Patricia F. Pearce, PhD, APRN

Contact Information:

• Mailing Address:
• University of Utah
• College of Nursing
• 10 South 2000 East
• Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5880
• Phone: (801) 585-3863
• FAX: (801) 587-9838
• E-mail: patricia.pearce@nurs.utah.edu

Background:

I am a certified family nurse practitioner and nurse-researcher, experienced working with patients and families across the lifespan. My clinical experience includes acute-care and ambulatory care, home health, community, and clinical research. I have a keen interest in technology, database design and development, and overall information management. My research interest area is in making technology work effectively and efficiently, in research and clinical arenas. In this context, specifically I am interested in maximizing the use of information technology in self-reported physical activity. I have taught at the undergraduate level (health assessment; leadership; care management), and graduate level (research; NP role). After completion of my PhD in August 2004 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I joined the University of Utah, College of Nursing, as Assistant Professor.

Research Program/ Scholarly Activity:

My dissertation research, Designing for Children, with Children: Computerized activity recall, represents a cohesive blending of my many interests. My dissertation research was a three-phased study aimed to (a) better understand children's conceptualization of physical activity; (b) develop with children a computerized interface/questionnaire (application) for children's self-report of physical activity, and (c) test the usability of the product with a group of children not involved in the design processes. I explored middle-school children's understanding of physical activity, and the burden of work imposed upon children in using self-report tools for reporting physical activity. I mapped the information from the qualitative, exploratory work with children to a computerized interface. Thus the completed application reflected what and how children think about physical activity and provides developmentally appropriate cues for recalling and reporting their physical activity. In the third phase of the study, children evaluated the usability of the application for reporting physical activity, and for general aesthetics and function. My dissertation research has served as the basis for my developing program of research. An initial reliability, validity, and usability evaluation served as a foundation for three additional competitive funding awards for more in-depth investigation of C-CPAR reliability and validity, which is currently in process.

Education:

• PhD  2004   University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  School of Nursing PhD Program
  Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
  Minor: Information and Library Science
  August 1999 - August 2004



• MSN  1995   Mississippi University for Women
  Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  Columbus, Mississippi
  Master of Science in Nursing
  Family Nurse Practitioner, August 1995



• MPH  1989   Tulane University
  School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine
  New Orleans, Louisiana
  Master of Public Health in Health Education, December 1989



• BSN   1993  Loyola University
  BA     1986  New Orleans, Louisiana
  Bachelor of Science in Nursing, May 1993
  Bachelor of Arts in History, December 1986



• AAS   1976  St. Mary's College
  Minneapolis, Minnesota
  Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, May 1976

Funded Research:

Recent Publications:

• Pearce PF, Harrell JS, MacMurray RG (2007 In Press). Middle-school children's understanding of physical activity: "If you're moving, you're doing physical activity". Journal of Pediatric Nursing.
• Pearce PF, Williamson J, Harrell JS, Wildemuth BM & Solomon, P (2007). The Children's computerized physical activity reporter (C-CPAR): Children as Partners in the Design and Usability Evaluation of an Application for Self-Reporting Physical Activity. Computers Informatics Nursing, 25(2), pp. 93-105.
• Pearce, P.F. (2005). Designing with children, for children: Computerized activity recall. Proceedings of the Western Institute for Nursing Assembly: Communicating Nursing Research, 77-85.
• Harrell, J..S., McMurray, R.G., Bangdiwala, S.I., Baggett, C., Pearce, P.F., & Pennell, M. (2005). Energy costs of physical activity in children and adolescents. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 37(2), 329-336.
• Haas, S.W., Travers, D.A., Waller, A.E., Hilligoss, B., Cahill, M., Pearce, P. F. (2004). Defining clinical similarity among ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes: Diagnosis cluster schemes. Advances in Classification Research, Proceedings of the 12th ASIST SIG Classification Research, 12, 67-92.
• Harrell, J.S., McMurray, R. G., Pearce, P. F., Creighton, D. & Amorim, L.(2003). Increase in obesity in children from 1990-2000 [Abstract]. Revista Portuguesa de ciencias do desporto: 22nd European Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting, 3, 137-139.
• Pearce, P.F., Harrell, J.S., McMurray, R.G., & Pennell, M.L. (2003) energy expenditure of sedentary activities in youth [Abstract]. Revista Portugesa de ciencias do desporto: 22nd European Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting, 3, 135-137.
• Harrell, J.S., Pearce, P.F., & Hayman, L.L., (2003). Fostering prevention in the pediatric population. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 18(2), 144-149.
• Barroso, J., Gollop, c.J., Sandelowski, M., Meynell, J., Pearce, P.F., & Collins, L. (2003). The challenges of searching for and retrieving qualitative studies. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 25(2), 153-178.
• Harrell, J.S., Pearce, P.F., Markland, E., Wilson, K., Bradley, C., & McMurray, R.G. (2003). Assessing physical activity in adolescents: Common activities of children in 6th-8th grades. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 15, 20-28.
• Haas SW, Travers DA, Waller AE, Hilligoss B, Cahill M, Pearce PF (2004). Defining clinical similarity among ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes: Diagnosis cluster schemes. I was co-author, and co-developer of program discussed, a JAVA-based system for research project on ICD-9 code identification and grouping involving data from three North Carolina Hospitals. Advances in Classification Research, Proceedings of the 12th ASIST SIG Classification Research Workshop, 12, p. 67-92.
• Harrell JS, Pearce PF, Markland E, Wilson K, Bradle, C, & McMurray RG (2003). Assessing physical activity in adolescents: Common activities of children in 6th-8th grades. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 15(4), 170-80.
• Lovitt SA, Nichols RL, Smith JW, Muzik AC, & Pearce PF (1992). Isolation gowns: A false sense of security? American Journal of Infection Control, 20(4), 185-191.
• Nichols RL, Smith JW, Muzik AC, Pearce PF, Ozmen VMN, & Flint LA (1993). Prospective alterations in therapy for penetrating abdominal trauma. Archives of Surgery, 128, 55-64./li>
• Pearce PF, & Smith J (1991). Appropriate specimen collection. In R. L. Nichols, N. E. Hyslop, & J. G. Bartlett (Eds.), Decision making in surgical sepsis. Philadelphia: B. C. Decker Inc.

