Lisa O'Brien

Lisa O'Brien is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Monash University's School of Primary and Allied Health Care. She currently serves as the Director of the NDIA Evidence Service and was formerly the Director of Research for her School. She teaches in both undergraduate and graduate programs and is actively engaged in high-impact research.

Her research focuses on two main streams: clinical research in upper limb injury management and health services research, including disinvestment, workforce design, and health literacy. Her work integrates quantitative and qualitative methods, building on her PhD completed in 2011 on treatment adherence in acute hand injuries.

Recent publications show a strong trend in health services research, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness and disinvestment of clinical practices such as mobilisation alarms for falls prevention. Her studies often involve multi-site collaborations, randomized designs, and economic evaluations, contributing significantly to evidence-based practice in allied health.

• Amy Geach Hand Therapy Innovation Award (2017)

Lisa leads and contributes to major research grants, including an NHMRC-funded project on disinvestment. She supervises students and collaborates widely across institutions, including Alfred Hospital. She is also an editorial board member of the Journal of Hand Therapy, contributing to academic discourse in her field. Her research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and well-being.