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Dr. Eilish Burke

Professor In (School of Nursing & Midwifery)
DOLIER STREET - SCHOOL OF NURSING
      
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Dr. Eilish Burke

Professor In (School of Nursing & Midwifery)
DOLIER STREET - SCHOOL OF NURSING

 eburke7@tcd.ie

 3531896 1749


Éilish Burke RGN RNID BNS MSc. PhD. completed her PhD in March 2016, during her studies she achieved a number of awards including Postgraduate of the year 2016 and was appointed as the Ussher Assistant Professor in Ageing and Intellectual Disability, Trinity College Dublin in September 2016. Éilish originally trained as a general nurse and through her volunteer work with the Special Olympics she developed an interest in intellectual disability. She trained as a Registered Nurse Intellectual Disability and worked in clinical practice for over 25 years. Éilish completed her Masters in Trinity and joined the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA) team as a research assistant in 2010. Éilish served as Project Manager from 2011-2016, whilst continuing to play an integral role in IDS-TILDA she is now the Associate Professor in Ageing and intellectual disability in the School of Nursing and Midwifery with her research is based with the Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability (TCAID). Her research interests include bone health and osteoporosis, inclusionary methods of healthcare screening and healthcare engagement, accessible health promotion and promoting research involvement of people with intellectual disability. She has been a successful collaborator and PI on a number of grants including HRB, EIT and IRC. She designed an accessible format to engaging people in health assessments in the IDS-TILDA study, further developing this into a MOOC - Improving Health Assessment Among People with Intellectual Disability - which has now attracted more than 7500 learner. She has also developed an accessible online programme for health promotion - Get Wise about your Health - and was the team lead in the development of the planning tool for end of life, - Glancing Back Planning Forward. Her work has attracted much public recognition and is cited as an exemplar in the Missing Billion Strategy, an initiative aimed at developing inclusive health systems worldwide. She was awarded the International Association for Research on Service Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award in recognition of her research work. Dr. Burke is leading the physical health theme of TCAID and is guiding the future focus of this theme. Administratively Dr. Burke is the Associate Director of TCAID and module lead on a number of modules on the Masters in Ageing Health and Wellbeing in Intellectual Disability, which is a unique course she designed, developed and launched in 2018. The programme is research led and under pinned by the IDS-TILDA study. Dr Burke is a committed teacher and has been involved in education throughout her career. Her contribution to education and the profession has included co-ordination and development of modules and courses at undergraduate and post graduate level and she is currently the external examiner at Queens University Belfast. She is a member of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, as well as the International Osteoporosis Foundation and the Irish Osteoporosis Society. She sits on the Quality Improvement HSE working group, the HSE Affinity intellectual disability working group, the Trials Steering Committee of the Matilda Project Ulster University and the Camphill Communities of Ireland Ethics committee and is the academic advisor to the Positive Ageing Strategy Committee, Gheel Services. Dr Burke is also a member of the Special Olympics International Global Curriculum Advisory Panel. In response to the COVID19 pandemic Dr Burke lead the design of an online educational programme for carers in intellectual disability services on recognition and assessment of COVID 19 among those with intellectual disability in collaboration with the HSE and OMNSD.
  Ageing   Ageing & Intellectual Disability - Changing Service Needs   Ageing & Intellectual Disability Issues   Ageing, Health and Intellectual Disability   BONE   Down Syndrome, dementia and ageing   Health status and inequalities   Nursing Education   OSTEOPOROSIS   Palliative and end of life care
Project Title
 Building Circles of Support for people with intellectual disabilities
From
Sept 2022
To
Sept 2023
Summary
The overall aim of the project is to use research information to develop resources to enhance the Circles of Support (COS) for adults with intellectual disabilities that can be used in person-centred planning processes.
Funding Agency
HRB
Programme
KTA 2022
Project Title
 Exploring the unmet needs of Irish cancer patients from underserved communities
From
March 2024
To
Feb 2025
Summary
Funding Agency
Irish Cancer Society
Programme
Improved Supports for Underserved Communities Award 2023
Project Type
Timely Access to Early Diagnosis
Project Title
 Pilot feasibility study on the use of Echolight bone screening device in people with intellectual disabilities
From
Jan 2024
To
Dec 2024
Summary
Osteoporosis is a significant concern among individuals with intellectual disabilities. The prevalence of this condition is much higher and presents at an earlier age for people with intellectual disability than adults in the general population, yet research indicates inadequate attendance for diagnostic screenings such as DXA. This study aims to evaluate the viability of using an alternative bone health assessment system, namely the Echolight. The Echolight stands as an innovative technology utilising REMS (Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry) to measure bone mineral density.
Funding Agency
NMPDU, South East
Programme
Nursing and Midwifery Service Improvement Innovation Initiatives 2023
Project Type
Feasibility
Project Title
 Intellecutal Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing Wave 5
From
November 1st 2021
To
December 31st 2024
Summary
IDS-TILDA, a longitudinal study, collates the health and wellbeing characteristics of people with an intellectual disability as they grow older. Thus far results emerging from this important study are contributing to policy practice and teaching development.
Funding Agency
HRB and Department of Health
Project Type
Longitudinal Study
Project Title
 Investigation of constipation and its severity among adults with intellectual disability
From
June 2023
To
Sept 2023
Summary
The aims of the study are two-fold. Firstly, a cross-sectional approach will identify factors which contribute to the severity of constipation or its amelioration. Secondly, a longitudinal approach examining constipation severity over time will identify factors associated with increasing or decreasing severity with a view to determining whether constipation severity is progressive in this population.
Funding Agency
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Programme
Summer school scholarship
Project Type
Student award

