Dr Peter Thomas Sandy
Dr Peter Thomas Sandy was a Professor of Public Health for eight years (2012-2020) at the University of South Africa within its Department of Health Studies. He led the development of the PhD and master’s programmes in public health and acted as the post-graduate programmes coordinator during his tenure at this university. Dr Peter Thomas Sandy was a Principal Lecturer in Mental Health Practice at Buckinghamshire New University where he oversaw the development of a range of post-registration mental healthcare-related programmes.
Dr Peter Thomas Sandy is presently a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Practice at the University of West London in the United Kingdom (UK), and has worked in the UK for over 25 years in higher education institutions (e.g., Brunel University, The Open University and Buckinghamshire New University) and mental health clinical practice settings.
As a mental health practitioner, Dr Peter Thomas Sandy actively supports people with mental health difficulties and/ or learning disabilities. His clinical experiences shaped his research interests. He is interested in drug and alcohol use among vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, and people with mental health and learning disability problems. From a broader perspective, Dr Peter Thomas Sandy has a huge interest in attitude and behaviour change and has conducted a range of funded research related to these areas. His research has yielded a prolific number of scholarly publications (e.g., research articles and reports) and grant awards that raise the understanding of how beliefs and attitudes affect healthcare professionals’ reactions to service users’ behaviours (e.g.self-harm). He promotes his research findings in curricula and lectures to students, faculty and clinicians. He has presented his research findings at both national and international conferences. His recent experience of working with rural and urban communities and voluntary organisations in the Southern Africa region expanded his interest to include infectious diseases (e.g. TB and HIV.) and health disparities.
Dr Peter Thomas Sandy earned his doctoral degree (PhD) from Brunel University. His thesis focused on an area of mental health practice, self-mutilation and attitude. The outcome of this study led to the development of the “Self-Harm Explanatory” and the “Factors Influencing Self-harming Behaviour (FISH) Models, which have practical utility in the assessment and management of self-harming behaviours in forensic and generic mental health services.
Dr Peter Thomas Sandy has supervised to completion of several undergraduate, master’s and doctoral projects, and has mentored several academics in areas of research and writing for publication.
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Qualifications
- PhD
- MSc
- PGDip
- BSc
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Memberships
South Africa Psychiatric Nursing AssociationAssociation of Nurses in Substance AbuseSigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)
Teaching
I started my teaching career in higher education in 2000 as a part-time lecturer at the University of West London when it was Thames Valley University. My remit was to support mental health nursing students in practice and lead a reflective practice module. Following this, I gained full time employment at Buckinghamshire New University as a senior lecturer in mental health nursing. In 2012, I gained employment at a University in Southern Africa, and worked in the same for eight years.
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Research and publications
Articles
MK Watijira, PT Sandy, AH Mavhandu-Mudzusi (2022). Treatment outcomes of patients with MDR-TB and its determinants at referral hospitals in Ethiopia. PloS one, 17(2)-eo262318.
P Ramluggun, C Idowu, P Sandy, S Wright (2022). Supporting mental health nurses to meet patients’ spiritual needs. Mental Health Practice, 25(2).
Hussien B, Wardofa N, Aman J, Goroma G, Ameni G, Sandy PT (2021). Drug Resistance Pattern of M. tuberculosis Complex in Oromia Region of Ethiopia. Infection and Drug Resistance,14: 1679–1689
Sandy PT; John T. Meyer JT, Oluwaseun S. Oduniyi OS, Azwihangwisi H. Mavhandu-Mudzusi A (2021). Paramedic students' confidence and satisfaction with clinical simulations of an emergency medical care programme in South Africa: A cross-sectional study. Health SA Gesondheid, vol.26
Ramluggun P, Charles Idowu C, Sandy PT, Wright S (2021) Supporting mental health nurses to meet patients’ spiritual needs. Mental Health Practice 24(3)
Nathoo S, Shaw DG, Sandy PT 2021) Determinants of compassion in providing care to older people: Educational implications. Nurse Education Today, 104878
Roos J, Naidoo U, Sandy PT (2020). Determinants of the readiness of nursing campuses to use a computerised training tool. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 22(2)
Yigzaw MM, Sandy PT (2020). Socio-economic Determinants of Maternal Healthcare Utilization in Addis Ababa. Research Square
Sandy PT, Vhembo T, Molotsi TK. (2019). Sexual behaviour among adolescents living with the human immunodeficiency virus in Zimbabwe: educational implications. African Journal of AIDS Research.
