Michelle Heward

Michelle Heward is a Lecturer in Psychology at Bournemouth University and Service User and Carer Involvement Lead in the Ageing and Dementia Research Centre. Her research focuses on health and social care for older people and individuals with dementia, including digital technologies, workforce development, service delivery, and user involvement.

She employs qualitative and mixed methodologies to explore digital innovations in care homes, dementia education, and mobility support for older adults. Her work emphasizes co-production with stakeholders.

Publications primarily address dementia care innovations, including virtual reality training, Tai Chi interventions, and digital wellbeing tools. Trends include a focus on technology-enabled care, training evaluations, and participatory research methods.

Awards:

• National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Social Care Individual Research Career Development Award

She supervises PhD students and leads grants such as:

• Digital Futures in Dementia Care (NIHR SSCR, 2022)
• Evaluation of Drumming for Dementia course (2021)
• DEALTS 2 Programme (Health Education England, 2016)

She co-chairs Bournemouth University Research Staff Association and participates in public engagement activities.