Page 1 of 4
Details Date
Head of the Intellectual Disability Discipline Sept 2023
Special Olympics Global Curriculum Advisory Panel 2022
Core team member of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing; Leading the Physical Health Theme 2011
Member of the Scientific Advisory Board and Steering Committee to IDS-TILDA 2011
Academic Advisor for the Positive Ageing Steering Committee, Gheel Services 2021
Member of the Trinty Centre for Ageing and Intellecutal Disability (TCAID) Executive Management Committee, and Operations Committees 2017
Member of the Intellectual Disability Discipline and undergraduate course curriculum committee 2016
Member of the School of Nursing and Midwifery Research Committee 2017
Member of the Scholars Committee School of Nursing and Midwifery 2019
Member of the HSE Quality Improvement Committee 2018
External Examiner to the Intellectual Disability Programme Queens University 2019
Member of the special Interest Research Group Ageing IASSID 2012
Member of the Special Interest Research Group Health IASSID 2013
Member of Healthy Campus Health Trinity Group 2016
Course Coordinator for the Masters in Ageing Health and Wellbeing in Intellectual Disability 2017
Course co-ordinator representative and member of the post graduate course committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, TCD 2016
Course co-ordinator representative and member of the postgraduate management committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, TCD 2017
Chair of the Masters in Ageing and ID Curriculum Development Committee 2016
Academic representative on the e-Learning college working group. 2019
Faculty of Health and Sciences Academic Representative on the Trinity Education and Learning College Review Committee. 2019
Faculty of Health Academic represetative on INDEx - National Digital Experience Survey 2019 2019
Details Date From Date To
Member of the Project oversight group/ Trial Steering Committee of the Matilda Project. Ulster University, Nth. Ireland 23.05.2023 to date
Academic advisor to Positive Ageing Committee, Gheel Autism Services 2022 to date
Ethics Committee Member, Camphill Communities of Ireland, Services for Adults with Intellectual Disability 2019 To date
Member of the Scientific Advisory Board to The Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing 2016 To date
Member of the International Osteoporosis Foundation 2014 To date
Member of the Irish Osteoporosis Society 2013 To date
Member if the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 2012 To date
Member of the Steering Committee to The Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing 2011 To date
Member of the 'Healthy Campus Healthy Trinity Group' 2017 2022
Member of the Irish Gerontological Society 2014 2019
Gorman, A.,Odalovic, M.,Paul, A., McCallion. P., Burke, E., MacLachlan, M., McCarron, M., Henman, M., Moran, M., O'Connell, J., Shankar, R., Ryan, C., Ryan, C. & O'Dwyer, M., Changing Patterns of Psychotropics Use Among Older Adults With Intellectual Disability Over a Decade, With a Focus on Designated Mental Health Conditions, Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 39, (1), 2026, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
Eilish King, Dr Katie Cremin, Prof Philip McCallion, Prof Mary McCarron, Prof Éilish Burke, Enabling adults ageing with intellectual disabilities to self-report their sensory preferences, World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress 2026, Bangkok, Thailand, 9-12 February 2026, 2026, Oral Presentation, PRESENTED
Eilish King, Katie Cremin, Philip McCallion, Mary McCarron, Éilish Burke, Sensory Processing and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review, World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress 2026, Bangkok, Thailand, 9-12 February 2026, 2026, Oral Presentation, PRESENTED
Eilish King, Katie Cremin, Philip McCallion, Mary McCarron, Éilish Burke, Exploring Sensory Profiles of Adults Ageing with Intellectual Disabilities, World Federation of Occupational Therapists Congress 2026, Bangkok, Thailand, 9-12 February, 2026, Poster, PRESENTED
Lynch, L., Walsh, S., Wormald, A., McCarron, M., McCallion, P., Burke, E., Lowery, M., Mahar, A., O"Halloran, A., Ward, M., Romero-Ortuno, R., Ryan, C., & McMahon, M., A longitudinal exploration of cancer and associated mortality in older adults with intellectual disability: Findings from IDS-TILDA, IASSIDD. (2025, October 14"17). IASSIDD 5th Asia-Pacific Congress: Person-centricity as an approach to well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities., Singapore, 2025, Conference Paper, PUBLISHED
Shiling, C., McMahon, M., Eustace-Cook, J., Burke, EA., Sarcopenia in Adults with Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review Protocol to map and describe the existing research., HRB Open, 2025, Notes: [https://doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.14033.1], Journal Article, APPROVED  DOI  URL
A. Gorman, M. Odalovic, P. McCallion, A. Paul, É. Burke, M. MacLachlan, M. McCarron, M. C. Henman, M. Moran, J. O'Connell, R. Shankar, C. Ryan & M. O'Dwyer, Comparing self-report medication data from a longitudinal study on intellectual disability and national dispensing records, Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 69, (1), 2025, p103 - 111, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
Corrigan, S., McCarron, M., McCallion, P. & Burke, E., The Impact of Menopause on the Mental Health of Women With an Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review, Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 2025, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
McCarron, M., Burke, E., McCallion, P. Timmins, F., A Qualitative Exploration of Healthcare Workers' Experiences of End of Life Care for People With an Intellectual Disability, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 81, (7), 2025, p3972 - 3986, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
Shiling Chen, Martin McMahon, Jessica Eustace-Cook, Eilish Burk, "Sarcopenia in Adults with Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review Protocol to map and describe the existing research.", HRB Open Research, 2025, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI  URL  URL
  

