Dr Kerry Thoirs

Dr Kerry Thoirs

School of Allied Health and Human Performance

College of Health

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Available For Media Comment.

Kerry Thoirs is the Associate Head of School (Academic) at the School of Health Scieneces (City East Campus). Kerry has held leadership positions in both the clinical and academic sectors; with experience in curriculum development and an interest in flexible delivery. Her extensive past clinical experience translates into a focus that teaching in Health Science programs needs to not only meet students needs and expectations, but also should also meet the expectations of external stakeholders. Kerry's discipline area is in Medical Radiations, in particular medical sonography, and she is eager to encourage research and innovative teaching practices in these areas.

Sonography of the ulnar nerve,Online teaching,Ultrasound measurements of muscle,Simulated Learning in Medical Radiations

Year Citation
2025 Thoirs, K., & Kinnane, P. (2025). Profession-based career framework and career pathways: insights from Australian and New Zealand sonographers. Sonography, online(4), 1-16.
DOI
2024 Osborne, B., Milanese, S., Van Kessel, G., King, S., & Thoirs, K. (2024). A three-arm delphi process for exploring Australian radiography stakeholder prioritisation of graduate skill development and their perception of how often these skills are demonstrated by graduate radiographers. Advancing Scholarship and Research in Higher Education, 5(1), 1-26.
DOI
2024 Thoirs, K., O'Hara, S., Quinton, A., Coombs, P., Srayko, S., Spurway, J., . . . O'Brien, S. (2024). Ultrasound assessment of the gravid cervix to assess for risk of spontaneous preterm birth: Introducing an evidence-based clinical guideline for sonographers. Sonography, 11(2), 113-125.
DOI
2023 Felton, J. L., Kennedy, N., Thoirs, K., Alphonse, J., & Quinton, A. E. (2023). Knowledge and use of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) prevention techniques in the daily practice of final-year Australian sonography students: A cross-sectional study. Sonography, 10(1), 3-9.
DOI
2022 Childs, J., Thoirs, K., Quinton, A., Osborne, B., Edwards, C., Stoodley, P., . . . Halligan, T. (2022). Development of a professional competency framework for Australian sonographers - perspectives for developing competencies using a Delphi methodology. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 34(2), 7 pages.
DOI Scopus8 WoS6 Europe PMC3
2022 Edwards, C., Thoirs, K., Osborne, B., Slade, D., McDonald, S., Lombardo, P., . . . Childs, J. (2022). Australian sonographer competency—A new framework. Sonography, 9(3), 108-115.
DOI Scopus12 WoS12
2022 Osborne, B., Thoirs, K., Dizon, J., Parange, N., & Milanese, S. (2022). Patient satisfaction and incidence of adverse events during a trial of sonographer administered musculoskeletal injections. Sonography, 9(3), 116-122.
DOI Scopus4 WoS4
2021 Childs, J., Thoirs, K., Esterman, A., & Lamb, K. (2021). The diagnostic accuracy of using a predictive equation for liver volume derived from simple sonographic measurements in the determination of hepatomegaly. Sonography, 8(4), 162-167.
DOI
2021 Morrison, T., Jones, S., Causby, R. S., & Thoirs, K. (2021). Reliability of ultrasound in evaluating the plantar skin and fat pad of the foot in the setting of diabetes. Plos One, 16(9 September), 18 pages.
DOI Scopus5 WoS6 Europe PMC4
2021 Tinetti, C., Thoirs, K., Harreveld, B., & Zipf, R. (2021). Pilot study to identify attributes of professionalism in sonography. Radiography, 27(4), 1135-1141.
DOI
2020 Cooper, M., Cominos, N., Thoirs, K., Harper, R., & Cross, G. (2020). Love the way you're teaching us': a purpose-developed clinical communication workshop for first year midwifery students. Nurse Education in Practice, 45(102773), 1-9.
DOI WoS3 Europe PMC1
2019 Aird, C., Thoirs, K., Maranna, S., & Massy-Westropp, N. (2019). Ultrasound Measurements and Assessments of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow and Cubital Tunnel: A Scoping Review. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 35(6), 474-482.
DOI Scopus4 WoS3
2018 Morrison, T., Jones, S., Causby, R. S., & Thoirs, K. (2018). Can ultrasound measures of intrinsic foot muscles and plantar soft tissues predict future diabetes-related foot disease? A systematic review. Plos One, 13(6), 18 pages.
