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  • Professor Terri Downer

    Professor Terri Downer

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Professor Terri Downer

Associate Dean (Midwifery)

Staff Member Details
Email: t.downer@ecu.edu.au
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3192-9579

Professor Terri Downer is Associate Dean, Midwifery within the School of Nursing and Midwifery. In this leadership role, she provides strategic direction for midwifery education, advancing excellence in midwifery practice and education across both the University and the broader health sector.

Background

  • 2026 - Present:  Professor and Associate Dean of Midwifery - Edith Cowan University, WA
  • 2026 - Present: Adjunct Professor - University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD
  • 2021 - 2026: Associate Professor /Discipline Lead Midwifery - University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD
  • 2019 - 2021: Senior Lecturer in Nursing - University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD
  • 2010 - 2019: Lecturer in Nursing and Midwifery - University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD

Professional Associations

  • Australian College of Midwives (ACM)
  • Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA)
  • Senior Fellow: The Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)

Awards and Recognition

  • 2024: School of Health, Innovative and Transformative Curriculum: Innovation in curriculum co-design with industry partners, consumers, First Nations people and current midwifery professionals to ensure academic rigor aligned with the care women prefer and the practical demands of the healthcare sector.
  • 2023: School of Health, Outstanding Early Career Researcher - Nomination
  • 2020/21: Australian College of Nursing (ACN) Leadership Scholarship – Awarded $1100
  • 2019: Senior Fellowship of Higher Education Academy – Awarded - (SFHEA)
  • 2015: Advancing the Blended Learning Environment - ABLE - Awarded $2000
  • 2015: Learning and Teaching Initiative for Blended Learning – Awarded $2000

Research Areas and Interests

  • Scholarship of Learning and Teaching
  • Simulation and visualisation
  • Qualitative midwifery research
  • Midwifery workforce

Qualifications

  • Master of Education (Leadership & Management), Queensland University of Technology, 2022.
  • Doctor of Philosphy, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2019.
  • PostGraduate Certificate of Nursing Science, James Cook University, 2009.
  • Master of Advanced Practice (Community & Primary Health Care, Griffith University, 2007.

Research Outputs

2026

Journal Articles

  • Gray, M., Vogal, K., Bernloehr, A., Downer, T., Welfare, M., Bauer, N. (2026). Digital Teaching in Midwifery Education Since 2021: A Literature Review of Trends, Technological Advancements, and Challenges. Nurse Education in Practice, 94(-), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2026.104900.
  • Capper, T., Downer, T. (2026). Midwifery as a career choice for school leavers: A scoping review. Women and Birth, 39(1), 9 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102142.
  • Fraser, R., Downer, T., Roy, R., Oprescu, F. (2026). Exploring the experiences of midwives in rural and remote regions in South Asia: a scoping review.. Rural and Remote Health, 26(1), 14 pages. https://doi.org/10.22605/RRH10079.
  • Fraser, R., Downer, T., Mason, M., Khatun, A., Afsana, K., Sarker, M., Oprescu, F. (2026). We still provide care, even if it’s by torchlight: A qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of midwives in rural Bangladesh. Women and Birth, 39(4), 8 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2026.102243.
  • Ezedinma, U., Jones, E., Burgess, S., Campbell, G., Fjaagesund, S., Metse, A., Downer, T., Oprescu, F. (2026). Effects of alpha rhythm-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on sleep and quality of life outcomes in autistic children: a chart review. Autism, 131(-), 8 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.reia.2026.202823.
  • Ezedinma, U., Burgess, S., Jones, E., Fjaagesund, S., Metse, A., Downer, T., Oprescu, F. (2026). Methodological approaches to sleep measures in children with autism spectrum disorder – a systematic review. Current Sleep Medicine Reports, 12(6), 15 pages. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40675-026-00354-2.
  • Elks, M., Young, J., Downer, T. (2026). Decision-making in paediatric nurses caring for infants with bronchiolitis: a think aloud study. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 88(-), 371-377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2026.03.004.
  • Barlow, M., Kikkawa, Y., Ryan, C., Downer, T., Dickie, R., Kurup, C., Reid-Searl, K., Lamb, A., Wordworth, A., Eaton, N., Heaton, L., Guinea, S. (2026). Strengthening Simulation Design and Cultural Safe Practice: End-User Evaluation of the Quality Simulation Assurance Framework. Advances in Simulation, 2026(article in press), 49 pages. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41077-026-00454-7.

