Elaine Hall

Elaine Hall is an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy at Health Sciences University, joining the School of Rehabilitation, Sport and Psychology in January 2023. With over 20 years of experience in the profession, she brings extensive expertise in occupational therapy education and practice across both academic and clinical settings.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Occupational Balance in the '3rd Age' from the University of the West of England (2019), an MA in Applied Social Research with Distinction (2007), and a Diploma in Occupational Therapy (1991). She also holds several Postgraduate Certificates in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, Management Studies, and Housing Studies.

Dr. Hall's research interests focus on occupational balance and older people, particularly using a 'balance' tool to help with retirement planning from a health and well-being perspective. She also investigates occupational therapy practice using the Occupational Adaptation model, occupational balance in other age groups, wellbeing and 'doing,' importance of flow, and educational research around using occupations in occupational therapy education.

Her publications demonstrate a consistent focus on occupational therapy practice, particularly in community settings and with older adults. She has explored equipment provision, integration of practice frameworks, and the concept of occupational balance throughout her career, culminating in her doctoral thesis on occupational balance in the 'Third Age.'

• Member, Royal College of Occupational Therapists
• Member, World Federation of Occupational Therapists
• Member, British Society of Gerontologists
• Fellow, Higher Education Academy
• Registrant, Health and Care Professions Council

With over two decades of experience as a senior lecturer in occupational therapy, Dr. Hall has expertise in curriculum design to Professional Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) approval, staff resource management, support for disabled students, bid writing, developing relationships with external partners, and Problem and Enquiry based learning approaches. She has taught occupational therapy practice skills such as activity analysis and has experience designing and marking various types of assessments.

Dr. Hall previously taught at the University of the West of England for 21 years, where she ran the full-time occupational therapy programme for most of that time. Before her academic career, she worked in the NHS and Social Services across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, gaining practical experience that informs her teaching and research approach.