Victoria Vaughan Dickson

Faculty

Victoria Vaughan Dickson

Victoria Vaughan Dickson

FAAN FAHA FHFSA PhD RN

Dr. John W. Rowe Professor in Successful Aging
Assistant Dean, Research Innovation
Director, Pless Center for Research

1 215 704 7223

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Victoria Vaughan Dickson, PhD, RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN, is the John W. Rowe Professor in Successful Aging, Assistant Dean, Research Innovation, and Director of the Pless Center for Nursing Research at Rory Meyers College of Nursing. With extensive clinical and research experience in cardiovascular and occupational health nursing, her research program focuses on investigating the bio-behavioral influences on self-care in patients with cardiovascular disease risk, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and multiple comorbidities. Her work has led to an improved understanding of the sociocultural influences of self-care among vulnerable populations, including ethnic minority groups, women, and older workers; and the development of innovative theory-based interventions. Dickson is recognized as an international expert in qualitative research techniques, mixed methods research, and has conducted training for interdisciplinary teams locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Prof. Dickson is dedicated to building research capacity across disciplines and advancing nursing science that impacts policy and clinical care. Currently, Dickson serves as PI and program director of the NIOSH-funded doctoral training program in occupational and environmental health nursing, PI of the NHLBI- funded Research Education in Cardiovascular Conditions program, co-PI of the NINR-funded NYU Meyers P20 Exploratory Center for Precision Health in Diverse Populations and KL2 co-director and co-investigator of the NCATS-funded NYU CTSI. In addition, she is a co-investigator on numerous team science initiatives focused on multiple chronic conditions.  

Prof. Dickson has been recognized with numerous awards for her research and leadership including the STTI Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame (2019), HFSA Nursing Research Leadership award (2021), and ENRS Leadership Award (2020). She is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (2014), American Heart Association (2011), Heart Failure Society of America (2016), and New York Academy of Medicine (2018). Dickson is the editor of the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.  

Prof. Dickson holds a clinical appointment as an advanced practice nurse in the division of cardiology at NYU Langone Health and Bellevue Hospital. She earned her PhD and MSN from the University of Pennsylvania and BSN from Temple University.

PhD - University of Pennsylvania
MSN - University of Pennsylvania
BSN - Temple University

Non-communicable disease
Cardiology
Gerontology

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
American Academy of Nursing
American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
American Heart Association
American Nurses Association
Council on the Advancement of Nursing
Eastern Nursing Research Society
European Society of Cardiology
Gerontological Society of America
Heart Failure Society of America
New York Academy of Medicine
New York Nurse Practitioners Association
Sigma Theta Tau, XI Chapter
Sigma Theta Tua International Honor Society

Nursing Research Leadership Award, HFSA (2021)
Leadership Award, ENRS (2021)
Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame, STTI (2019)
Associate Editor, Cardiovascular Nursing (2018)
Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine (2018)
President-Elect, Eastern Nursing Research Society (2018)
Spirit of Nursing Award, University of Massachusetts (2017)
President-Elect, Eastern Nursing Research Society (2017)
President-Elect, Eastern Nursing Research Society (2016)
Associate Editor to Circulation, Cardiovascular Quality & Outcomes (2016)
Fellow, Heart Failure Society of America (2016)
PhD Faculty Excellence Award, NYU (2014)
Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2014)
Springer Publishing Company Award (2014)
Research Award, ENRS Rising Star (2012)
Fellow, American Heart Association Fuchs-Schoeck Research (2012)
Fellow, American Heart Association (2011)
Minority Aging Research and Community Health Scholar, University of Pennsylvania (2011)
Nursing and Allied Health Professional Award, European Society of Cardiology (2011)
Fellow, Brookdale Foundation Leadership in Aging (2010)
Reviewer of the Year, Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing (2009)
Nursing Research Award, Heart Failure Society of America (2007)
Martha Hill New Investigator Award, American Heart Association (2007)
Student Award, University of Pennsylvania (2007)
Research Award, American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (2006)

A qualitative meta-analysis of heart failure self-care practices among individuals with multiple comorbid conditions

Vaughan Dickson, V., Dickson, V. V., Buck, H., & Riegel, B. (2011). (Vols. 17, Issues 5, pp. 413-419). 10.1016/j.cardfail.2010.11.011
Abstract
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Background: Most heart failure (HF) patients have other comorbid conditions. HF self-care requires medication and diet adherence, daily weight monitoring, and a thoughtful response to symptoms when they occur. Self-care is complicated when other chronic conditions have additional self-care requirements. The purpose of this study is to explore how comorbidity influences HF self-care. Methods: Using qualitative descriptive meta-analysis techniques, transcripts from 3 mixed methods studies (n = 99) were reexamined to yield themes about perceptions about HF and self-care and to explore the influence on HF self-care. The Charlson Comorbidity Index identified comorbid conditions. Results: The sample was 74% Caucasian, 66% male (mean age of 59.6 years ± 15 years). Fifty-three percent of the sample was New York Heart Association Class III. All had at least 1 other chronic condition. Narrative accounts revealed that adherence to diet, symptom monitoring, and differentiating symptoms from multiple conditions were the most challenging self-care skills. Emerging themes included 1) attitudes drive self-care prioritization and 2) fragmented self-care instruction leads to poor self-care integration and self-care skill deficits. Conclusions: Individuals with multiple chronic conditions are vulnerable to poor self-care. Research testing coaching interventions that integrate self-care requirements and focus on developing skill in self-care across multiple chronic conditions is needed.

