Biography
Dr. Órla Gilheaney is Assistant Professor in Speech and Language Pathology in the Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies. She has clinical experience working in acute, rehabilitation, and palliative care settings and currently works part-time in TCD and part-time in a clinical post-acute rehabilitation setting.
Her research interests focus particularly on under-researched invisible illnesses, the lived experience of chronic illness, and patient and public involvement in research. She has active national and international collaborative projects underway which focus on these topics and their translation to patient-centred care. She has multiple peer-reviewed publications and acts as a reviewer for numerous international peer-review journals. Her undergraduate teaching focuses on ethics and professional studies, evidence-based practice, and research skills. She also supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate research projects currently and is Vice-Chair of the research Ethics Committee for the School of Linguistic, Speech, and Communication Sciences. She is the Inclusivity Champion for the School of Linguistic, Speech, and Communication Sciences and was awarded a Trinity Teaching Excellence Award in 2021. She is passionate about championing inclusivity and diversity in all clinical and educational sectors in order to positively impact on personal and overall societal wellbeing. Her aim in teaching is to ensure that all of her students, regardless of background, personal circumstances, or learning abilities, have equitable opportunities to engage fully in learning and to achieve their goals during their time in Trinity.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Flanagan, A., & Gilheaney, Ó. , Scoping review: Perspective of physicians working with patients with chronic pain dysphagia (CPD) and the challenges they face, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress,, Online, November 4th - 6th 2, 2022
Pighetti, D., Hirschwald, J., & Gilheaney, O., Developmental feeding milestones in the transition from non-oral feeding to oral feeding in premature infants: a scoping review., Speech, Language and Hearing, 2021
Quigley, D., Gilheaney, Ó., O'Neill, M., & Davis, S., Speech and Language Therapists' Perspectives of an E-Learning Course on Providing Feedback in the Clinical Learning Environment, Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica, 2021
Gilheaney, O. & Quigley, D. , The enablers and barriers to facilitating the development of reflective practice skills of third level allied health professional students through technology: A scoping review, Advances in Communication and Swallowing, 2021
Gilheaney Ó., Stassen, L., & Walshe, M. , Oral stage dysphagia and temporomandibular disorders: Management within the Irish healthcare system., World Dysphagia Symposium - Scheduled for 2020, re-scheduled to 2021 secondary to Covid-19, World Dysphagia Symposium - Scheduled for 2020, re-scheduled to 2021 secondary to Covid-19, 2021
Gilheaney Ó., Stassen, L., & Walshe, M. , Oral stage dysphagia and temporomandibular disorders: Management within the Irish healthcare system., World Dysphagia Symposium - Scheduled for 2020, re-scheduled to 2021 secondary to Covid-19, World Dysphagia Symposium - Scheduled for 2020, re-scheduled to 2021 secondary to Covid-19, 2021
Orla Gilheaney & Duana Quigley, The enablers and barriers to facilitating the development of reflective practice skills withinof third level healthcare students through technology: A scoping review., INHED Annual Conference 2021, Online, March 2021, 2021
Gilheaney Ó & Walshe M, Rheumatologist's Views on Oral Stage Dysphagia in adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint: An Irish Perspective, MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY, 31, (2), 2020, p225 - 229
Gilheaney Ó, Stassen L, & Walshe M, The Epidemiology, Nature, and Impact of Eating and Swallowing Problems in Adults presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders., CRANIO: The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice, 20, 2020, p1 - 9
Gilheaney, Ó., & Walsh, I.P. , "Just being alive was a struggle each day": A Qualitative Investigation of the Lived Experience of Oral Stage Dysphagia in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis affecting the Temporomandibular Joint., Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Online Congress, Oct 8th-10th 2020, In Press, 2020
Pighetti, D., Hirschwald, J., & Gilheaney, Ó. , Milestones In The Transition From Non-Oral Feeding To Oral Feeding In Preterm Infants: A Scoping Review, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Online Congress, Oct 8th-10th 2020, In Press, 2020
