International honour for nursing and midwifery education leader
By Jayde Redgen
A CQUniversity researcher has been recognised among the world's most influential contributors to research exploring clinical learning environments, highlighting the international impact of her work in nursing and midwifery education.
Professor Amanda Henderson has been identified as one of the leading researchers in the field through a recently published international bibliometric analysis examining clinical learning environment research from 1957 to 2024.
The study analysed 3077 publications spanning more than six decades and identified Prof Henderson among the field's most productive and influential authors. Her contribution included 22 publications and 740 citations, with the analysis also recognising her as a central figure within the international research network.
For Prof Henderson, the recognition reflects the importance of a field that has shaped much of her practice and research career.
"I was pleased that my work had been well received. However, I was also a little surprised there was not more extensive research, as I feel this area is fundamental to quality patient care," she said.
Clinical learning environments refer to healthcare workplaces where students, graduates and experienced clinicians develop their knowledge and skills while delivering care.
Prof Henderson said positive learning environments were built on inclusion, respect and a culture where people feel safe to ask questions and share ideas.
"When people feel accepted, listened to and central to quality practice, learning flourishes. Those environments readily integrate contemporary evidence into practice, providing the best care for patients."
Her interest in the field began during her own nursing and midwifery career, where she experienced different healthcare systems and workplace cultures across Australia and overseas.
"As a student and early in my career, I enjoyed learning and I realised there were significant variations in clinical contexts and the learning opportunities available while providing patient care," she said.
"The shift of nursing education from hospitals to universities during the 1980s and early 1990s also created challenges and, at times, a disconnect between learning and work. Since then, I have been interested in how we can better align learning and practice because so much can be learnt in workplaces."
Throughout her career, Prof Henderson has focused on practical research and intervention studies aimed at improving learning experiences for nursing and midwifery students.
"I believe my research has helped because it explores how we can best make a difference," she said.
She attributes much of her success to collaboration with colleagues and educators  who share a commitment to improving learning in practice, and also who are interested in rigorous investigation into learning and practice.
"I wish to acknowledge all the teams I have worked with who have approached me with great ideas and worked hard to achieve fantastic outcomes in optimising learning in practice."
Looking ahead, Prof Henderson believes the next challenge for the sector is ensuring evidence is consistently translated into practice.
"Drawing on this research to foster environments that consistently engage with evidence to inform practice is the logical next step," she said.
Beyond publication metrics and citations, she hopes her research legacy will be seen through lasting improvements in healthcare workplaces.
"Staff wellbeing and quality patient care go hand in hand. In positive clinical learning environments, staff feel safe to raise concerns, discuss best practice and continuously improve care. When those conversations happen, patient care improves."
The recognition highlights both Prof Henderson's sustained contribution to nursing and midwifery education research and the calibre of research being undertaken within CQUniversity's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences.