Self care in patients with chronic heart failure

Vaughan Dickson, V., Riegel, B., Lee, C. S., & Dickson, V. V. (2011). (Vols. 8, Issues 11, pp. 644-654). 10.1038/nrcardio.2011.95
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'Heart failure self care' refers to the practices in which patients engage to maintain their own health, and to the decisions that they make about managing signs or symptoms. In this article, we base our discussion of self care in chronic heart failure on the classification of patients as being 'expert', inconsistent', or 'novice' in heart failure self-care behaviors. The available literature on factors predicting heart failure self care and its outcomes are reviewed within this context. Factors known to influence heart failure self care include experience with the illness, physical functioning, depression and anxiety, social support, daytime sleepiness, and attitudes such as confidence. Further research is needed to understand the contributions of comorbidities, patient sex, and health disparities on heart failure self care. The evidence to support a link between heart failure self care and health outcomes is limited, but early evidence suggests that adequate self care is associated with an improvement in health status, a decrease in the number and duration of hospitalizations, and a decline in levels of biomarkers of stress and inflammation, and in intrathoracic impedance. Implications of heart failure self care for clinical practice, policy, and public health are also described.

Gender-specific barriers and facilitators to heart failure self-care : A mixed methods study

Vaughan Dickson, V., Riegel, B., Dickson, V. V., Kuhn, L., Page, K., & Worrall-Carter, L. (2010). (Vols. 47, Issues 7, pp. 888-895). 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.12.011
Abstract
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Background: Although approximately half of adults with heart failure (HF) are women, relatively little is known about gender differences and similarities in HF self-care. Aims: The aim of this study was to describe HF self-care in men and women and to identify gender-specific barriers and facilitators influencing HF self-care. Methods: A total of 27 adults (8 women) with chronic HF participated in a cross-sectional, comparative mixed methods study. An analysis of in-depth interviews was used to describe gender-specific barriers and facilitators of self-care. After the interview data were analyzed, the results were confirmed in quantitative data obtained from the same sample and at the same time. Concordance between qualitative and quantitative data was assessed. Results: There were no consistent gender-specific differences in self-care practices but there were distinct gender differences in the decisions made in interpreting and responding to symptoms. The men were better than the women at interpreting their symptoms as being related to HF and in initiating treatment. These differences were associated with differences in self-care confidence, social support, and mood. Conclusion: Gender-specific differences in self-care behaviors are minimal. However, gender-specific barriers and facilitators greatly influence the choice of self-care behaviors.

Hospital staff nurses' work hours, meal periods, and rest breaks. A review from an occupational health nurse perspective.

Vaughan Dickson, V., Witkoski, A., & Dickson, V. V. (2010). (Vols. 58, Issues 11, pp. 489-497; quiz 498). 10.1177/216507991005801106
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Registered nurses are the largest group of health care providers in the United States. To provide 24-hour care, hospital staff nurses often work long hours and consecutive shifts, without adequate meal or rest breaks. Serious declines in functioning related to provider fatigue can lead to safety issues for patients and nurses alike. The occupational health nurse can assess the effects of nurses' work hours and break periods on employee health, educate staff on the importance of sleep and deleterious effects of fatigue, and implement programs to improve the work environment. This article examines nurses' work hours, break and meal period laws and regulations, and the role of the occupational health nurse in caring for this group of employees. Overall findings suggest that the expertise of an occupational health nurse in the hospital setting could significantly improve the health and safety of staff nurses.

Symptom recognition in elders with heart failure

Vaughan Dickson, V., Riegel, B., Dickson, V. V., Cameron, J., Johnson, J. C., Bunker, S., Page, K., & Worrall-Carter, L. (2010). (Vols. 42, Issue 1, pp. 92-100). 10.1111/j.1547-5069.2010.01333.x
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Purpose: Aging is associated with losses in hearing and vision. The objective of this study was to assess whether aging also is associated with less ability to detect and interpret afferent physiological information.Design: A cross-sectional mixed methods study was conducted with 29 persons with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic heart failure of at least 6 months duration. The sample was divided at the median to compare younger (

Are we teaching what patients need to know? Building skills in heart failure self-care