Gilheaney O., Walsh I.P. , "Just being alive was a struggle each day": A Qualitative Investigation of the Lived Experience of Oral Stage Dysphagia in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis affecting the Temporomandibular Joint., , Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Online Congress, Online, 8th-10th Oct 2020, 2020
Gilheaney Ó, Bechet S, & Walshe M , Modified Diet Use in adults with Temporomandibular Disorders related to Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review., Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology, 31, (2), 2020, p183 - 189
Pighetti, D., Hirschwald, J., & Gilheaney, Ó. , Milestones In The Transition From Non-Oral Feeding To Oral Feeding In Preterm Infants: A Scoping Review, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Online Congress, Oct 8th-10th 2020, In Press, 2020
Gilheaney O, Walshe M , Oral stage dysphagia in adults presenting with temporomandibular disorders , Dysphagia , European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Dublin, Ireland, 25-29th Sept 2018, 34, (5), 2019, pp720 - 819
Pighetti, D., Hirschwald, J., & Gilheaney, Ó. , 'Milestones in the transition from non-oral feeding to oral feeding in preterm infants: a scoping review', Open Science Framework, Open Science Framework, 2019, -
Gilheaney, Ó., Béchet, S., Kerr, P., Kenny, C., Smith, S., Kouider, R., ... & Walshe, M. , The Prevalence of Oral Stage Dysphagia in adults presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 2018, p1 - 11
Gilheaney, Ó., Stassen, L. F., & Walshe, M. , The Prevalence, Nature, and Management of Oral Stage Dysphagia in Adults with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Findings from an Irish Cohort, Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery., 76, (8), 2018, p1665 - 1676
Gilheaney Ó., Stassen, L., & Walshe, M. , Patient Contribution to the Development of a Novel Educational Tool for Adults presenting with Temporomandibular Disorder-Related Oral Stage Dysphagia, RCSI SPHeRE conference, Dublin, Ireland, January 12th, 2018, 2018
Gilheaney, Ó., Walshe, M., & Kerr, P. , The Use of Modified Diets by adults with Temporomandibular Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. , Journal of the Irish Dental Association, 64, (5), 2018, p249 - 254
Kenny, C., Gilheaney, O, Walsh, D, Regan, J., Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Evaluation Tools in Adults with Solid Malignancies Outside the Head and Neck and Upper GI Tract: A Systematic Review, Dysphagia, 33, (3), 2018, p303 - 320
Gilheaney Ó., Stassen, L., & Walshe, M. , Eating is My Worst Nightmare": The Epidemiological Investigation of Oral Stage Dysphagia in Adult Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders., Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Barcelona, Spain, September 21-22 2017, 32, 2017, pp178-
Gilheaney Ó., Stassen, L., Zgaga, L., & Walshe, M, Surveying the Prevalence and Nature of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia experienced by adults presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders, RCSI SPHeRE conference, Dublin, Ireland, , January 12th 2017, 2017
Gilheaney Ó., Zgaga L., Harpur I., Sheaf G., Kiefer L., Béchet S., Walshe M., The Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults Presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Dysphagia, 32, (5), 2017, p587 - 600
Gilheaney, Ó., Zgaga, L., Harpur, I., Sheaf, G., Kiefer, L., Bechet, S., & Walshe, M. , The Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults Presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Examining the Evidence, The Health and Social Care Professional Conference, Dublin, Ireland, November 16th, 2016, 2016
Bechet S, Hill F, Gilheaney O, Walshe M, Diagnostic accuracy of the Modified Evan's Blue Dye Test in Detecting Aspiration in Patients with Tracheostomy: A systematic review of the evidence, Dysphagia, 31, (6), 2016, p721 - 729
Gilheaney, Ó., Zgaga, L., Harpur, I., Sheaf, G., Kiefer, L., Bechet, S., & Walshe, M. , The Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults Presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Examining the Evidence., Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Milan, Italy, October 14-15th 2016, 32, 2016, pp178-
Gilheaney O, Kerr P, Bechet S, Walshe M, Effectiveness of endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy in adults with neurological disease: systematic review, Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 130, (12), 2016, p1077 - 1085
Conway A, Gilheaney O, McTiernan K, Walshe M, Validating a Novel Tongue Pressure Measurement Device: Research challenges, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Brussels, Belgium, 23-25 October, 30, 2015, pp242-
