbally, M., How Men Talk about IPV, Men and Families Inaugral International Conference, Canada , 15th-16th September, 2022, University of GuelphInvited Talk
  • Corbally, M., The ever-present problem of violence and abuse in health care settings , Journal of Nursing Management , 2022Journal Article, URL , TARA - Full Text
  • Corbally, M., Small stories matter: uncovering challenges experienced by family members transitioning older relatives into residential care, Invited Keynote; St Mary's Campus Showcase of Nursing, 20 January , 2020Conference Paper
  • Callan, A.,Corbally, M. , Violence, Gender, Masculinities and Abuse: Research Reflections, Invited Speaker - EROSS Webinar, Online, January 2022, 2022Oral Presentation
  • Decision Making in Complex Situations in Practice in, editor(s)Holland, K., Roberts, D. , Understanding Decision Making in Practice, England, 2022, [Corbally, M,. Holland, K.]Book Chapter
  • McGarvey, C., Corbally, M. Kestell, B., Galvin, D., Men Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Inquiry, Irish Association of Urology Nurses Annual Meeting, Limerick, 22nd April 2023, 2023Poster
  • Corbally, M, Understanding and responding to domestic abuse against men, Men Get Hurt too plenary education event, Dolmen Hotel Carlow, 17th June 2024, 2024, Bagnelstown Family Resource CentreInvited Talk
  • Corbally, M., Navigating Narrative Methodologies and Life Story Research, Qualitative Research Methodology Masterclass, University College Dublin (Online), 07/06/2024, 2024, University College DublinInvited Talk
  • Corbally, M., McDermott, A., Bentley, K., Paul, A., A retrospective analysis of call characteristics of the Men"s Aid Helpline Ireland (between 2016 and 2022): findings and reflections, Launch of the Men's Aid Annual Report, Men's Aid, Navan, Co. Meath, 17/11/2023, 2023, Men's Aid NavanInvited Talk

Research Expertise

Intimate Partner Violence, Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse, Masculinities, Intimate Partner Violence amongst LGBTQI groups, Marginalised genders, Nursing assessment, Prostate Cancer Care, Qualitative methodologies, Narrative Research, Life story research, Nursing assessment and decision-making, Prostate Cancer Care.

  • Title
    A retrospective data analysis of calls made to the Men's Aid national helpline
    Summary
    This project seeks to explore the content, nature and characteristics of call data received by the Men's Aid national helpline service. Objectives: (1) To explore typical call characteristics (e.g. nature of calls (crisis or information), type of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) documented and call outcomes) (2) To carry out exploratory data analysis to understand possible relationships and associations that might be present between variables of interest (e.g. marital status and nature of calls) (3) To examine trends in helpline utilisation over time (e.g. how call characteristics have evolved pre and post Covid-19 period) using repeated cross sectional analysis.
    Date From
    June 2023
    Date To
    August 2023
  • Title
    An international academic -community partnership to explore the complexities of fathers in contexts of abuse
    Summary
    This partnership grant was submitted to enhance international collaborations in the area of violence and abuse against fathers
    Funding Agency
    Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
    Date From
    2022
    Date To
    2022
  • Title
    The complexities of men and abuse in an international context: An academic-community approach
    Summary
    This project will seek to bring together international experts in the area of violence against men with a view to creating an international community of practice and consortium to apply for research funding
    Funding Agency
    Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Canada)
    Date From
    October 2023
    Date To
    October 2025
  • Title
    Violence is everyone's business - There is no reason for violence project
    Summary
    Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global issue. It may affect all genders, but women and girls are more often affected by GBV. Additionally, GBV is understood as maintaining a system of oppression (Jewkes et al., 2015) and a gender hierarchy. Social and gender norms, prejudices and gender stereotypes are acknowledged to play an important role in maintaining GBV by enhancing, or minimising GBV. In many cases, prevention of GBV focuses on empowerment, training and creating and raising awareness in the population. Prevention addresses norms, prejudices, customs and traditions that may be harmful or increase power disparities between genders. Domestic violence (DV) is one facet of GBV. It ranges from any abuse and violence experienced in the private sphere, more specifically at home, and includes several forms of violence, such as psychological/emotional (incl. economical), physical, and sexual violence. Although complex, the relations between women's empowerment and gender equality are nevertheless seen as protective factors regarding DV (Wemrell et al., 2020).
    Funding Agency
    EU Commission

Sociology and Social Work, Health Care & Health Services (including Health Technology and Health Information Systems), Other Health Sciences,

Recognition

  • Fellowship Ad Eundem of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland 2018
  • Richard O'Kennedy Award for Nurse Education 2021
  • Expressions Research Orientations Sexuality Studies (EROSS) Research Cluster
  • Member of the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland. Present