Mavhandu-Mudzusi A.H, Sandy PT, Hettema A. (2017). Registered nurses’ perceptions regarding nurse-led antiretroviral therapy initiation in Hhohho Region, Swaziland. International Nursing Review, 64(4).
Mavhandu-Mudzusi A.H, Sandy PT. (2017). Human Rights Violation: its impact on the mental well-being of LGBTI students in a South African rural-based University. South African Journal for Higher Education, 31(2).
Sandy PT. (2016). The use of observation on patients who self-harm: lessons from a learning disability service. Health SA Gesondheid, 21:406-416.
Sandy PT. Shaw DG (2016). Mental health nurses' attitudes toward self-harm: Curricular implications. Health SA Gesondheid, 21:253-260.
Sandy PT, Mavhandu-Mudzusi A.H. (2016) Pharmacists’ attitudes towards an integrated patience management system in a public hospital in Southern Africa: A Phenomenological Exploration. African Journal of Physical Activity and Health Sciences, 22 (1.2).
Mavhandu-Mudzusia AH, Sandy PT (2015) Religion-related stigma and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students at a South African rural-based university. Cultural Health and Sexuality, 17(8):1-3.
Sandy PT. (2015). Preventing drug and alcohol misuse: a behaviour change guide for schools and communities. VSO-RHAISA.
Sandy PT, Mundeta B. (2015). Community Home-Based Care Guidelines: Promoting Caregiving in the Southern Africa Development Community. VSO-RHAISA.
Sandy PT et al. (2014). Midwives` Experiences and Attitudes to a Smoking Cessation Programme for Pregnant Women: A Phenomenographic Study. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. 5 (16): 532-540.
Mavhandu-Mudzusi A.H, Sandy P.T. (2014). The experiences of HIV-serodiscordant couples in Soweto, South Africa. International Nursing Review.
Mavhandu-Mudzusi AH Matshidiso CL, Sandy PT. (2014). The Experiences of HIV-serodiscordant Couples at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit in Soweto, South Africa. Journal of Ethno Medicine, 8(2): 119-125.
Mavhandu-Mudzusi AH, Sandy PT, Tshabangu K F. (2014). Factors Contributing to Intergenerational Sexual Relationships among Refugee Girls in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. 5 (20): 2876-2885.
Mavhandu-Mudzusi AH, Sandy PT. (2014). Staff and Students` Perception of an HIV/AIDS` Strategy: A Case Study of a South African Rural-Based University. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. 5 (20): 2729-2737.
Sandy PT. (2014). Factors Affecting Assessment of Student Nurses’ Clinical Practice: A phenomenographic Exploration of the Experiences and Understanding of Mentors of a Mental Health Service in England. International Journal of Education and Social Sciences. 7(1): 57-66 .
Sandy PT. (2013). Does Spirituality Play a Role in Smoking Cessation? A Case Study Report of a Smoking Cessation Programme on Service Users with Schizophrenia. Alternation Special Edition 11: 275 – 296.
Sandy PT. (2013). Motives of self-harm: Views of nurses in a secure unit. Journal of International Nursing Review International Nursing Review. 60, 358–365.
Sandy PT, Kgole JC, Mavundla TR. (2013). Support needs of caregivers: case studies in South Africa. International Nursing Review 60, 344–350.
Dithole KS, Sandy PT, (2013). Thupayagale-Tshweneagae. Usefulness of problem-based learning in clinical nursing education: experiences from the University of Botswana. African Journal for Physical Health Education, Recreation & Dance. Supplement 1 September. 1-10.