Gilheaney, Ó., Kerr, P., Bechet, S., & Walshe, M, The Effectiveness of Endoscopic Cricopharyngeal Myotomy on Upper Oesophageal Sphincter Dysfunction in adults with UOS Dysfunction and Neurological Disease: A Systematic Review, Dysphagia, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Barcelona, Spain, October 1st-3rd 2015, 31, 2015, pp318-
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
Gilheaney, Ó., & Quigley, D., 'The enablers and barriers to facilitating the development of reflective practice skills of third level healthcare students through technology: A scoping review', OpenScience Framework, 2021, -
Gilheaney, Ó., & Chadwick, A. , 'The prevalence and nature of eating and swallowing problems in adults with fibromyalgia: A systematic review', Prospero, 2021, -
Ward, S. & Gilheaney, Ó, 'Chronic but Iconic Podcast ', Spotify, 2021, -
Ward, S. & Gilheaney, Ó, 'Chronic but Iconic Podcast ', Spotify, 2021, -
Nuzum, E., O'Dwyer, N., & Gilheaney, Ó., 'Allied healthcare professionals' perspectives on working with people with dementia: A Scoping Review', OpenScience Framework, 2020, -
Flanagan, A., Barry, C. C., & Gilheaney, Ó., 'A scoping review: The firsthand perspectives of doctors and challenges they face when managing patients with chronic pain with dysphagia.', OpenScience Framework, 2020, -
Barry, C. C., Flanagan, A., & Gilheaney, Ó., 'Allied health professionals and student's attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge of evidence-based practice throughout all clinical contexts: A scoping review.', OpenScience Framework, 2020, -
Orla Gilheaney, Introducing the new Dysphagia Diet Standards, 2019, -
Gilheaney Ó., & Walshe, M. , The Prevalence, Nature, Impact, and Management of Oral Stage Dysphagia in adults presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders, TCD Postgraduate Lecture for MSc students, Dublin, Ireland, January 25th, 2018, 2018
Gilheaney Ó., & Walshe, M. , The Prevalence, Nature, and Impact of Oral Stage Dysphagia in Adults Presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders, European Society of Swallowing Disorders Congress, Dublin, Ireland, Sept 29th 2018, 2018
Gilheaney Ó., & Walshe, M. , Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Temporomandibular Disorders: Investigating an Invisible Illness., Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists Conference,, Dublin, Ireland, May 24th 2017, 2017
Gilheaney Ó., Stassen, L., & Walshe, M. , Surveying the Prevalence and Nature of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Experienced in Adults presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders., RCSI National Audit / Presentation day, Dublin, Ireland, February 3rd 2017, 2017
Gilheaney Ó., & Walshe, M. , The Prevalence, Nature, and Management of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults Presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders, TCD Clinical Speech and Language Studies Seminar, Dublin, Ireland, March 30th, 2017, 2017
Kenny, C., Regan, J., Walsh, D., & Gilheaney, Ó. , 'Bedside Screening and Evaluation Tools for Oro-Pharyngeal Dysphagia in adults with Solid Tumours Outside the Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract: A Systematic Review. PROSPERO 2016 CRD42016038235. ', 2016, -
Gilheaney, Ó., Zgaga, L., Harpur, I, Kerr, P., & Walshe, M. , 'The Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Adults presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PROSPERO 2016:CRD42016050846. Retrieved: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42016050846.', Prospero, 2016, -
Gilheaney, Ó., Harpur, I., Sheaf, G., Zgaga, L., & Walshe, M. , 'The Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in adults presenting with Temporomandibular Disorders associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PROSPERO 2016 CRD42016033528. ', 2016, -
Research Expertise
Description
My research interests centre on the investigation of the prevalence, nature, impact, and management of dysphagia and communication difficulties in under-researched populations, especially among people who experience chronic invisible illnesses. Research has demonstrated that those with so-called "invisible illnesses" face stigmatisation within healthcare, with reduced levels of clinical management, low levels of satisfaction with care, poor healthcare outcomes, and resultant impaired quality of life. Building on this point, as SLT is a relatively new profession globally, the potentially impactful role of the SLT in supporting such patients has not yet been established or standardised. It is my aim that via the involvement of patients and the public in the design and conduct of research into this area, we can address healthcare inequities, improve patient-centred