Overview
Dr. Docherty’s research is aimed at improving outcomes for children, adolescents, young adults and families undergoing treatment for life-limiting and chronic conditions. She studies how to improve care models, symptom management, and decision making from diagnosis through end of life. She has methodological expertise in the use of qualitative, mixed-methods, trajectory science and visualization methodologies for complex data exploration, and intervention development and testing.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor in the School of Nursing
·
2026 - Present
School of Nursing
Vice Dean for Research
·
2023 - Present
School of Nursing
Associate Professor in Pediatrics
·
2011 - Present
Pediatrics,
Clinical Science Departments
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society
·
2018 - Present
Duke Science & Society,
University Initiatives & Academic Support Units
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2024 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
"I expected to be called 'mother': exploring mental health needs of bereaved mothers in Tanzania.
Journal Article J Reprod Infant Psychol · May 19, 2026 BACKGROUND: Tanzania has among the highest rates of stillbirth and neonatal death globally, yet little is known about the mental health impact of such loss on mothers. Cultural stigma, silence around grief, and limited access to psychosocial support compou ... Full text Link to item CiteNurses' Role in Transitional Care During Intensive Care Unit Family Meetings for Patients With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation.
Journal Article J Adv Nurs · May 2026 AIM: To describe nurses' roles in transitional care planning during intensive care unit (ICU) family meetings for patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV). DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: Using secondary data from a trial of a ... Full text Link to item CiteGuest Editorial: Evolutions in Theory for Nursing Science.
Journal Article ANS. Advances in nursing science · April 2026 Full text CiteRecent Grants
Hospital-to-Home Care Coordination for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Clinical TrialCo Investigator · Awarded by Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute · 2024 - 20302/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030ASCENT: Advancing the Science of palliative Care rEsearch across the lifespaN
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus · 2025 - 2030View All Grants
Education
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
1999
Ph.D.