Vaughan Dickson, V., Dickson, V. V., & Riegel, B. (2009). (Vols. 38, Issues 3, pp. 253-261). 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2008.12.001
Abstract
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Objective: Heart failure (HF) self-care requires both knowledge and skill, but little attention has been given to identify how to improve skill in HF self-care. The objective was to assess what self-care skills patients with HF perceive that they need and how they developed the skills needed to perform self-care. Methods: Data from 85 adults with chronic HF enrolled in 3 prior studies were analyzed using qualitative descriptive meta-analysis techniques. Themes were reexamined using within study and across-study analyses and translated to create a broader and more complete understanding of the development of skill in HF self-care. Results: Tactical and situational skills are needed to perform adequate self-care. Skill in self-care evolves over time and with practice as patients learn how to make self-care practices fit into their daily lives. Proficiency in these skills was acquired primarily through input from family and friends. Health care professionals rarely made significant contributions to the learning of essential skills. Conclusion: Traditional patient education does not support self-care skill development in patients with HF. New patient teaching strategies are needed that support the development of tactical and situational skills, foster coherence, and use trusted resources. Research testing coaching interventions that target skill-building tactics, such as role-playing in specific situations, are needed.

Commentary : Listening to the patients' perspective

Vaughan Dickson, V., & Dickson, V. V. (2009). (Vols. 24, Issues 5, pp. 369-370). 10.1097/JCN.0b013e3181b1d028
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Gender differences in heart failure self-care : A multinational cross-sectional study

Vaughan Dickson, V., Lee, C. S., Riegel, B., Driscoll, A., Suwanno, J., Moser, D. K., Lennie, T. A., Dickson, V. V., Cameron, J., & Worrall-Carter, L. (2009). (Vols. 46, Issues 11, pp. 1485-1495). 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.04.004
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Despite a common view that women are better at self-care, there is very little evidence to support or challenge this perspective in the heart failure (HF) population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there are cross-cultural gender differences in self-reported HF self-care and to describe gender differences in the determinants of HF self-care. Design, setting, and participants: A secondary analysis was completed of cross-sectional study data collected on 2082 adults with chronic HF from the United States, Australia and Thailand. Methods: Comparisons were made between men and women regarding self-care maintenance, management and confidence as assessed by the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index, as well as the proportion of subjects engaged in adequate self-care. Multivariate comparisons were made to determine if gender explained sufficient variance in HF self-care and the likelihood of reporting adequate self-care, controlling for nine model covariates. Results: The sample was comprised of 1306 men and 776 women. Most (73.5%) had systolic or mixed systolic and diastolic HF and 45% had New York Heart Association class III or IV HF. Although small and clinically insignificant gender differences were found in self-care maintenance, gender was not a determinant of any aspect of HF self-care in multivariate models. Married women were 37% less likely to report adequate self-care maintenance than unmarried women. Comorbidities only influenced the HF self-care of men. Being newly diagnosed with HF also primarily affected men. Patients with diastolic HF (predominantly women) had poorer self-care maintenance and less confidence in self-care. Conclusion: Differences in HF self-care are attributable to factors other than gender; however, there are several gender-specific determinants of HF self-care that help identify patients at risk for practicing poor self-care.

Heart Failure Self-care in Developed and Developing Countries

Vaughan Dickson, V., Riegel, B., Driscoll, A., Suwanno, J., Moser, D. K., Lennie, T. A., Chung, M. L., Wu, J. R., Dickson, V. V., Carlson, B., & Cameron, J. (2009). (Vols. 15, Issues 6, pp. 508-516). 10.1016/j.cardfail.2009.01.009
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Heart failure (HF) self-care is poor in developed countries like the United States, but little is known about self-care in developing countries. Methods and Results: A total of 2082 adults from 2 developed (United States and Australia) and 2 developing countries (Thailand and Mexico) were studied in a descriptive, comparative study. Self-care was measured using the Self-Care of HF Index, which provided scores on self-care maintenance, management, and confidence. Data were analyzed using regression analysis after demographic (age, gender, education), clinical (functional status, experience with the diagnosis, comorbid conditions), and setting of enrollment (hospital or clinic) differences were controlled. When adequate self-care was defined as a standardized score ≥70%, self-care was inadequate in most scales in most groups. Self-care maintenance was highest in the Australian sample and lowest in the Thai sample (P < .001). Self-care management was highest in the US sample and lowest in the Thai sample (P < .001). Self-care confidence was highest in the Mexican sample and lowest in the Thai sample (P < .001). Determinants differed for the three types of self-care (eg, experience with HF was associated only with self-care maintenance). Conclusion: Interventions aimed at improving self-care are greatly needed in both the developed and the developing countries studied.

Self-care of heart failure : A situation-specific theory of health transition

Riegel, B., & Vaughan Dickson, V. (2009). In A. Meleis (Ed.), Transitions theory : The use of a middle-range and situation-specific theory in the research and care of individuals, families and communities. Springer Publishing.
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