معرفی
Dr. Amy Drahota is an Associate Professor in Health and Social Care Evidence Evaluation at the University of Portsmouth's School of Dental, Health and Care Professions. She leads a research program focused on health/social care for older adults, including NIHR-funded systematic reviews (e.g., shock-absorbing flooring for fall prevention), Cochrane reviews, and community service evaluations. She manages the University of Portsmouth Ageing Network (UPAN), promoting interdisciplinary aging research and public engagement.
Her educational background includes a PhD (mixed-methods study incorporating RCTs and systematic reviews), an MSc in Psychological Research Methods (Distinction), and a BSc in Psychology (2:1). Previously, she held roles as a Research Fellow and part-time lecturer at the UK Cochrane Centre.
Research Interests:
Amy specializes in aging, fall injury prevention, and evidence-based health/social care. Key projects include:
- Shock-absorbing flooring efficacy in hospitals/care homes
- Reducing loneliness among older adults (e.g., Age UK's 'Close Encounters' program)
- Psychological/educational fall-prevention interventions
- Methodological advancements in systematic reviews and RCTs
Publication Trends (2013-2025): Her 15 most recent articles emphasize gerontology, fall prevention methodologies, and healthcare interventions. Dominant themes include systematic reviews of shock-absorbing flooring (SAFEST project), behavioral interventions for falls, and qualitative studies on aging perceptions. Methodologically, she frequently employs mixed-methods designs, Delphi studies, and Cochrane review protocols.
Grants & Advising: She supervises postgraduate researchers in falls prevention, healthy aging, and social support. Funded projects include:
- NIHR Health Technology Assessment systematic review
- Innovate UK/KTN project (RCT4MANU) promoting RCTs in innovation agencies
- Cochrane systematic reviews on fall prevention
- Service evaluations for Age UK Portsmouth
Leadership: She directs the University of Portsmouth Ageing Network (UPAN), fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration in aging research across academia, industry, and community organizations.
