Laura Di Bona

MClinRes, PGDip (OT), PGCert, BSc

Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health

Research Associate (Honorary)

l.dibona@sheffield.ac.uk
Regent Court (ScHARR)

Full contact details

Laura Di Bona
Population Health, School of Medicine and Population Health
Regent Court (ScHARR)
30 Regent Street
91Ö±²¥
S1 4DA
Profile

I joined the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) in 2012 as a research associate, having completed an NIHR clinical academic training pathway (CATP) fellowship funded MSc in Clinical Research with distinction.

Prior to this I worked clinically as a healthcare assistant, then as an Occupational Therapist. I have experience in a variety of clinical settings and specialisms, but mostly I’ve worked in mental health. Alongside my clinical work, I carried out research into the benefits of leisure and therapeutic activities. I also led on audits and service evaluations focussing on occupational therapy and vocational rehabilitation practice.

I am involved in supervising and teaching occupational therapy, medical and MSc research students. I am a STEM ambassador and regularly facilitate public engagement events relating to the health sciences. Here is a video of an event I was involved in: 

Research interests

I am interested in evaluating and improving clinical practice and outcomes, with a particular focus on:

  • Mental health of children and adults
  • Care of people with dementia
  • Service user engagement and involvement
  • Health inequalities
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Vocational Rehabilitation

Current Projects

  • Valuing Active Life in Dementia (VALID) www.ucl.ac.uk/valid: This is a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded applied research programme. The VALID programme is evaluating occupational therapy for people with mild to moderate dementia and their family caregivers living in the community.
  • Adopt a Care Home Scheme: This is a collaborative project with 91Ö±²¥ City Council. We have evaluated the extent to which a pilot of the Adopt a Care Home Scheme increased primary school children’s awareness and knowledge of dementia and contributed to the wellbeing of people with dementia who are in care homes. We are currently seeking further funding to continue to develop and evaluate the scheme.
Publications

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Journal articles

  • Hynes SM, Field B, Ledgerd R, Swinson T, Wenborn J, di Bona L, Moniz-Cook E, Poland F & Orrell M (2016) . Aging & Mental Health, 20(7), 762-769. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Parkinson S, Di Bona L, Fletcher N, Vecsey T & Wheeler K (2015) Profession-specific working in mental health: Impacts for occupational therapists and service users. New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, 62(2), 55-55. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Di Bona L, Saxon D, Barkham M, Dent-Brown K & Parry G (2014) . Journal of Affective Disorders, 169, 157-164. RIS download Bibtex download
  • Di Bona L (2000) . British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(2), 50-58. RIS download Bibtex download