DOI Scopus12 WoS8 Europe PMC10
2018 Geng, W. Z. M., Fuller, M., Osborne, B., & Thoirs, K. (2018). The value of the erect abdominal radiograph for the diagnosis of mechanical bowel obstruction and paralytic ileus in adults presenting with acute abdominal pain. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 65(4), 259-266.
DOI Scopus16 WoS14 Europe PMC11
2018 Roesch, H. J., Milanese, S., Osborne, B., Spurrier, D. J., & Thoirs, K. A. (2018). The acute effects of exercise on tendon dimensions and vascularity. An exploratory study using diagnostic ultrasound of the male Achilles tendon. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 21(10), 982-987.
DOI Scopus6 WoS6 Europe PMC5
2018 Farr, C., & Thoirs, K. (2018). The sonographic measurement of the spleen: a clinical audit. Sonography, 5(4), 187-194.
DOI
2018 Thoirs, K. A., & Childs, J. (2018). Are ultrasound measurements of Achilles tendon size reliable? A systematic review of rater reliability. Ultrasound in medicine and biology, 44(12), 2476-2491.
DOI
2017 Sim, J. H., & Thoirs, K. (2017). Understanding sonography clinical decision-making learning through student voices. Journal of diagnostic medical sonography, 33(3), 184-191.
DOI
2017 Thoirs, K., Deed, K., & Childs, J. (2017). Transvaginal sonography: sonographer reflections on patient experience using a critical incident technique. Sonography, 4(2), 55-62.
DOI
2017 Jaeschke, R., Thoirs, K. A., Bain, G., & Massy Westropp, N. (2017). Systematic review: hand activity and ultrasound of the median nerve. Occupational medicine, 67(5), 389-393.
DOI Scopus5 WoS4 Europe PMC3
2016 Childs, J. T., Esterman, A. J., Thoirs, K. A., & Turner, R. C. (2016). Ultrasound in the assessment of hepatomegaly: a simple technique to determine an enlarged liver using reliable and valid measurements. Sonography, 3(2), 47-52.
DOI Scopus18
2016 Todd, G., Pearson-Dennett, V., Wilcox, R., Chau, M., Thoirs, K., Thewlis, D., . . . White, J. (2016). Adults with a history of illicit amphetamine use exhibit abnormal substantia nigra morphology and parkinsonism. Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, 25, 27-32.
DOI Scopus36 WoS32 Europe PMC27
2016 Osborne, B., Thoirs, K., & Parange, N. (2016). The effectiveness of simulation training in the teaching of skills required for sonographic fetal assessment in mid-trimester pregnancy to novices: A pilot study.. Australasian journal of ultrasound in medicine, 19(4), 147-153.
DOI Europe PMC2
2016 Lee, L., & Thoirs, K. (2016). Re: A clinical supervision model in bachelor of nursing education-purpose, content and evaluation. Nurse Education in Practice 2013; 13: 506-11. Hall-Lord ML, Theander K, Athlin E. Sonography, 3(4), 168-170.
DOI
2016 Thoirs, K. (2016). How to write a paper. 5th edition. Sonography, 3(2), 68-69.
DOI
2016 Thoirs, K., & Sim, J. (2016). Using a clinical decision-making framework to foster sonographer student learning in the clinical setting. Sonography, 3(4), 146-153.
DOI
2015 Thoirs, K., & Lee, L. (2015). Re: Multiple prenatal ultrasound scans and ocular development: 20-year follow-up of a randomised, controlled trial. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynaecology 2014; 44:166-70. Forward H, Yazar S, Hewitt AW, Khan J, Mountain JM, Pesudovs Ket al. Sonography, 3(1), 36.
DOI
2015 Childs, J. T., Thoirs, K. A., & Esterman, A. J. (2015). Computed tomography volume measurements of the liver using a liver segmentation and analysis package : an intra- and inter-rater reliability study. Journal of biomedical graphics and computing, 5(2), 17-22.
DOI
2015 Butcher, R. L., Gaggini, R., & Thoirs, K. (2015). Does Wearing A Real-Time Visual Dosimeter Reduce the Personal Radiation Dose for Interventional Radiology Nurses? An Observational Comparative Study. Journal of radiology nursing, 34(3), 137-142.
DOI
2015 Milanese, S., Thoirs, K., & Grimmer, K. (2015). Evidence-based practice in sonography - making sense of diagnostic accuracy studies. Sonography, 2(4), 69-73.
DOI
2015 Gonzalez Suarez, C. B., Dones, V. C., Grimmer, K., Thoirs, K., Milanese, S., & Atlas, A. (2015). Radial nerve measurements in non-symptomatic upper extremities of Filipinos: a cross sectional study. Muscle and nerve, 52(4), 568-575.
DOI
