Jane Mcdermott

Jane Mcdermott is a Researcher and Senior Programme Manager for the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit (OPFPRU) at the University of Manchester's School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing & Midwifery. With over 25 years of experience in health ageing, policy research, and social inclusion, she leads operations, collaboration and impact across national partnership sites while working with an extensive network of stakeholders in health and social care policy.

Her research interests focus on healthy ageing policy, falls prevention, digital health integration for older adults, and addressing health inequities. Mcdermott's work spans local, regional, national and international networks with a strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging. She has extensive European experience as a member of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP AHA) within Action Group 2 – Falls Prevention.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on qualitative approaches to understanding digital health adoption among older populations, particularly examining barriers and facilitators for underrepresented groups. Her research increasingly addresses intersectional issues related to ethnicity, digital literacy, and healthcare access in the post-pandemic landscape, with growing emphasis on policy implementation and systems thinking approaches to healthy ageing.

Mcdermott actively collaborates with community groups and experts by experience as co-researchers, proactively engaging citizens in research with particular attention to those most underrepresented in health and social care. She serves as Co-Investigator for the Healthy Ageing Policy Research Unit 2024-2028 project and is a key member of the Healthy Ageing Research Group, working alongside colleagues like Professor Chris Todd and Dr. Alison Hall.