Empowering nurses through research and leadership
The International Council of Nurses (ICN) theme for 2026 reminds us that empowered nurses save lives not only through direct clinical care, but also through leadership, innovation, advocacy and research.
This project demonstrated the vital contribution nurses can make in coordinating complex rehabilitation, supporting psychosocial recovery, and ensuring continuity of care across multidisciplinary teams. The research also supported the development of future nurse researchers and leaders, such as Carolina Henriquez, a registered nurse, recent graduate, and member of the YARNS Transitions team.
As part of the project, Carolina completed her MSc by Research at the University of Edinburgh, exploring the role of nurses in post-ABI rehabilitation and support. We were delighted to celebrate her graduation in December 2025.
Oisin also joined the team in his first postdoctoral research role following completion of his PhD in psychology. His contribution to data collection and analysis has strengthened the project significantly and reflects the importance of investing in early-career nurse and health researchers.
Raising awareness and influencing change
Throughout the project, the team actively worked to raise awareness of the psychosocial rehabilitation needs of young adults following ABI.
This included engagement with:
• The Edinburgh Fringe Festival
• The Scottish Head Injury Forum
• Edinburgh Doors Open Day
• Scottish Government rehabilitation leads
These opportunities helped promote discussion around improving rehabilitation pathways and ensuring young adults receive ongoing support beyond hospital discharge. The project team was also honoured to receive the College Award for Advancing Inclusion in 2024, recognising the collaborative and inclusive approach that underpinned this nursing research study.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on the past three years, we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved through the YARNS Transitions project. The next step is to test and evaluate the SPARK model in practice with young adults, families, professionals and services supporting recovery after ABI. The intervention has been shaped by published evidence and, critically, by the voices and experiences of young adults living with ABI. Their contributions have been central to every stage of the project.
The International Nurses Day 2026 theme is a timely reminder that empowering nurses means investing in research, leadership, collaboration and innovation. When nurses are supported to work to their full potential, they can transform rehabilitation, strengthen communities, and improve lives.
Continuing Elsie Stephenson’s Legacy
The themes emerging from the YARNS Transitions project also closely reflect the values celebrated through the Elsie Stephenson Memorial Lecture 2026, which marks the 70th anniversary of Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh.
The work of the YARNS Transitions team demonstrates how nurse-led research can directly shape rehabilitation practice, strengthen interdisciplinary care, and improve outcomes for young adults living with acquired brain injury. It also highlights the importance of supporting and developing future nurse researchers and leaders — an ambition that sits at the heart of Elsie Stephenson’s enduring legacy.
Taking place on 19 May 2026 at the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI), the event will celebrate Elsie Stephenson’s global impact on nursing education, research and leadership, while exploring the future of clinical academic careers in nursing.
Further information and booking details for the lecture are available on the School’s website.
Check out the previous blog post for Part 1
Acknowledgements
The YARS Transitions research team would like to thank the RCN Foundation and SameYou Charity for their financial and logistical support, as well as the advisory committee members whose guidance, expertise and encouragement were invaluable throughout the project.
YARNS Transitions Research Team:
• Professor Elaine Haycock-Stuart
• Professor Danny Kelly
• Professor Aisha Holloway
• Dr Colin Chandler
• Dr Lisette Aviles
• Dr Clarissa Catherine
• Dr Rosie Stenhouse
• Dr Oisin Cleary
