Joanne Donbavand

Joanne qualified as an Occupational Therapist from Dorset House school of Occupational Therapy, Oxford Brookes University in 1995. Over her career Joanne has worked across a range of practice areas within both mental health and physical settings before choosing to specialise in the field of rheumatology. Prior to joining the University of Huddersfield Joanne held a team leader post with operational responsibility for the in patient Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy service delivery within Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS trust. Joanne completed an MA in professional development in September 2009 at the University of Huddersfield and completed a dissertation project looking at the key factors influencing motivation and performance of Occupaitonal Therapy students over a three year degree programme. Joanne has been actively involved in clinical research looking at the experience of fatigue and its impact on leisure occupations with individuals living with long term conditions. Joanne has personal and research interest in the area of occupational therapy and the potential contribution the profession can make within public health and health promotion initiatives. Joanne is currently completing PhD research looking at transitions into retirement with a focus on engagement in health promoting occupations (physical exercise). Joanne’s interests also include facilitating resiliance in occupational therapy students balanced with supporting students  experiencing difficult situations. Joanne is a fellow of the higher education academy a member of the royal college of occupational therapy and heallth care professions council registrant.  

• Rheumatology
• Psychological impact of living with a chronic long term condition
• Self awareness and motivation to succeed
• Resilience in professional practice
• Quality
• Health Promotion and Occupational Therapy
• Public health and Occupational Therapy
• Health promoting occupations
• Occupational Analysis