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Dr. Nipuna R. Kuruppu

BSc (Hons) Nursing (UOR), PhD (Griffith, Aus), RN

Lecturer (Probationary) in Nursing

Department of Nursing
  • Central Campus, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka
  • Office: 112881325, Ext: 6501 Mobile: +94702012568
  • nrkur@ou.ac.lk

I completed my PhD at Griffith University, Australia in 2025, and was awarded the “Award of Excellence in Research Thesis.” I obtained my BSc (Hons) degree from the University of Ruhuna with a Second Class Upper Division. After completing my bachelor’s degree in 2016, I began my career as a nurse in the private sector for a few months before transitioning to academia, where I found my true passion.

I worked for two years as a Demonstrator in the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), and was appointed as a Probationary Lecturer in 2018. Over the past seven years, I have been actively engaged in teaching and mentoring students, continuously striving to enhance their knowledge and skills in nursing.

My research interests lie in enhancing communication for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs), where the majority of patients experience communication impairments. My work focuses on developing and implementing communication strategies to support these patients, which ultimately contributes to improving patient-centred care and paves the way for delivering safe, high-quality care for critically ill patients in ICUs.

Critical Care Nursing

Critical Care Nursing, Patient communication, Patient engagement, Patient-centred care, Knowledge translation, Implementation Science
July 2018 to present:

Lecturer (Probationary) in Nursing

Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka.

 

2017 to 2021

Visiting Lecturer in Diploma in Laboratory Technology

Faculty of Natural Science, The Open University of Sri Lanka

 

July 2016- July 2018

Demonstrator in Nursing

Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka.

 

January 2016- May 2016

Staff nurse

Lanka Hospital PVT limited

NGU5207- Critical Care Nursing

Completed Doctor of Philosophy at Griffith University, Australia
Thesis title: Development and pilot testing of a communication board for mechanically ventilated patients in Sri Lankan intensive care units

Research member of NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Wiser Wound Care, Griffith University, Australia.

Author of four sessions of NGU6602- Public Health Nursing course material, a level 6 course in Bachelor of Science Honours in Nursing offered by the Department of Nursing, The Open University of Sri Lanka.

Session Titles:

1. Adolescents health

2. Major societal health problems – Part 1

3. Major societal health problems – Part 2

4. Women’s health and gender inequality

Author of two sessions of NGU5404- Maternal, Neonatal and Gynecological Nursing course material, a level 5 compulsory course in Bachelor of Science Honours in Nursing offered by the Department of Nursing, The Open University of Sri Lanka.

Session Titles:

1. Minor Discomforts, Common Pregnancy Concerns and Layette Planning

2. Postnatal care and postnatal complications

Author of the three sessions of Training Manual- Capacity Development of Lead Mothers on Early Childhood Development, a community development program implemented by Child Funded International Sri Lanka.

Session Titles:

1. Prevention of common accidents at home

2. First-aid

3. How to take care of your own health- A guide for mothers

Editor of the FND3602- Laboratory Organization, Management and Safety

Unit Titles: Unit 4- Common Laboratory Hazards, Accident Reporting & Basic first aid Treatments

Unit 5- Personal Safety, Safety signs and Fire Prevention
Kuruppu, N.R., Ranse, K., Tobiano, G., Abayadeera, A., & Chaboyer, W. (2025). Acceptability of implementing a communication board for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units: A cross-sectional substudy of the intervention arm of a pilot randomised controlled trial. Australian Critical Care. 38(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2024.101153

Kuruppu, N. R., Chaboyer, W., Tobiano, G., Abayadeera, A., & Ranse, K. (2025). Feasibility of implementing a communication board to improve communication interactions of mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units at one Sri Lankan hospital- A pilot randomised controlled trial. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 87, 103891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2024.103891

Kuruppu, N. R., Chaboyer, W., Tobiano, G., Abayadeera, A., & Ranse, K. (in press). Communication with the critically ill patient: A nexus between patient needs, communication partner skills and the ICU environment – Letter on Freeman-Sanderson et al. [Letter to the Editor]. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 91, 104126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2025.104126

