Clarissa Shaw

Clarissa Shaw, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing specializing in dementia care research through person-centered communication approaches, with emphasis on reducing elderspeak to prevent care rejection in hospitalized patients with dementia.

Education:

• PhD, University of Iowa
• MSN, University of Iowa
• BSN, University of Iowa

Research Focus: Dr. Shaw's program investigates modifiable factors including elderspeak communication (condescending 'baby talk' toward elders) and pain management as critical determinants of care resistance. Her work pioneers non-pharmacological nursing interventions to enhance patient acceptance of care through communication training.

Current Projects:

• Principal Investigator: Alzheimer's Association Research Grant studying hospital dementia care interventions
• Co-Investigator: Two NIH R01 grants evaluating CHATO (Changing Talk Online) communication training in nursing homes

Publications: Research appears in premier journals including Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and International Journal of Nursing Studies, establishing evidence for communication-focused dementia care models.

Affiliations: Dr. Shaw contributes to the Office for Nursing Research and Scholarship (ONRS) and UI Center for Advancing Multimorbidity Science (CAMS), advancing interdisciplinary research in gerontological nursing and dementia care systems.