Presentations:

• Pearce PF, Reel JJ, Williamson, J (2007). The Children's Computerized Physical Activity Reporter (C-CPAR): Initial reliability and validity evaluation. Podium Presentation at the 18th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice, Sigma Theta Tau International Conference, Vienna, Austria: July 9-14, 2007.
• Pearce, PF, & LeBer, J. (2007). Introduction to Information-Search and Retrieval for the Novice Searcher. Presentation and Hands-on workshop for nurses. Podium Presentation (with workshop) at the Tri-Sponsored Conference on Evidence-Based Practice: University of Utah College of Nursing; Intermountain HealthCare, University of Utah Hospitals & Clinics: Salt Lake City, April 27, 2007.
• Pearce PF, Reel JJ, Williamson, J (2007). Children's computerized physical activity reporter-sports camp validation. For presentation at the 40th Annual Communication Nursing Research Conference, Western Institute of Nursing: Portland, OR: April 11-14, 2007.
• Pearce, PF, Christian B, Shields E, (2006). The promise of mixed method design: Paradigm, practicality, and potential funding. Invited presentation for The University of Utah, College of Health and Center for Rehabilitation Research: Salt Lake City, UT, October 19, 2006.
• Pearce, PF (2006). What middle-school children want in a questionnaire. Presented at the 39th Annual Communication Nursing Research Conference, Western Institute of Nursing: Albuquerque, NM: April 8, 2006.
• Pearce, PF (2006). Evidence-based Practice: What Is It and How Do I Do It? Presentation at Primary Children's Medical Center. Salt Lake City, UT: Jan. 12, 2006.
• Pearce, PF & Harrell, JS (2006). Tales from a Successful Mentoring Relationship. Presented for the National Institute of Nursing Research at the Southern Nursing Research Society Annual Conference. Memphis, TN: Feb. 4, 2006.
• Pearce, PF (2006). Evidence-Based Practice: The What's, How's & Why's (2006). Presentation at The Salt Lake City Veteran's Administration Medical Center: Understanding and Conducting Evidence-Based Research Symposium. Salt Lake City, UT: Jan. 12, 2006.
• Pearce, PF (2005). The meaning of physical activity from the perspectives of middle-school children [Abstract]. Proceedings of the 23rd International of Pediatric Work Physiology Conference, Children and Exercise XXIII (Podium Presentation, Sept. 26, 2005, Gwatt-Thun, Switzerland). Genève, Suisse: Université de Genève, 31
• Pearce PF (2005). Designing with children, for children: Computerized activity recall. Presented at the 38th Annual Communicating Nursing Research Conference, Research on Children's Health Section, San Francisco, CA, April 8, 2005.
• Langford CA, & Pearce PF (2004). Abdominal pain assessment for the nurse and nurse practitioner. Ninety minute presentation at the annual meeting of the American Podium College Health Association, New Orleans, LA: June 10, 2004.
• Pearce PF, Harrell JS, McMurray RG, & Pennell M (2003). Couch potato kids: Energy expenditure of sedentary activities in youth. Presented at the annual meeting of the Southern Nursing Research Society, Louisville, KY: Feb. 20, 2004.
• Harrell JS, McMurray RG, Pearce PF, & Creighton & D, Amorim L (2003). Obesity in children: 1990 - 2000. Presented (JSH) at the annual meeting of the Southern Nursing Research Society, Louisville, KY: Feb. 20, 2004.
• Harrell JS, McMurray RG, Pearce PF, & Creighton & D, Amorim L (2003). Increase in obesity in children from 1990 - 2000. Presentation (JSH) at the (meeting of the 22nd European Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting, Porto, Portugal: Sept. 18, 2003.
• Haas SW, Travers DA, Waller AE, Hilligoss B, Cahill M, Pearce PF (2001). Defining clinical similarity among ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes: Diagnosis cluster schemes [Abstract]. Presented at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Information Science, Washington, DC: Nov. 4, 2001). I was co-author, and co-developer of program discussed, a JAVA-based system for research project on ICD-9 code identification and grouping involving data from three North Carolina Hospitals.
