Elizabeth Ward

Prof Ward's research program has focused on adult acute services, including head and neck cancer management, critical care, and general dysphagia management. She conducts research into improving services, evaluating new models of care and new workforce models, digital service delivery models eg., telehealth, as well as clinical training models eg., simulation. Liz is also engaged in exploring the role and benefits of the clinician-researcher workforce within health services. Prof Ward currently holds a joint position as the Director of the Centre for Functioning and Health (CFAHR), in Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, and, Conjoint Professor with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. Her research has a clinical focus with particular emphasis on projects designed to improve patient outcomes within health services. She has published extensively with over 450 publications to date and has a track record of competitive grant funding across a number of research fields. Liz has been awarded multiple UQ teaching awards and has supervised >40 students to successful completion of their research higher degree. In 2014 Liz was awarded the title of Fellow of Speech Pathology Australia in recognition of her contributions to the profession. Telehealth: Assessment and treatment of dysphagia, neurogenic communication disorders, management of head and neck cancer. Speech and swallowing disorders: Management of speech and swallowing disorders in clinical populations including head and neck cancer, critical care populations (including tracheostomy management) and degenerative disorders. Models of student and professional training: Including the use of simulation technology for clinical skills development.

[2026] Journal Article: “I had to have a couple of days off work to get there”: Stakeholder perspectives in developing an occupational therapy burns telehealth service. Jones, Amber, Burns, Clare L., Ward, Elizabeth C. and Mc Kittrick, Andrea (2026). Burns, 52 (8) 108137, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2026.108137 [2026] Journal Article: From ‘Little Things’ to ‘Seagulls’: A mixed methods exploration of patients' experiences of person‐centred compassionate care in general medical and surgical wards. Cox, Ruth, Hewitt, Jayne, Dauway, Emilia, McConnell, Alex, Nixon, Jodie, El‐Higzi, Faiza, Naidu, Sanjeev and Ward, Elizabeth (2026). Health Expectations, 29 (5) e70844, 1-13. doi: 10.1111/hex.70844 [2026] Journal Article: Exploring the Laryngectomy Pathway Experience—a Mixed‐Method, Patient Journey