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 · April 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 CiteA Descriptive Qualitative Study of Religion and Spirituality's Role in Critical Illness Decision-Making Among Black and White Family Caregivers.
Journal Article CHEST Crit Care · March 2025 BACKGROUND: Spiritual beliefs and spiritual support from clinicians can affect medical decision-making and coping during times of serious illness. RESEARCH QUESTION: How do religion and spirituality affect the critical illness experience of Black and White ... Full text Link to item CiteFamily communication and courageous coping in Korean adolescents and young adults: a cross-sectional study.
Journal Article Journal of pediatric psychology · February 2025 ObjectiveAdolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are a vulnerable population during a critical developmental transition that can benefit from the adoption of courageous coping. Parental support is crucial in enhancing adjustment and coping ... 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.