Sandy PT, Mgutshini T. (2012). Integrating religiosity into motivational interviewing and nicotine replacement therapy programme for patients with schizophrenia and nicotine addiction: lessons from a mental health service. Journal of Addiction and Research Therapy 3, (2): 2-7.
Sandy PT, Shaw GD. (2012). Attitudes of Mental Health Nurses to Self-Harm in Secure Forensic Settings: A Multi-Method Phenomenological Investigation. JMMSR 1 (4):63-75.
Sandy, P. & Shaw, D.G. deliberate self-harm among patients in a secure setting: educational implications of a qualitative study. Advances In Health Sciences Education.
Book chapters
Sandy PT, Rioga M. Book (2013) Chapter: Caring for the person with mental health needs in the community. In. Community and Public Health Nursing. Eds. Sines et al. 5th edition. Wiley Blackwell, UK, 2001-21.
Reports
Sandy PT, Rioga M (2021). Disproportionate representation of people of black African and Caribbean heritage in crisis pathways & under MHA [1/2] Final Report
Sandy PT, Rioga M (2021Peer Enhance E-Placement (PEEP
Sandy PT et al (2021). Rethinking Observations in Mental
Sandy PT (2018). Phoning out poverty and AIDS: An evaluation study of the impact of an economic empowerment project in Southern Africa.
Sandy PT (2017). Community-based guidelines: promoting caregiving in the Southern Africa Development Community.
Sandy PT (2016). Strengthening advocacy around policy and changing social norms to improve access and utilisation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Sexual Reproductive Health Services among vulnerable populations in Southern Africa: A multi-layered Approach
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Conferences
Sandy PT. (2018). Scratching beneath the surface: Prison officers’ perceptions of HIV in prisons in Zimbabwe.
Sandy PT. (2017). Empowering women and girls in Zambia: An integrated programme of income generation, HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
Sandy PT. (2016). Does child marriage spread HIV infection? An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the views of parliamentarians in Mozambique.
Sandy PT. (2015). Reforms in General Education. March 28-29 Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Sandy PT. (2014). Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to research volunteering. Voluntary Service Overseas, Pretoria, South Africa.
Sandy PT, Mavhandu-Mudzusi AH. (2014). Mental health nurses’ attitudes towards self-harm: curricular implications of a qualitative study. 2nd European Regional STTI Conference, Sweden. Oral Presentation.
Sandy PT. (2014). Who is hurting whom? Views of service users and nurses of the impact of self-harming behaviours in a secure forensic unit. Canada.(Registered psychiatric Nursing conference World Congress).
Sandy PT. (2014) Time well spent; observation and engagement of patients who self-harm: lessons from an inpatient learning disability service in the United Kingdom. Weskoppies Hospital, South Africa.
Sandy PT. (2014). The use of seclusion in secure forensic environments: an investigation of factors influencing nurses’ attitudes. Denmark. 9th European Congress on Violence in Clinical Psychiatry.
Mavhandu-Mudzusi AH, Sandy PT. (2014). Human rights: a dream or reality for lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex in a rural-based university. 2nd European Regional STTI Conference, Sweden. Oral Presentation
Sandy PT. (2014). Factors Affecting Assessment of Student Nurses’ Clinical Practice: A Phenomenographic Exploration of the Experiences and Understanding of Mentors of a Mental Health Service in England. 25th International nursing Research Congress, Hong Kong. Oral Presentation
Sandy PT, Mavhandu-Mudzusi. (2014). Zero New HIV and TB infection: vision impossible with the current management of LGBTI students in a rural-based university. International Nursing Research Congress, Hong Kong. Oral Presentation
Sandy PT. (2013). Motives of self-harm: Views of nurses in a secure unit. May 2013 International mental health Nursing conference, Finland. Oral Presentation.
Sandy PT. (2013). Attitudes towards self-harm: a multi-method phenomenological investigation (Oral presentation, July 2013 Sigma Theta Nursing Conference, Prague, Czech Republic).
Sandy PT. (2013). Mental health recovery applied to practice. October 2013,
Weskoppies Hospital, South Africa.
