Fiona Cust

Fiona Cust is an Associate Professor in Children's Nursing at Staffordshire University, within the Health, Education, Policing and Sciences faculty. Her academic work bridges clinical practice and education, focusing on interprofessional collaboration, simulated learning, and peer support systems. She holds a PhD in Health Sciences and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Education Background:

• PhD in Health Sciences (De Montfort University)
• Senior Fellow (HEA) - Staffordshire University
• PgCert in Higher & Professional Education (Distinction) - Staffordshire University
• BSc in Public Health (Derby University)
• Registered Nurse (RN) and Diploma in Child Health (St James University Hospital)

Research Interests:

• Interprofessional Education (IPE) and collaboration in healthcare
• Perinatal mental health interventions, particularly peer support for mothers with antenatal/postnatal depression
• Simulation-based learning in nursing education
• Peer mentoring for undergraduate nursing students
• Qualitative and mixed-methods research methodologies

Recent Work Trends: Her publications (2015-2025) consistently explore peer support mechanisms in clinical and educational contexts, emphasizing maternal mental health, nursing student well-being, and IPE. Recent articles (2022-2025) highlight pandemic impacts on nursing education and innovative simulation strategies.

Awards: HEA Senior Fellowship recognizes her contributions to higher education innovation. Institutional recognitions include Staffordshire University's Whatuni Student Choice Awards (2023) for facilities and social inclusion.

Grants/Advising: While specific grants aren’t detailed, her RCT on peer support for antenatal depression (2018-2020) indicates collaborative NHS partnerships. She advises nursing students on simulation and peer mentoring programs.

Labs/Teams: Active in Staffordshire University's nursing simulation programs and collaborates with NHS hospitals on clinical trials.