2015 Childs, J., Thoirs, K., & Esterman, A. (2015). The development of a practical and uncomplicated predictive equation to determine liver volume from simple linear ultrasound measurements of the liver. Radiography, 22(2), e125-e130.
DOI Scopus14 WoS10
2015 Thoirs, K., Osborne, B., Childs, J. T., Parange, N., & Maranna, S. (2015). Skill development of beginner sonography students using high-fidelity simulators: Initial experiences. Sonography, 3(1), 5-11.
DOI Scopus4
2015 Osborne, B., Parange, N., & Thoirs, K. (2015). The effectiveness of the use of high fidelity simulators in obstetric ultrasound training: A systematic review. Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 18(3), 107-111.
DOI Scopus8 Europe PMC5
2014 Childs, J., Esterman, A., Phillips, M., Thoirs, K., & Turner, R. (2014). Methods of determining the size of the adult liver using 2D ultrasound: A systematic review of articles reporting liver measurement techniques. Journal of diagnostic medical sonography, 30(6), 296-306.
DOI Scopus14 WoS11
2014 Childs, J. T., Esterman, A. J., & Thoirs, K. A. (2014). Ultrasound measurements of the liver: an intra and inter-rater reliability study. Australasian journal of ultrasound in medicine, 17(3), 113-119.
DOI Scopus20 Europe PMC10
2014 MacKenzie, J., Grimshaw, P., Jones, C., Thoirs, K., & Petkov, J. (2014). Muscle activity during lifting: examining the effect of core conditioning of multifidus and transversus abdominis. Work, 47(4), 453-462.
DOI Scopus7 WoS9 Europe PMC6
2014 Dones, V., Grimmer, K., Milanese, S., Suarez, C., Thoirs, K., & Kumar, S. (2014). Diagnostic Value of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Acute and Chronic Lateral Epicondylalgia. INTERNET JOURNAL OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES AND PRACTICE, 12(4), 12 pages.
WoS2
2014 Deed, K. M., Childs, J. T., & Thoirs, K. A. (2014). What are the perceptions of women towards transvaginal sonographic examinations?. Sonography, 1(2), 33-38.
DOI
2014 Dones, V. C. I. I. I., Grimmer, K., Thoirs, K., Suarez, C. G., & Luker, J. (2014). The diagnostic validity of musculoskeletal ultrasound in lateral epicondylalgia : a systematic review. BMC medical imaging, 14(article no. 10), 1-11.
DOI
2014 Dones, V. C. I. I. I., Thomas, J., Lesniewski, P., Thoirs, K., Grimmer, K., & Suarez, C. (2014). The reliability of musculoskeletal ultrasound video tracking of muscle and tendon displacement. International journal of scientific and research publications, 4(10), 1-14.
2014 Hellmanns, K., McBean, K., & Thoirs, K. (2014). Magnetic resonance imaging in the measurement of whole body muscle mass: a comparison of interval gap methods. Radiography, 35(1), 21-39.
DOI
2014 Dones, V. I. I. I., Grimmer, K., Milanese, S., Suarez, C., Thoirs, K., & Kumar, S. (2014). Diagnostic value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in acute and chronic lateral diagnostic value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in acute and chronic lateral epicondylalgia. The internet journal of allied health sciences and practice, 12(4), 1-12.
2013 Allan, R. B., & Thoirs, K. A. (2013). A comparison of liver surface and hepatic vein wall ultrasound as markers for fibrosis or cirrhosis of the liver. Radiography, 20(1), 8-14.
DOI
2012 English, C., Fisher, L., & Thoirs, K. (2012). Reliability of real-time ultrasound for measuring skeletal muscle size in human limbs in vivo: a systematic review. Clinical rehabilitation, 26(10), 934-944.
DOI
2012 English, C. K., Thoirs, K. A., Fisher, L., McLennan, H., & Bernhardt, J. (2012). Ultrasound is a reliable measure of muscle thickness in acute stroke patients, for some, but not all anatomical sites: a study of the intra-rater reliability of muscle thickness measures in acute stroke patients. Ultrasound in medicine & biology, 38(3), 368-376.
DOI
2012 Dones, V. C., Grimmer Somers, K., Thoirs, K., & Gonzalez Suarez, C. B. (2012). Inter-tester reliability of sonographers in detecting pathological lesions in the elbows of individuals with lateral epicondylar pain. Journal of Musculoskeletal Research, 14(2), 1-14.
DOI
2012 Thoirs, K. (2012). Physical and technical principles of sonography : a practical guide for non-sonographers. Radiographer, 59(4), 125-133.
DOI
2012 Childs, J. T., Phillips, M., & Thoirs, K. A. (2012). Impact of ancestry and body size on sonographic ulnar nerve dimensions. Radiography, 18(2), 100-104.