2025

Journal Articles

  • Fraser, R., Downer, T., Oprescu, F. (2025). Midwifery Education in Bangladesh: An In-Depth Analysis through a Systematic Literature Review. Women and Birth, 37(5), 10 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101661.
  • Grubb, C., Young, J., Downer, T., D'souza, L. (2025). Beyond the Rules: An Integrative Review of Parental Perspectives on Safer Infant Sleep in Shared Environments. Frontiers in Public Health, 13(-), 21 pages. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1629678.
  • Ezedinma, U., Jones, E., Ring, A., Miller, S., Ladhams, A., Fjaagesund, S., Downer, T., Campbell, G., Oprescu, F. (2025). Short report on a distinct electroencephalogram endophenotype for MTHFR gene variation co-occurring in autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 29(4), 1080-1086. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241305721.
  • King, R., Downer, T., Lord, B., Flanagan, B., Oprescu, F. (2025). A Practical Example of How to Apply Constructivist Grounded Theory Methodology: Exploring Patient Experiences During Paramedic Led Healthcare. Research in Nursing and Health, 48(4), 508-521. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.22468.
  • Elks, M., Young, J., Downer, T. (2025). Paediatric nurses’ decision-making related to high flow oxygen therapy in infants with bronchiolitis: a cross-sectional survey. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 84(-), 370-379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2025.06.049.
  • Johnson-Cash, J., Downer, T., Millear, P., Holt, J., Francia, L. (2025). Student Midwife Support Circles: do they influence emotional wellbeing and a sense of belonging to the midwifery profession?. Midwifery, 148(-), 9 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2025.104536.
  • Ezedinma, U., Burgess, S., Jones, E., Singh, J., Ladhams, A., Campbell, G., Fjaagesund, S., Swierkowski, P., Adeyinka, A., Metse, A., Downer, T., Oprescu, F. (2025). Evaluating the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on sleep difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Sleep Advances, 6(4), 14 pages.
  • Ezedinma, U., Burgess, S., Greenhill, J., Singh, J., Jones, E., Ladhams, A., Campbell, G., Fjaagesund, S., Swierkowski, P., Metse, A., Downer, T., Oprescu, F. (2025). Home Polysomnography in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Prospective Observational Study. Journal of Sleep Research, 35(4), 9 pages.

2024

Journal Articles

  • Sutherland, K., Brock, G., Sheepers, M., Millear, P., Norman, S., Strohfeldt, T., Downer, T., Masters, N., Black, A. (2024). Non-traditional students’ preferences for learning technologies and impacts on academic self-efficacy. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 36(-), 298-319. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-023-09354-5.
  • Barlow, M., Heaton, L., Ryan, C., Downer, T., Reid-Searl, K., Guinea, S., Dickie, R., Wordsworth, A., Hawes, P., Lamb, A., Andersen, P. (2024). The application and integration of evidence-based best practice standards to healthcare simulation design: A scoping review. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 87(-), 14 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2023.101495.
  • Ezedinma, U., Burgess, S., Nikles, J., Downer, T., Jones, E., Metse, A., Fjaagesund, S., Oprescu, F. (2024). The potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for addressing sleep difficulties in children with autism – a brief communication. Sleep Medicine, 118(-), 78-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2024.04.005.
  • Schofield, K., Downer, T., Kean, B., Oprescu, F. (2024). Hanging up the car keys. Exploring factors that influence older drivers in planning for driving retirement. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 35(-), 14 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2023.101750.
  • McNeill, L., Jefford, E., Gray, M., Bloxsome, D., Downer, T., Johnson-Cash, J., Ebert, L. (2024). A survey of students’ experiences of returning to midwifery studies after maternity leave: A pilot survey. Nurse Education in Practice, 79(2024), article number 104073. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104073.

