Rachael Powell

Rachael Powell is a Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology at the University of Manchester's Division of Psychology & Mental Health. She holds a PhD from the University of St Andrews (2003), an MSc from the University of Aberdeen (2006), and a PGCert in Higher Education from Aston University (2012). Her career includes research fellowships at the University of Auckland (2003-2005), the Chief Scientist Office of Scottish Government (2005-2008), and an RCUK fellowship at Aston University (2008-2013).

• Professional Affiliations: Chartered Psychologist (BPS), Health and Care Professions Council Registered Health Psychologist
• Leadership Roles: Honorary Treasurer of BPS Health Psychology Division (2019-2020), Former General Secretary of UK Society for Behavioural Medicine (2007-2011)

Her research focuses on psychological preparation for medical procedures, including prehabilitation interventions for cancer surgery, shoulder replacement experiences, and decision-making around bone conduction implants. She has led Cochrane reviews on psychological preparation in surgery and currently directs qualitative assessments in hip implant trials. Recent work also addresses behavioral change in older adults and stroke survivors' oral health.

Notable grants include £2.1M from NIHR for the RAPSODI shoulder replacement study (2022-2027) and £272K for the HIPHoP hip implant feasibility trial (2019-2021). Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health equity and aging populations.