As an occupational therapist and care expert, Denise utilises her skills and knowledge to comprehensively understand each person's situation, including their environment, losses, and potential for future rehabilitation. Based on this understanding, she makes recommendations. She assembles appropriate multidisciplinary teams of professionals to help clients regain their previous quality of life following illness or injury, as much as practicably possible.
Denise brings extensive experience as an occupational therapist and a care expert. Additionally, she has worked as a researcher, publisher, and educator, which informs her about changing trends in her field.
Denise completed a multi-phase study employing two distinct methodologies: hermeneutic phenomenology and autoethnography. This research aimed to interpret the experiences of individuals with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and their family caregivers.
After earning her PhD, Denise established her independent practice. Based on her research findings, she developed the Lifeworld Approach to Care, a person-centred care model emphasising the understanding of individuals within a broader temporal context beyond the limitations imposed by their illness or injury.
In 2023, Denise authored a book chapter detailing her research journey and her development of a person-centred care model for MND. This model highlights individuality and encompasses three key elements: 1. presuppositions, 2. acceptance, and 3. temporality.
Denise has presented her research and person-centred care model for MND at international and national conferences, engaging with professionals and students interested in adopting this approach. Recently, she was invited to present her published paper at the 3rd International Conference on Primary Care and Public Health in Dubai. The paper, co-authored with Harris DA, Jack K., and Wibberley C., is titled "There is a Need to Consider 'Temporality' in Person-Centered Care for People with Motor Neurone Disease." It was published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice in 2023 (Vol. 29, No. 5, pages 802-807, doi:10.1111/jep.1854).
PhD, MPhil, MRes, BSc Hons, RCOTSS-IP
Contact Dr. Denise Andrea Harris
Phone: +447778091425
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.lifeworldapproach.com