Kuruppu, N. R., Tobiano, G., Ranse, K., Abayadeera, A., & Chaboyer, W. (2024). Facilitators, barriers and acceptability of implementing a communication board in Sri Lankan intensive care units: A qualitative descriptive study. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 83, 103708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2024.103708

Tobiano, G., Huang, T. Y., Lee, B. O., Ou, S. F., Kuruppu, N. R., & Gillespie, B. M. (2024). Medical device‐related pressure injuries in the operating room: A scoping review. Journal of Advanced Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.16400

Latimer, S., Ou, S-F., Huang, T.Y., Kuruppu, N., Lee, B-O & Chaboyer, W. (accepted Sept 2024). Skin microclimate as an indirect risk factor for pressure injuries: A prognostic factor systematic review and framework synthesis. Journal of Wound Care.

Kuruppu, N. R., Chaboyer, W., Abayadeera, A., & Ranse, K. (2023). Augmentative and alternative communication tools for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units: A scoping review. Australian Critical Care, 36(6), 1095-1109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2022.12.009
Arachchi, M. A. J. D. M., Kumari, A. G. D., Wickramasinghe, R., Kuruppu, N. R., & Madhavi, A. P. (2017). Stigmatization in Leprosy: A descriptive study from patients’ perspective in Sri Lanka. Scientific Research Journal (SCIRJ), 5(9), 10-13.

Rathnayake, R. M. A. K., Nimalika, W., Suranji, M. D. C., Kuruppu, N. R., & Madhavi, A. P. (2017). Quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A descriptive study in Sri Lanka. International Journal of Applied Research (IJAR), 3(9), 503-505.
Kuruppu, N.R., Chaboyer, W., Abayadeera, A., & Ranse, K. (2025, April 9-11). The use of augmentative and alternative communication tools with mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units: A scoping review [Oral presentation]. ANZCIS/ACCCN Intensive Care Annual Scientific Meeting, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Kuruppu, N.R., Ranse, K., Tobiano, G., Abayadeera, A., & Chaboyer, W. (2025, April 9-11). Implementing a communication board in Sri Lankan intensive care units is acceptable. [Poster presentation]. ANZCIS/ACCCN Intensive Care Annual Scientific Meeting, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Kuruppu, N. R., Chaboyer, W., Tobiano, G., Abayadeera, A., & Ranse, K. (2025, February 26). Implementing a Communication Board in Sri Lankan Intensive Care Units is Feasible [Oral Presentation]. Health Group HDR Research Showcase 2025, Griffith University, Australia.

Kuruppu, N. R., Tobiano, G., Ranse, K., Abayadeera, A., & Chaboyer, W. (2024, April 10-12). Development of a communication board to enhance communication interactions of mechanically ventilated patients in Sri Lankan intensive care units [Oral presentation]. ANZCIS/ACCCN Intensive Care Annual Scientific Meeting, Brisbane, Australia.

Kuruppu, N. R., Chaboyer, W., Tobiano, G., Abayadeera, A., & Ranse, K. (2024, April 10-12). Evaluating the feasibility of a communication board to enhance communication interactions of mechanically ventilated patients in Sri Lankan intensive care units – A pilot randomised controlled trial [Poster presentation]. ANZCIS/ACCCN Intensive Care Annual Scientific Meeting, Brisbane, Australia.

Irani,K., Shyamali,M.A.W.,Shyamali,P.N., Wijerathna,N.S.K., Kuruppu,N.R. & Sriyani,K.A. (2020) Perceived factors affecting for maternal requested caesarian delivery in Teaching Hospital, Mahamodara.  2nd Biennial Scientific Sessions, Graduate Nurses’ Foundation of Sri Lanka.p.28.

Liyanage, W.L.V.M., Nishshanka, N.A.I., Jayaweera J.W.V.K., Dilhani H.A.S.I., Kuruppu N.R. & Madhavi A.V.P. (2019) Knowledge, attitudes and practices of oral hygiene among school children in Modara- Mattakkuliya Zonal Educational Area. Proceedings of 2nd Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, p.56.