care plans, and contribute to the professional knowledge base. The focus of my research addresses large gaps in current evidence and service provision in three unique ways, positioning me as an international lead within research in this area. Firstly, I approach chronic invisible illnesses from a new perspective, through the exploration of swallowing and communication difficulties and their sequalae from both an evidenced-based practice and patient lived experience perspective. Secondly, via the promotion of patient and public involvement at all stages of research, I strive to produce coherent and readable syntheses of a range of perspectives that tend to be treated separately or discounted entirely (eg: patient, clinician, and academic). As these perspectives are typically reported separately or ignored this can lead to confusion in care provision and a lack of understanding between all stakeholders. It is rare in current international research to find an academic that successfully integrates lived experience, evidence-based literature and clinical management of invisible and often misdiagnosed illnesses, leading to the potential for my research to prompt improvements in care provision and patient well-being. Thirdly, across the medical and allied-health clinical and research realms, the effects of chronic and invisible illness are often side-lined or ignored, despite anecdotal patient reports of these being core priorities for care. This can lead to undiagnosed or mismanaged respiratory, nutritional, and psychosocial consequences which exacerbate underlying difficulties further. As such, my research aims to champion these perspectives in order to reduce the potential for long-term negative health sequelae. As is evident from my publication history and involvement in international collaborations in this area, I have established myself as a champion for research into under-explored dysphagia and communication concerns, with the potential to contribute significantly for future improvements in care provision, research integrity, and patient outcomes.Recognition
Representations
Vice-chair of the School of Linguistics, Speech, and Communication Sciences Research Ethics Committee
Inclusive Curriculum Champion for the School of Linguistics, Speech, and Communication Sciences with contribution to initiatives regarding the use of Universal Design for Learning principle across campus and online and advocacy for students with disabilities.
Presenter at Trinity College Dublin Open Day as a representative for the Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies.
Contributing member of Health Research Board - Clinical Research Coordination Ireland - PPI Working Group (HRB-CRCI-PPI-WG).
Associate Editor for the British Medical Journal - Supportive & Palliative Care division.
Peer reviewer for numerous international scientific journals, including: Arthritis Care and Research; Anesthesiology Research and Practice; Dysphagia; Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica; and Cranio.
International research partner with the Fibromyalgia and Centralized Pain Exploration Lab (University of Kansas Medical Center).
Active member of the IDS-TILDA research network as part of a dynamic speech and language therapy team.
CORU registered Speech and Language Therapist (SL015569).
Graduate member of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IA205208).
Awards and Honours
Foundation Scholar of Trinity College Dublin
Quatcentenary Prize for Speech-Language Pathology
Runner-up best oral presentation at the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists Conference
Laura Bassi Scholarship partial Publication Support and Editorial Assistance Award
Trinity College Dublin School of Linguistics, Speech, and Communication Sciences Inclusive Curriculum Champion
Digital Badge in Universal Design for Teaching & Learning from the Inclusive Curriculum Project Micro-credential
Trinity Excellence in Teaching Awards
Named co-researcher on a Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement Funding in Higher Education 2020 supported project which aims to co-design a blended model of practice education
IRC New Foundations Award
Memberships
CORU registered Speech and Language Therapist (SL015569)
Graduate member of the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (IA205208)
Member of TCD Inclusivity Champions network
Vice Chair of the School of Linguistic, Speech, and Communication Science Research Ethics Committee
Member of Health Research Board Clinical Research Public and Patient Involvement Working Group
Chair of FibroForum Conference Steering Committee
Member of Incorporated Orthopaedic Hospital of Ireland Nutrition and Hydration Educational Training group