Professor, at University of Évora, Portugal.
Cláudia Sofia Orvalho Mendes (born June 22, 1981) is a Portuguese specialist nurse with a career dedicated to medical-surgical nursing, hospital management, and teaching. She currently holds a management position in the Integrated System for Surgery Waiting Lists (SIGIC) at Hospital Espírito Santo de Évora (HESE), where she also serves as a specialist nurse in the Operating Room. Additionally, she is a guest lecturer at the School of Health and Human Development at the University of Évora. With a strong academic background and extensive professional experience, Cláudia has made significant contributions to improving healthcare services and training new nursing professionals.
Professional Profile
Scopus
ORCID
Education 🎓
Cláudia Mendes has a diverse and robust academic background. She is currently pursuing two doctoral degrees: one in Health Sciences, specializing in Nursing, at Lusófona University, and another in Human Motricity, focusing on Exercise and Health, at the University of Évora.
In 2022, she completed a Postgraduate Program in Healthcare Services Administration at the University of Évora, enhancing her knowledge of strategic management and healthcare quality. In 2021, she earned a Master’s degree in Exercise and Well-being, specializing in Exercise and Health, from Lusófona University.
Additionally, she holds a Specialization in Medical-Surgical Nursing for Critically Ill Patients, completed in 2014 at the University of Évora, and a Nursing degree from the same institution, obtained in 2004. She has also undertaken training in Bioethics and Hospital Management, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.
Professional Experience 🏥
With nearly two decades of experience at Hospital Espírito Santo de Évora, Cláudia Mendes has held various key roles. Since 2023, she has been responsible for managing the SIGIC, coordinating surgical waiting lists.
Since 2022, she has also worked as a specialist nurse in Medical-Surgical Nursing in the Operating Room, providing perioperative care, including anesthesia, circulation, and instrumentation. Between 2020 and 2021, she was part of the Intensive Care Unit, assisting critically ill patients, including COVID-19 cases.
Since 2015, she has been a member of the HESE Health Ethics Committee, promoting ethical education and advising on professional conduct. In addition to her hospital duties, she has been a guest lecturer at the University of Évora since 2022, contributing to the training of future healthcare professionals.
Research Areas 🔬
Cláudia Mendes’ research areas reflect her dedication to improving healthcare and patient well-being. Her key research topics include:
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Physical Activity and Bariatric Surgery: Studying the relationship between physical exercise, weight regain, and quality of life in bariatric surgery patients.
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Surgical Safety: Analyzing healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the implementation of safe surgery protocols and their impact on care quality.
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Healthcare Management: Researching strategies for hospital administration and management to improve service efficiency and patient satisfaction.
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Bioethics: Exploring ethical issues in clinical practice, with a focus on decision-making and patient relationships.
Awards and Recognitions 🏆
Throughout her career, Cláudia Mendes has received several awards and distinctions recognizing her commitment to nursing and healthcare management. Notable achievements include:
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Nursing Excellence Award (2018) – Awarded by Hospital Espírito Santo de Évora in recognition of her exemplary performance and dedication to the profession.
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Distinction in Hospital Management (2022) – Granted by the University of Évora for completing the Postgraduate Program in Healthcare Services Administration with merit.
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Ethics Committee Recognition (2020) – Honored for her significant contribution as an active member of the HESE Health Ethics Committee.
Top Noted Publications 📚
Cláudia Mendes has contributed to scientific literature with several relevant publications, including:
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“Association between physical activity, weight regain, sedentary behavior, metabolic risk factors, and quality of life and sleep in patients undergoing bariatric surgery” (2021) – A master’s thesis analyzing the relationship between physical activity and various factors in post-bariatric surgery patients.
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“Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the role of safe surgery in improving care quality: A Case Study in a Public Hospital Operating Room” (2022) – An article exploring professionals’ views on safe surgery protocols and their impact on healthcare.
Conclusion
Cláudia Sofia Orvalho Mendes demonstrates strong credentials as a healthcare professional, academic, and leader. Her expertise in perioperative and critical care nursing, combined with advanced healthcare management, makes her a valuable candidate for research-based recognition. However, to be a top contender for the Best Scholar Award, she would benefit from further strengthening her publication record, increasing her international research collaborations, and showcasing more high-impact research contributions.