DOI
2012 Thoirs, K. A., & Coffee, J. (2012). Developing the clinical psychomotor skills of musculoskeletal sonography using a multimedia DVD : a pilot study. Australasian journal of educational technology, 28(4), 703-718.
2012 English, C., Thoirs, K., Coates, A., Ryan, A., & Bernhardt, J. (2012). Changes in fat mass in stroke survivors: a systematic review. International journal of stroke, 7(6), 491-498.
DOI Scopus25 WoS24 Europe PMC21
2011 Thoirs, K., Giles, E., & Barber, W. (2011). The use and perceptions of simulation in medical radiation science education. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences, 58(3), 5-11.
DOI Scopus23
2011 Thoirs, K., Giles, E., & Barber, W. (2011). The use and perceptions of simulation in medical radiation science education. Radiographer, 58(3), 5-11.
DOI WoS22
2011 Naser-ud-Din, S., Thoirs, K., & Sampson, W. (2011). Ultrasonography, lateral cephalometry and 3D imaging of the human masseter muscle. Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research, 14(1), 33-43.
DOI Scopus18 WoS13 Europe PMC12
2010 Naser-ud-Din, S., Sampson, W., Dreyer, C., & Thoirs, K. (2010). Ultrasound measurements of the masseter muscle as predictors of cephalometric indices in orthodontics: A pilot study. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 36(9), 1412-1421.
DOI Scopus5 WoS5 Europe PMC3
2010 English, C. K., McLennan, H. J., Thoirs, K. A., Coates, A. M., & Bernhardt, J. (2010). Loss of skeletal muscle mass after stroke : a systematic review. International journal of stroke, 5(5), 395-402.
DOI Scopus147 WoS142 Europe PMC130
2010 Allan, R. B., Thoirs, K. A., & Phillips, M. (2010). Accuracy of ultrasound to identify chronic liver disease. World journal of gastroenterology, 16(28), 3510-3520.
DOI
2010 Thoirs, K. A. (2010). Using online peer feedback in formative assessment for medical sonography students teaching: the student view. Radiographer, 57(2), 26-33.
2009 Thoirs, K. A. (2009). Sonography in the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome. Soundeffects, 2(2009), 28-33.
2009 Thoirs, K., & English, C. (2009). Ultrasound measures of muscle thickness: intra-examiner reliability and influence of body position. Clinical physiology and functional imaging, 29(6), 440-446.
DOI
2009 Chipchase, L. S., Thoirs, K., & Jedrzejczak, A. (2009). The effectiveness of real time ultrasound as a biofeedback tool for muscle retraining. Physical therapy reviews, 14(2), 124-131.
DOI
2009 Fulton, I., McEvoy, M., Pieterse, J., Williams, M., Thoirs, K., & Petkov, J. (2009). Transversus abdominis : changes in thickness during the unsupported upper limb exercise test in older adults. Physiotherapy theory and practice, 25(8), 523-532.
DOI Scopus4 Europe PMC2
2008 Thoirs, K. A., Williams, M. T., & Phillips, M. (2008). Ultrasonographic measurements of ulnar nerve at the elbow: role of confounders. Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 27(5), 737-743.
DOI Scopus66 WoS55 Europe PMC40
2007 Thoirs, K. A., Williams, M. T., & Phillips, M. (2007). Systematic review of sonographic measurements of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 23(5), 255-262.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2
2005 Thoirs, K. A., Williams, M. T., & Phillips, M. (2005). Sonographic measurements of the ulnar nerve and the cubital tunnel at the elbow: Interobserver reproducibility. Radiography, 11(4), 277-283.
DOI Scopus7 WoS7
2001 Thoirs, K. A., & Williams, M. T. (2001). Reliability of measures of the cubital tunnel using high resolution ultrasound: a preliminary study. Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine bulletin.

Year Citation
- Morrison, T., Thoirs, K., Jones, S., & Causby, R. (n.d.). Differences and relationships between ultrasound measurements and assessments of the plantar foot soft tissue structure, peak plantar pressure, and patient diabetic status.

  • The accuracy of a simple sonographic liver volume equation to determine hepatomegaly, Australasian Sonographers Association, 01/02/2018 - 31/05/2019

  • Email: kerry.thoirs@adelaide.edu.au
  • Alternative Contact: Ms Angela Beaton Senior Administration Officer and Personal Assistant(08) 8302 2853

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