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
Comparison 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 CiteUntrustworthiness, ineffective communication, and discrimination: The real issues behind lower utilization of labor epidural analgesia by Black Americans.
Journal Article Nurs Outlook · July 1, 2025 BACKGROUND: Non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals utilize up to 50% less labor epidural analgesia compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. PURPOSE: This Outlook and Perspectives aims to evaluate the factors contributing to racial differences in the ut ... Full text Link to item CiteObservational Video Study of Maternal Sleep During the 24 Hours Before Hospital Discharge After Childbirth
Journal Article JOGNN Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing · July 1, 2025 Objectives: To quantify maternal sleep during the 24 hours before hospital discharge after childbirth and to identify and describe the antecedents and contexts of waking. Design: Secondary analysis of data from an observational video study. Setting: Academ ... 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 - 2030Improving needs among older adults: the ICUconnect 2 primary palliative care RCT
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Nurse LEADS: Training in Nurse-LEd models of care ADdressing the Social Determinants of Health
Inst. Training Prgm or CMESignificant Contributor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
1999
Ph.D.