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
Associate Professor in the School of Nursing
·
2011 - 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
Children With Severe Neurologic Impairment and Their Families in the PICU: A Secondary Qualitative Analysis to Assess Clinician-Family Collaboration and Mutuality.
Journal Article Pediatr Crit Care Med · September 1, 2025 OBJECTIVES: In children with severe neurologic impairment (SNI) admitted to the PICU, a trauma-informed approach to care may mitigate the effect of traumatic events on both parents and the child. We aimed to characterize the themes that impacted the trauma ... 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 · September 1, 2025 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 CiteComparison of Symptoms Between Midlife Women in Perimenopause and Postmenopause Using Network Comparison Test.
Journal Article Western journal of nursing research · July 2025 IntroductionMidlife women in perimenopause and postmenopause experience a complex array of symptoms. However, there is conflicting evidence on how their symptom experiences differ by menopausal stage. Current studies have not examined the intercon ... 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 - 2030Improving needs among older adults: the ICUconnect 2 primary palliative care RCT
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute on Aging · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
1999
Ph.D.