• Pearce PF, Smith JW, Lovitt SA, Muzik AC, Nichols RL (1992). Gown Protection: A Survey of Perceptions. 5th National Forum on AIDS, Hepatitis, and other Blood-Borne Diseases. Atlanta, GA: March 30, 1992. Abstract No. M-11.3.
• Lovitt SA, Nichols RL, Smith JW, Muzik AC, Pearce PF (1992). Isolation Gowns: A False Sense of Security? 5th National Forum on AIDS, Hepatitis, and Other Blood-Borne Diseases. Atlanta, GA: March 30, 1992. Abstract No. M-11.4.
• Pearce PF, Harrell JS, McMurray RG, & Pennell M (2003). Energy expenditure of sedentary activities in youth [Abstract]. Poster presentation at the meeting of the 22nd European Pediatric Work Physiology Meeting, Porto, Portugal: Sept. 18, 2003.
• Pearce PF & Harrell JS (2002). Research dissemination - Streamlining the response to requests for information using a computerized system. Southern Nursing Research Society, San Antonio, TX: Feb, 4, 2002.
• Pearce PF (1999). Update on Prescriptive Authority: The trials and tribulations of breaking new ground for nurses: Prescriptive authority for APRNs in Louisiana. Loyola University, School of Nursing, Graduate School, New Orleans: May 3, 1999. Invited
• Pearce PF (1999). Leadership in Nursing: How to Take the First Step. Louisiana State University Medical Center, School of Nursing: Student Nurse Association. 30-minute presentation focused on developing participation and leadership in nursing as a new graduate and beyond. New Orleans, LA: Feb 1, 1999. Invited
• Pearce PF (1998). The Role of the Nurse Practitioner: The agony and the ecstasy. Two-hour slide presentation focused on the role of the nurse practitioner in changing health care arena. Loyola University, School of Nursing, Xi Psi Chapter-At-Large, Sigma Theta Tau International. New Orleans, LA: Mar. 1, 1998. Invited
• Pearce PF (1997). The Way We Were, The Way We Are, The Way We're Going To Be. Louisiana State University Medical Center, School of Nursing Pre-Commencement Ceremony Address, honoring the December 1997 Degree Candidates for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Science. Keifer UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA: Dec 11, 1997. Student Invited Address
• Pearce PF (1996, 1997, 1998). Infectious Diseases: HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis (OR the Three Horsemen of the Apocalypse). Three hour slide presentation for the Annual Board Review Course for Nurse Practitioners, Mississippi University for Women, School of Nursing, Graduate Program. Columbus, MS: Sept. 11, 1998; Sept. 9, 1997; Sept. 7, 1996.
Pearce PF (1996, 1997). Epidemiology in a Nutshell. Three hour slide presentation for RN-to-BSN students as part of Community Health Nursing class at Loyola University, New Orleans, LA. Concurrent videotaping of presentation for use in Loyola University Off-Campus Learning Program for approximately 60 students. New Orleans, LA: Feb. 19, 1997; Sept. 30, 1996.
• Pearce PF (1996). The Role of the Nurse in Eating Disorders. Segment of monthly Brown Bag Lunch Series for LSUMC students, sponsored by National Eating Disorder Foundation and Louisiana State University Medical Center. Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans, LA: Feb. 8, 1996. (Coordinator & Speaker).
• Pearce PF (1996). The Nurse Practitioner's Perception of the Meaning of Professional Accountability: A Qualitative Study." Nursing Research Day, Mississippi University for Women, School of Nursing, Graduate Program. Columbus, MS: Aug 12, 1996.
• Pearce PF (1996). The Role of the Nurse Practitioner. Louisiana State University Medical Center Student Nurse Association. New Orleans, LA: Apr. 15, 1996. (Invited)
• Pearce PF (1994). All about Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Presentation of newly developed MRSA-guidelines developed with the Department of Public Health, State of LA. Mercy † Baptist Medical Center, Nursing Staff, Division of Home Health Care, New Orleans, LA: June 7, 1994.
• Pearce PF (1994). All about Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Presentation of newly developed MRSA-guidelines developed with the Department of Public Health, State of LA. Touro Infirmary, Nursing Staff, Division of Home Care. New Orleans, LA: May 26, 1994.

