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Claire MC O'Connor

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Senior Research Fellow, UNSW Sydney

I am a Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration (DCRC) Post-doctoral Fellow (2022-26), Senior Research Fellow (UNSW; NeuRA), Honorary Research Associate (HammondCare), and registered occupational therapist (AHPRA). My program of research focuses on the translation and implementation of non-pharmacological interventions to improve dementia practice, focusing on reablement/rehabilitation, and maximising functioning, engagement and wellbeing in people living with dementia and their informal supporters.

Experience

  • 2022–present
    Senior research fellow (honorary), Neuroscience Research Australia
  • 2022–present
    Honorary research associate, HammondCare
  • 2022–present
    Senior research fellow, University of New South Wales
  • 2017–2022
    Conjoint lecturer, University of New South Wales
  • 2017–2022
    Research fellow, HammondCare
  • 2016–2017
    Research occupational therapist, Neuroscience Research Australia
  • 2012–2016
    Project Coordinator Tailored Activities Program, University of Sydney
  • 2011–2013
    Research Occupational Therapist, Neuroscience Research Australia

Education

  • 2017 
    University of Sydney, PhD
  • 2010 
    University of Sydney, MOT (Hons)
  • 2008 
    Western Sydney University, B. Science (Med)

Publications

  • 2017
    Behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia: distinct phenotypes with unique functional profiles, Neurology
  • 2016
    Longitudinal change in everyday function and behavioral symptoms in frontotemporal dementia, Neurology: Clinical Practice
  • 2016
    Functional disability and the impact of frontotemporal dementia in everyday life, Hodges’ Frontotemporal Dementia (2nd Ed)
  • 2016
    Enhancing caregivers’ understanding of dementia and tailoring activities in frontotemporal dementia: two case studies, Disability and Rehabilitation
  • 2015
    Modified activities acted as a mediator to facilitate engagement and address the needs and personal preferences of people with dementia, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
  • 2014
    Use of the Tailored Activities Program to reduce neuropsychiatric behaviours in dementia: An Australian protocol for a randomised trial to evaluate its effectiveness, International Psychogeriatrics
  • 2014
    Functional disability in primary progressive aphasia, Aphasiology
  • 2013
    Enhancement of carer skills and patient function in the non-pharmacological management of FTD: A call for randomised controlled studies, Dementia and Neuropsychologia
  • 2011
    Using video simulated presence to reduce resistance to care and increase participation of adults with dementia, American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias

Grants and Contracts

  • 2022
    Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for individuals with frontotemporal dementia: increasing service and family capacity through a mentoring and training model
    Role:
    AI
    Funding Source:
    Association for Frontotemporal Dementia Pilot Grant
  • 2022
    Supporting changed behaviours: Positive Behaviour Support in younger-onset dementia
    Role:
    AI
    Funding Source:
    DARF Dementia Grants Program
  • 2022
    Bridging the implementation gap: maximising everyday function for people with dementia
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration (DCRC) Post-doctoral Fellowship
  • 2022
    Optimising functional and social independence and safety of older people living with dementia in care homes: Implementation research
    Role:
    CI
    Funding Source:
    NHMRC Partnership Project (APP 2014821)
  • 2021
    Developing a model for rehabilitation in the home (RITH), as hospital substitution for the reconditioning rehabilitation impairment codes
    Role:
    CI
    Funding Source:
    Medibank Better Health Research Grant
  • 2020
    HammondCare Darlinghurst: Quantifying the social impact of the residential aged care home for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
    Role:
    CI
    Funding Source:
    Erica Foundation Grant
  • 2020
    Implementing Arts on Prescription (AoP)@Home for people living with dementia and their family carers
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration (DCRC) Implementing Research Evidence into Practice Grant
  • 2019
    Developing an assessment guide for practitioners implementing reablement programs for people living with dementia
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    AAG RM Gibson Research Fund Grant
  • 2018
    Positive Behaviour Support for individuals with frontotemporal dementia: a family education program
    Role:
    AI
    Funding Source:
    Charles Perkins Centre Active Ageing Research Node Seeding Grant
  • 2017
    Implementation of the Tailored Activity Program at home for people with dementia who have BPSD and their family: i-TAP-Australia
    Role:
    AI
    Funding Source:
    National Health and Medical Research Council

Professional Memberships

  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Occupational Therapy Board of Australia
  • International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISTAART)
  • International Society for Frontotemporal Dementias (ISFTD)
  • Occupational Therapy Australia
  • Australian Association of Gerontology