Barbara F. Piper has been appointed the first Scottsdale Healthcare/University of Arizona Chair of Nursing Research by The University of Arizona College of Nursing and the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center. Piper is a nationally distinguished educator, scientist and expert in cancer nursing research.
"The University of Arizona is thrilled to be partnering with Scottsdale Healthcare on this innovative project," said Marjorie A. Isenberg, dean and professor at the UA College of Nursing. "I am delighted that Dr. Piper has accepted this unique position, as her program of research focuses on significant clinical problems experienced by patients with cancer. She will make significant contributions to advance the science of oncology nursing research."
Piper's research focuses on fatigue and pain management in patients with cancer. She has been the principal investigator or co-investigator on several multi-interdisciplinary studies related to cancer nursing practices. Currently, she is co-investigator on a five-year, $3.7 million study that is attempting to translate the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's pain and fatigue evidence-based guidelines into practice by offering innovative ways to improve care for patients with cancer.
"Dr. Piper's work translates into providing the very best patient care, and her research will continue to develop state-of-the-art practices in oncology nursing practice," said Susan Brown, Scottsdale Healthcare associate vice president of oncology services.
Piper comes to her new position from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing, Omaha, where she was a graduate faculty/fellow and associate professor. Prior appointments include associate clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco; associate clinical director for the Post Master's Nursing Fellowship Program, Oncology Nursing Education at San Jose State University, Department of Nursing; and instructor at the College of Marin, Kentfield, Calif.
Piper has a doctorate in nursing and master's of science degrees from the University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing, and a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Syracuse University School of Nursing. During her career, she has received numerous prestigious awards and honors, most recently the Piper Fatigue Scale was selected for use in a 10-site cancer clinical trial by Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Her proven track record has earned her exceptional nursing credentials through teaching, clinical experience and research. She has integrated information on symptom management, genetics, evidence-based practice and bioterrorism into course content and clinical practica.
Piper will conduct research at Scottsdale Healthcare and maintain a research professor position at the UA College of Nursing. She will be responsible for conducting independent and collaborative research in clinically significant oncology nursing problems, building programs of interdisciplinary research and increasing the impact of cancer nursing research findings on health-care delivery and costs.
Piper said, "I am extremely honored to have been appointed professor and chair of nursing research at Scottsdale Healthcare/University of Arizona. This newly created position reflects an innovative and visionary commitment on the part of Scottsdale Healthcare and The University of Arizona to improve patient outcomes through oncology nursing research. I am delighted to have been given this unique opportunity and honor to advance my interdisciplinary program of research in cancer-related fatigue and evidence-based practice."
(Editors Note: Barbara Piper is not related to the Virginia G. Piper family.)