Sandy, P and Assey, J (2011). An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Sexual Offenders` Intervention Group. Paper presented in May at The Vista Group Conference in Winchfield, Hampshire, United Kingdom. Oral Presentation.
Sandy, P (2010). Deliberate self-harm in forensic psychiatry: a multi-method
investigation. Paper presented at the International Nursing Conference, Liverpool, United Kingdom. Oral Presentation.
Sandy, P., Shaw, D. (2007). Application of a mixed methodological approach on attitudes of psychiatric nurses towards self-harm. Poster presented in July at the International Mixed Method conference, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Sandy, P., Shaw, D., and Drodie, D (2006). Effectiveness of the application of
motivational interviewing. Paper presented at the Nursing International Conference, York, United Kingdom. Oral Presentation.
Sandy, P (1997). An examination of factors affecting the attitude of psychiatric nurses working in a secure setting towards the use of seclusion. Paper presented in November at Good Practice Conference in Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom. Oral Presentation.
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Research degree supervision
MPhil
Nebeyou Aberra Yilma: Comparing compliance to standard precautions amongst health care providers in public versus private hospitals in Gaborone.
Marilyn Buyisiwe Mnguni: An exploration of factors determining co-ordination of HIV and AIDS programmes in Ugu District Municipality.
Tesema Hana Tsegaye: Factors affecting ART patient data quality at Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana.
Mersha Bogale Gorfu: Factors affecting utilization of integrated community case management of common childhood illnesses in Agarfa Woreda, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia.
Tichaona Vhembo: Sexual behaviour among adolescents living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
Regebe Berhanu Belay: The perception of preparatory students of the risk of contracting human immuno-deficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections in Adama, Eastern Showa, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.
Demeke Gizew Damtie: Factors influencing sexual risk behaviours among senior secondary school students (youths).
Berhanu Tamir Tirfe: A study exploring socio demographic and service-related factors influencing utilization of intra uterine contraceptive device utilisation among family planning users in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
Sithembele Magqadiyane: The Influence of the role of monitoring and evaluation of the clinic managers’ performance in primary health care setting at Qumbu Sub District Health, South Africa.
Endriyas Alganeh Woldemariam: Assessment of the sanitary status of food and drink establishments in Addis Ababa City, a case of Kirkos Sub-City; Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
AH Hettema: Task shifting in Swaziland: the perceptions and attitudes of nurses regarding nurse-led antiretroviral therapy in Hhohho Region, Swaziland.
N Elidad: Evaluation of the effectiveness of contraceptives in teenagers in Gauteng, South Africa.
John Meyer: Paramedic students’ confidence and satisfaction with clinical simulations of an emergency medical care programme in South Africa: a cross-sectional study.
Faria Makoni: Exploration of the views of patients about the effectiveness of seclusion.
PhD
Mr Jemal Seid Mohammed: Evaluation of tuberculosis infection control implementation in Ethiopia
Mrs. Ambanesh Necho Mulatu: Strategies for improving Maternity Waiting Home utilisation In the North West Region of Ethiopia
Morgen Nyahwa: Effects of domestic violence on children in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Shemsu Gabiso Kasim: Utilisation of skilled attendance for maternal healthcare in rural health centres, Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Henock Bekele Keto: Factors associated with the development of drug-resistance resistant tuberculosis in Ethiopia
Bongani Robert Dlamini: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of midwives during the provision of immediate postnatal care interventions to HIV-infected mothers and their infants. a Swaziland analysis.
AB Mengesha: Epidemiology of preventable risk factors for non-communicable disease among the adults population in Tigray district of Northern Ethiopia.
Awraris Hailu Bilchut: An evaluation of the role of health extension workers in the management of tuberculosis in Ethiopia.
Mr Mengistu Kenea Wakjira: Treatment outcomes of patients with MDR-TB and its determinants at referral hospitals in Ethiopia.
Mr Muluneh Yigzaw Mossie: Multilevel determinants of universal coverage of maternal and newborn healthcare in Addis Ababa: a mixed-methods study.
Udesvari Pillay: Determinants of the nursing campuses’ readiness to use a computerised adaptation training tool in South Africa.