Professional Organizations:

• American Nurses Association
• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
• American College of Nurse Practitioners
• American College of Sports Medicine
• American Medical Informatics Association
• American Heart Association
• Sigma Theta Tau International
• Member, Xi Psi, Gamma Rho, Zeta Rho
• Board of Directors, Gamma Rho (2007 - current)
• Southern Nursing Research Society
• Utah Nurses Association
• Utah Nurse Practitioners
• Member (2004-current)
• Board of Directors (2006 - current)
• Western Institute of Nursing
• Member (2004 - current)
• Program Committee (2007-2009)
• National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculty
• Educational Standards Committe
• Portfolio Sub-Committee
• Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners (Inactive, effective 2004)
• Membership Chairman, 1995-1998
• Secretary, 1997-July 1999
• Board Liaison for Prescriptive Authority 1997-99

Recent Awards:

• University of Utah, College of Nursing
  Academic Leadership Award for Excellent in Research, Education, and Service
  This ALT Award was for exemplary achievement across three College of Nursing missions, Research, Education and Service for 2006-2007.
• Western Institute of Nursing (WIN)
  Carol A. Lindeman Award for a New Researcher
  Presented at the 38th Annual Communicating Nursing Research Conference, San Francisco, CA, April 8, 2005. Award for outstanding research by a new researcher, through a highly competitive, peer-reviewed process based on quality of research, written presentation, and relevance of paper to nursing.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Graduate Studies
  IMPACT Achievement Award - Dissertation Study
  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Graduate Studies
  Award for outstanding research by graduate students across the University. Award funding by the Graduate Education Advancement Board (GEAB) through the Graduate School. Nomination by faculty; support by School of Nursing. Peer-reviewed through GEAB Board.
  Awards and recognition Ceremony: April 7, 2004
• Alpha Epsilon Lambda (National Honor Society for graduate students)
  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Graduate Studies
  Spring 2003 Alpha Zeta Chapter
  Treasurer: 2003 - 2004
• Elizabeth Scott Carrington Scholarship in Nursing
  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing
  Financial Scholarship Award for Doctoral Studies
  2000 - 2001
• The R. H. Speight, M.D. and Mary P. Speight Scholarship Fund in Nursing
  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing
  Financial Scholarship Award for Doctoral Studies
  2000 - 2001
• Leadership Award
  Recognition of Continuing Leadership in the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners. Awards Ceremony, Fall Primary Care Conference New Orleans: November 1999
• Merit Assistantship for Doctoral Studies, School of Graduate Studies
  University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Graduate Studies
  Full Merit Scholarship for doctoral studies for the School of Nursing
  1999 - 2000
• Leadership Award
  Recognition of Leadership in the Department of Music
  Louise S. McGehee School for Women
  Awards Ceremony, New Orleans: June 1999
• Leadership Award
  Recognition of Legislative Work on Behalf of Nurse Practitioners
  New Orleans Region of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners Awards Dinner, New Orleans: June 1998

Service:

University of Utah, College of Nursing

University

Standing Committees:

• Committee for Technologically Enhanced Curriculum (Fall 2006 - current)

Ad hoc, Inter-Disciplinary Committees

• Physical Activity and Obesity (Spring 2005 - current)
• INQUIRI: Inter-Disciplinary Qualitative Research (Fall 2006 - current)

College of Nursing

Standing Committees:

• College Council (member; Fall 2004 - Current
• PhD Program Committee (Fall 2004 - Current
• Subcommittee: Dual-Degree Program Planning (2004
• Subcommittee: PhD Program Evaluation (2006 - current)
• Research Committee (Fall 2005 - Summer 2007)
• Member, 2005-2006
• Chair, 2006-2007

Task Forces:

• Service Learning Task Force (Summer 2005 - Spring 2006)
• Doctorate in Nursing Practice Task Force I (Fall 2005 - Spring 2006)
• Doctorate in Nursing Practice Task Force II (Summer 2006 - Fall 2006)
• Subcommittee: Curriculum Development - Research Core
• Subcommittee: Curriculum Development - Interdisciplinary Role
• Faculty Workload Task Force (Summer 2005 - Spring 2006)