Devoted research nurse Malisa leading the way in epilepsy research

This International Nurses Day (12 May 2024), we celebrate the remarkable contributions and commitment of research nurses which are making huge impacts for patients.

Among these dedicated professionals is Malisa Pierri, a member of the Health and Care Research Wales Faculty and Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Welsh Epilepsy Centre, who has explained the profound impact research nurses can have on patient care through research and innovation.

Malisa's nursing career began in 1998 and she has been devoted to neurosciences since her training. Over the years, Malisa has committed herself to advancing patient care through research and clinical trials.

Malisa said: “I have always been lucky to be involved in studies that piqued my interest.”

“The Welsh Epilepsy Centre was the highest recruiter for the SANAD II trial, which was a national study to examine the efficacy of anti-epilepsy medications. We were able to identify, recruit and monitor patients all the way through.”

Malisa took on opportunities such as the Betsi Cadwaladr Scholarship and the Florence Nightingale Travel Scholarship, which broadened her understanding of epilepsy care across different healthcare settings.

She was awarded the Research Capacity Building Collaboration (RCBC) Wales fellowship in 2020 which allowed her to start a comprehensive study on virtual appointments in epilepsy management.

Through meticulous interviews and analysis, Malisa has uncovered valuable insights that have helped to reshape clinical practice.

“As a clinician, I know what's happening on the clinical side. I am also doing research, I’m able to influence clinical practice along with research.

“I can see the impact of my research in my day-to-day work and the impact on patient care.

“That's why I love being involved in research.”

Malisa is advocating for a clinical academic role that will allow her to continue to make meaningful contributions to both clinical practice and research.

She said:

Research is all about changing things for the better and moving forward. Being able to change and influence clinically gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

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