2023

Journal Articles

  • Bahri, H., Madrane, M., Downer, T., Gray, M., Ahabrach, H., El Mlili, N. (2023). Using action learning research for the development and implementation of an ePortfolio in nursing clinical placements. Action Learning: research and practice, 20(1), 5-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767333.2022.2151411.
  • Kirby, M., Downer, T., Slade, C., Fisher, M., Isbel, S., Siddiqui, Z., McAllister, L., Miller, A., Brown Wilson, C. (2023). A call to action for eProfessionalism: developing the use of ePortfolio with emerging health and education practitioners. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 35(-), 413-432. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-022-09326-1.
  • Gray, M., McNeil, L., Downer, T., Bloxsome, D., Jefford, E. (2023). An analysis of legislation and policies that guide maternity leave decision making in Australian midwifery students. Australian Health Review, 47(6), 652-666. https://doi.org/10.1071/AH23099.
  • Siddiqui, Z., Fisher, M., Slade, C., Downer, T., Kirby, M., McAllister, L., Isbel, S., Brown-Wilson, C. (2023). Twelve tips for introducing E-Portfolios in health professions education. Medical Teacher, 45(2), 139-144. https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2022.2053085.
  • King, R., Oprescu, F., Lord, B., Flanagan, B., Downer, T. (2023). Patients’ experiences of non-conveyance following an emergency ambulance service paramedic response: A constructivist grounded theory exploration. Paramedicine, 20(3), 63-78. https://doi.org/10.1177/27536386231163721.
  • Schofield, K., Kean, B., Oprescu, F., Downer, T., Hardy, M. (2023). A systematic review and meta-synthesis of the complex and interconnected factors that influence planning for driving retirement. Journal of Safety Research, 85(-), 42-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsr.2023.01.005.
  • Cole, R., Kearney, L., Amarrador, A., Downer, T., Halsall, R., Davison, M., Thomas, C. (2023). Using Web-based Training and Low-fidelity Simulation to Provide Education and Support to Emergency Nurses Undertaking Non-Urgent Paediatric Inter-Hospital Transfers. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 83(-), 12 pages. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2023.101435.
  • Hamilton, A., Downer, T., Flanagan, B., Chilman, L. (2023). The use of ePortfolio in health profession education to demonstrate competence and enhance employability: A scoping review. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 14(1), 154 – 166. https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2023vol14no1art1704.
  • Downer, T., Halsall, R., Cole, R., Thomas, C., Kearney, L. (2023). Non-urgent paediatric interhospital transfers: A narrative inquiry of nurses’ experiences in Australia. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 49(4), 564-573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2022.12.007.
  • Gray, M., Downer, T., Hanson, J., Hartz, D., Gao, Y., Andersen, P. (2023). The impact of three-dimensional visualisation on midwifery student’s application of knowledge of the third stage of labour to practice: Qualitative findings of a pilot randomised controlled trial. Women and Birth, 36(1), e36-e43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2022.04.009.

2022

Journal Articles

  • Gray, M., Downer, T., Hartz, D., Hanson, J., Andersen, P., Gao, Y. (2022). The impact of three-dimensional visualisation on midwifery student learning, compared with traditional education for teaching the third stage of labour: A pilot randomised controlled trial. Nurse Education Today, 108(Jan 2022), Article number 105184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2021.105184.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Gray, M., Downer, T. (2021). Midwives’ perspectives of the challenges in mentoring students: A qualitative survey. Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research, 28(1), 135-142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2020.05.004.
  • Downer, T., Gray, M., Capper, T. (2021). Online learning and teaching approaches used in midwifery programs: A scoping review. Nurse Education Today, 103(August 2021), Article number 104980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2021.104980.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Downer, T., Gray, M., Anderson, P. (2020). Three-Dimensional Technology: Evaluating the use of visualization in midwifery education. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 39(February 2020), 27-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2019.10.008.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Gray, M., Downer, T., Capper, T. (2019). Australian midwifery student’s perceptions of the benefits and challenges associated with completing a portfolio of evidence for initial registration: paper based and ePortfolios. Nurse Education in Practice, 39(August 2019), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2019.07.003.
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