Page 1 of 18
Eilish Burke, Having the palliative `care conversation" with people with intellectual disability: Supporting service users and their families, Evidence to Action: Longitudinal Insights from IDS-TILDA to Understand the Physical Determinants of Health in Ageing with an Intellectual Disability (End of Life), Webinar live online, 13.11.2025, 2025, Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability and The Brothers of Charity Services Limerick, Invited Talk, PUBLISHED
Dr Eilish Burke, 'Health and intellectual disability', Access All Areas, 92.5 Phoenix Fm, 2024, -, Broadcast, RELEASED
Dr Eilish Burke, Exploring Health Dynamics: Insights from the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA)., Launch of the Rosemary Collaboration Project, University of Limerick, Feb 28th 2024, 2024, University of Limerick, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Corrigan, S., McCarron, M., McCallion, P. & Burke, E., The impact of menopause on the mental health of women with an intellectual disability, Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, IASSIDD 17th World Congress 2024, Chicago, 5 - 8 August, 2024, Oral Presentation, PRESENTED
Lynch, L., McCarron, M., McCallion, P. & Burke, E., Tv viewing as a proxy for sedentary behaviour among older adults with an intellectual disability, Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, IASSIDD 17th World Congress 2024, Chicago, 5 - 8 August, 2024, Oral Presentation, PRESENTED
McCarron, M, Burke, E-A. & Wormald, A., Building a Better Future for People Ageing with an Intellectual Disability - The Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing., Trinity Centre for Ageing and Intellectual Disability/Brother's of Charity Services Ireland Synposium., The Clarion Hotel, Steamboat Quay, Dock Rd, Limerick City., 29th September 2023, 2023, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Dr Eilish Burke, Transforming Futures and Enhancing Lives: Harnessing Data from The Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing to drive policy and influence change., Launch of GRASP for Positive Ageing Gheel, Marine Hotel Sutton, DEc 5th 2023, 2023, Positive Ageing Committee, Gheel Autism Services, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Dr Eilish Burke, Ageing with an Intellectual Disability, implications for policy and practice: Lessons from The Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS-TILDA), Best Practice in Intellectual Disability Nursing Conference 2023, Mercy University Hospital Cork, Nov 21st 2023, 2023, Nursing and Midwifery Planning & Development Unit, Cork & Kerry, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Dr Eilish Burke, Osteoporosis and falls among adults with intellectual disability: What the IDS-TILDA study tells us., Bone Health and Frailty Awareness Week, Stewarts Care Ltd., Oct 23rd 2023, 2023, Stewarts Care Ltd, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Louise Lynch, Uncovering sedentary behaviour: a comprehensive exploration of patterns and health effects among older adults with an intellectual disability, PhD Trinity College Dublin, 2023, Thesis, PUBLISHED

  


Page 1 of 5
Award Date
Winner of the Inagural School of Nursing and Midwifery Impact Case Study 2024
Nominated for the Trinity Excellence in Research Supervision 2024
Nominated for the Trinity Excellence in Teaching Award 2023
Winner of the International Association for Research on Service-Learning & Community Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion Award November 15th 2021
Nominated and Shortlisted for Trinity Civic Engagement Award 2020/21
Innovation in Teaching Dean's Award Sept. 2018
Dean's Research Award 2017 06.03.2017
Winner of the Trinity College Postgraduate of the Year Showcase 2016 March 2016
Winning juried SIRGAIDD Award for best student poster at the Boston roundtable of the IASSIDD special interest group on ageing with an intellectual disability. September 2013