Alex Heaps
Research focus: Occupational Therapy clinical reasoning in neuropsychiatric rehabilitation
This research examines the clinical reasoning of neuro-occupational therapists working with adults who have acquired brain injuries (ABI) and persisting neuropsychiatric needs. Building on existing literature, which highlights the complexity of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy, it investigates how therapists navigate the multifaceted presentations of ABI. The research explores the application of theoretical models, formulation-based methods, and the balance between scientific and narrative reasoning paradigms and the influence of therapist’s assumptions on clinical decision making. The heterogeneity of ABI presentations and the interplay of cognitive, behavioural, and psychological factors necessitate nuanced approaches. By addressing key challenges and identifying gaps in current practices, this research contributes to advancing clinical reasoning frameworks, supporting therapists in delivering more effective and occupation-centred interventions for this highly complex and specialised client group.
Supervised by Prof Joy Duxbury (joy.duxbury@cumbria.ac.uk) and Dr Ross Armstrong (ross.armstrong@cumbria.ac.uk).