Judith A. Erlen, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator
Associate Director, Center for Research in Chronic Disorders
Department of Health Promotion & Development

Phone: 412-624-1905
Fax:       412-624-8521
E-mail: jae001@pitt.edu

Faculty Research

RESEARCH:
I am currently the principal investigator of a 5 year federally funded study, "Improving Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy" (2R01 NR04749) which builds on the prior 5 year study "Adherence to Protease Inhibitors" (1R01 NR04749). Our multidisciplinary research team is testing the effect of two nurse delivered telephone interventions based on social cognitive and self-efficacy theories to improve adherence in persons living with HIV infection who are prescribed combination antiretroviral therapy. I am also the principal investigator of "Understanding the Medication Taking Process in Patients with Alzheimers Disease (AD) Living in the Community," funded by the Alzheimer';s Association. This study uses observations and interviews as sources of data in order to describe the medication taking process used by patients with AD and their caregivers. My earlier work, funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, focused on the quality of care provided to hospitalized patients with AIDS. My research reflects my interest in ethics, chronic disorders, adherence, and quality of life.

TEACHING:
I have been a member of the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh since 1983 teaching students at all levels. I have focused my teaching primarily in the area of ethics in nursing and health care. I teach courses in the doctoral program aimed at assisting students to develop their skills in grantsmanship and manuscript preparation. I advise doctoral dissertation students. In addition, I have a secondary appointment in the Center for Bioethics and Health Law, University of Pittsburgh and facilitate ethics seminars during the third year medical student clerkships.

SERVICE:
I am currently the Coordinator of the Doctoral Program and Director of the "Technology: Research in Critical and Chronic Illness" (T32 NR008857). I am also the Associate Director and Director, Research Development Core of the Center for Research in Chronic Disorders in the School of Nursing (P30 NR03924). I am an elected member-at-large of the Eastern Nursing Research Society. I serve as a collateral reviewer for Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and as an ad hoc reviewer for selected NIH study sections.