Staff Profiles

PhD in Nursing Science (University of Pennsylvania) 

MNS Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (University of Pennsylvania)

MNS Parent and Child Nursing  (University of Botswana)

BNS (University of Botswana)

Dr. Matula is a passionate Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, a nurse educator, and a researcher. As a systems thinker, Dr Matula believes that change is necessary for the development and is always eminent in high-reliability organizations such as the health care industry and institutions of learning. As an educator, he ensures that students are prepared to think outside the box and challenge themselves to ensure that they find sustainable and effective means for learning and solving daily challenges. The intense desire for change and seeing opportunities for innovation also drive his research agenda on pediatric issues in Botswana, social determinants of health and patient informed health outcomes. The desire to bring change for Dr. Matula does not end in the classroom, as he continues to be an active member of the community and be a voice for change in many issues affecting children. Dr Matula teaches courses on pediatric and adolescents nursing, foundational nursing courses to both undergraduate and graduate nurses. Notably, Dr Matula was one of the frontline health care providers in response to COVID-19 stationed at Sir Kitumele Masire Teaching Hospital (SKTMH). Dr Matula is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), a nursing honor society, International Family Nursing Association (IFNA) and International Association of the Study of Pain (IASP). He is also a contributor to CHIFA- Child Health and Rights.

HIV/AIDS- equipping individuals health workers and non health workers about HIV/AIDS.

Fundamental Nursing Skills- Preparer lower level nursing classes on fundamental skills in nursing

Advanced nursing skills in Pediatrics for higher level of nursing classes

Pediatric Palliative care and pain management

Pediatric Pain Management IN LMIC

Escalation of care in pediatric care

Pediatric Palliative care in LMIC

Ehealth

Quality improvement and patient safety

Patient-centred health outcomes 

Implementation Research 

Adolescents mental health

Pain Management 

Childhood cancers

Practice changes 

Caregivers experience with chronic childhood illnesses 

Readmissions and Discharge planning

1. Matula S.T., Irving S. Y., Deatrick J.A., Steenhoff A.P., Polomano R.C. The perceptions and practices of parents and children on acute pain management among hospitalized children in two Botswana referral hospitals. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. Available online from 18 February 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2022.02.004.
2. Matula S.T., Irving S. Y., Deatrick J.A., Steenhoff A.P., Polomano R.C. (In press). The Incidence, Intensity, Assessment, and Management of Acute Pain in Hospitalized Children in Botswana manuscript. Journal of Pain Management Nursing. Available online 2 January 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2021.11.012
3. Matula, S.T., Polomano, R., Irving, S. (2018). The state of science in paediatric pain management practices in low-middle income countries: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 24 (6). e12695 https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12695
4. Kassaw, M.W., Matula, S.T., Abebe, A.M. Kassie, A.M., Abate, B.B. (2020). The perceived determinants and recommendations by mothers and healthcare professionals on the loss-to-follow-up in Option B+ program and child mortality in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. BMC Infectious Diseases, 20(1), 876