Thirimanna, B.T., Dissanayake, D.M.A.M., Neththasingha, M., Darshika, M.M.A., Kuruppu, N.R. & Priyanthi, W.N. (2019). An exploration of experiences of elderly people living in Sahana elderly care home in Sri Jayawardene Kotte, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 2nd Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna. P.43.

Nimalsiri,W. H. A., Dissanayake,G. E. M. N. K., Dharmarathne, N. D. C. V. K.,  Kuruppu, N. R., Madhavi,A. V. P. (2018). Usage of facebook as a communication channel: adolescents’ perspective. Proceedings of 1st Symposium of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna.p.63.

Madhavi,A.V.P., Gamage,T.V. & Kuruppu,N.R. (2018). The examination of mothers’ knowledge on antenatal exercises for safe labour practices in antenatal clinic, General Hospital, Galle, Proceedings of the International Nursing Congress 2018, University of Peradeniya.P.32.

Jayakody, J.A.S.N., Wimalasooriya, H.G.G.A.K., Wijesinghe, W.M.A.C.L., Kumari, U.N.A.K., Kuruppu, N.R. & Pramuditha Madhavi, A.V (2017). Adolescents’ experiences of self-ingestion of poisoning: Exploring the related risk factors from survivors’ perspective, National Health Research Symposium-NHRS 2017.p.146.

Abeysekara, M.S.S.K., Weerasekara, M.P.N.P., Wijesena, B.V.T.N., Perera, R.A.C.N., Sriyani, K.A. & Kuruppu, N.R. (2017). Mothers’ knowledge, believes and practices of febrile convulsion and home management. Open University Research Session, 2017.p.219-223.

Gamlath, G.G.A.W., Wijayarathna, P.G.S.S., Gunadasa, P.A.C.R., Sakalasooriya, S.S.N.D., Kuruppu, N.R., Cooray, K. & Priyanthi, W.N. (2017). Barriers to implement Kangaroo Mother Care among Post-natal mothers with premature low birth weight babies. Open University Research Session, 2017.p.289-294.

Sandamali, W.M.l.S., Himali, P.A.D., Wijesundara, W.A.T.N., Edirisinghearachchi, A.A., Kuruppu, N.R. & Pramuditha Madhavi, A.V. (2017). Risk factors for falls among elderly people in the home environment, Open University Research Session, 2017.p277-281.

Kuruppu, N., Rathnayaka, N. & Abeywickrama, R.(2016). Pain experience and satisfaction with pain management among post-operative patients: Data from Southern Sri Lanka. Annual Scientific Sessions Proceedings, The Physiological Society of Sri Lanka, pp45.

Kuruppu, N., Abeywickrama, R.P. & Rathnayaka, R.H.M.N.P. (2015). Post-operative pain experience of surgical patients. The Galle medical Journal, 20(2), 87.

2017-2021     Serving as a second supervisor for undergraduate research projects in BSc Honours in Nursing Degree Programme, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka

Awarded the “Award of Excellence in the Research Thesis” for the PhD study titled “Development and pilot testing of a communication board for mechanically ventilated patients in Sri Lankan intensive care units”.

Finalist for the Best Nursing Scholarship Paper at the ANZCIS/ACCCN 2025 Intensive Care Annual Scientific Meeting for the study titled “The Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Tools with Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Intensive Care Units: A Scoping Review,” recognised as commendable research.

Awarded first place in the 3MT Thesis Competition at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, in 2024, for the presentation titled “Breaking the Silence – A Communication Tool for Ventilated Patients in Intensive Care Units.”

Awarded the Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, covering the full cost of PhD tuition fees.

Awarded a living stipend scholarship from the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka, covering living expenses for PhD studies.

Best oral presenter at the 2nd Biennial Scientific Sessions 2020 conducted by the Graduate Nurses’ Foundation of Sri Lanka held on 22nd February, 2020.

1st Runner up of “Spell Master Competition” in 1st AHSDP Student’s Academic Day, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna in 2012.

Life member- Graduate Nurses Foundation of Sri Lanka

Post-Graduate Member of the Australian College of Critical Care Nurses (ACCCN)

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Phone: +94 11 288 1000