Hannah O'Rourke, RN, PhD - Directory@UAlberta.ca

Contact

Associate Professor, Faculty of Nursing

Email: hjerke@ualberta.ca
Phone: (780) 492-7961
Address: 3-141 Dianne and Irving Kipnes Health Research Academy
11405 87 Ave NW

Edmonton AB

T6G 1C9

Overview

About

Degrees

•Postdoctoral fellowship (CIHR), Health Interventions, School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University (2015-2017)

•PhD, Nursing, University of Alberta (2009-2015)

•BScN (honors), University of Alberta (2004-2008)

Research

Dr O’Rourke leads the CONNECTing for Quality of Life (CONNECT-QoL) research program.

Social connectedness—perceptions of closeness and belonging in relationships with others— is a priority for quality of life in Canada and internationally. Applying methodology for the development of complex interventions, the CONNECT-QoL program focuses on the design and evaluation of interventions for use with people living with dementia and their family and friends caregivers to address loneliness and promote social connectedness. Interventions currently under development include a social support intervention (MT4C-In Care), a personal contact intervention (Connecting Today), and a music-based group activity intervention (Music Connects Us).

The goal of this program of research is to produce effective interventions to promote social connectedness, and which people with dementia and their family, friends and health care providers find acceptable for use in real world settings. Ultimately, this research aims to have a meaningful impact on quality of life, as it is defined and understood by people with dementia.

ACTIVE GRANTS (Nominated Principal Applicant)

O’Rourke HM (NPI), Hoben M (co-PI), Peacock S (co-PI), Bethell J, Boscart V, Chamberlain S, Cranley L, Ghosh S, Hopper T, McGilton K, O’Connell M (Co-Is), Chaskavich K, Checkland C, Cornell J, Drimer N, Duncan D, Eager C, Friesen S, Gregory D, Haugen L, Huhn A, Iartseva R, Jeannotte A, Maisey S, Michael J, Peck S, Sinden D, Stainbrook V, Wong A (Collaborators). Connecting Today to combat social isolation and loneliness: An evaluation of a remote visiting program for care home residents living with dementia. CIHR Project Grant Pandemics and Health Emergencies Research – Multi-Year, $300,000 (Oct 1, 2024-Sept 30, 2027).
O’Rourke HM (NPI), Symonds-Brown H, Archibald M, Byl J, Hoben M, Hopper T, Chasteen A, Bar R (Co-Is), Nickalls L, Switzer AM, (Collaborators). Music Connects Us: Experiences of a community-led music program to promote social inclusion of people living with dementia in care homes. Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS) Research Cluster Grant, $75,000 (Apr 1, 2024-Mar 31, 2027).

Teaching

Mentorship and Supervision

I supervise undergraduate honors, masters (thesis, research stream), doctoral and post-doctoral trainees with a specific focus on complex intervention design and evaluation to promote quality of life in of older adults living with dementia and their family/ friend carers in care home settings.

I am currently considering new graduate student requests for the 2028 ADMISSION YEAR (fall 2027 application deadline)

To make a graduate supervisory request, please email hannah.orourke@ualberta.ca with: (1) an attached maximum 1-pg single-spaced cover letter detailing your reasons for seeking training within the CONNECT-QoL research program; and (2) an attached CV

Due to a high volume of requests, inquiries missing these attachments will not be responded to. I am no longer accepting requests for supervision for the 2027 Admission year (fall 2026 deadline).

Undergraduate students seeking training within the CONNECT-QoL research program are encouraged to apply for posted research assistant positions if available and/ or apply to the Honors program and indicate your interest in working with Dr. O'Rourke during the matching process (matching is completed by the Honors Program Coordinator).

Recent Courses Taught

In the undergraduate program, I have taught undergraduate honors seminars (NURS 399), and was a former coordinator for the honors program (2022- 2026).

In the graduate program, I currently teach courses in knowledge translation.

Courses

INT D 690 - Knowledge Utilization: Science and Practice

This course examines the science and practice of knowledge utilization, including theoretical underpinnings and exploration and critique of evidenced-based practice and knowledge translation in health care. Particular attention will be given to the conceptual and methodological features of the scientific field of knowledge utilization, knowledge use in complex organizations, and the design and application of strategies to increase the use of diverse forms of knowledge in health care policy and practice.

Winter Term 2027

Browse more courses taught by Hannah O'Rourke