Dr Anita Atwal

Anita is an occupational therapist and Allied Health Professional who specialises in interdisciplinary research that is fair and inclusive. Anita work is strongly service user, community focused and collaborative. Anita is currently seconded for 2 days a week to Health and Care Research Wales to develop a research action plan for Nurses, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals (AHP). Prior to this secondment In 2021 she was nominated by her peers to deliver the prestigious Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture. https://www.rcot.co.uk/2021-elizabeth-casson-memorial-lecture:No Barriers to Brilliance: Social and Creative Courage to innovate and disrupt Occupational therapy practice.

.

Anita is a mixed method researcher but is currently using participatory methods in her user led research. Anita's research is applied, pragmatic and leads to change and impact in the real world of policy and practice. Anita supervisors and examines PhD students both nationally and internationally. Anita is also a mentor and her current research funded by the Elizabeth Casson Trust explores mentoring for minoritised OTs.
Anita has held many senior roles in the Royal College of Occupational Therapists including member of the Research and Development Committee and Professional Practice Board. She is currently a trustee and council member for Research at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (voted by members).
Anita has been an Associate Editor for Occupational Therapy International and is a peer reviewer for many journals. Anita is also a grant reviewer for grants such as the Research for Patient Benefit Programme (NIHR) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Prior to joining London South Bank University Anita led the Centre for Professional Practice Research at Brunel University. Anita currently is in the process of developing a network in London across 5 London Trusts to promote research for minoritised OTs. She has written 2 texts books both of which are in the second edition to promote Active Ageing and address issues in professional practice for AHPs
Anita presents at international and national conferences as well as participating in webinars to promote research.
Anita has published over 60 research articles. Her research is interprofessional crossing many boundaries and disciplines.Anita research aims to improve the health and wellbeing of older people with long term conditions and communities to improve care and service provision. Her PhD and subsequent work have had a specific focus on transitions from hospital to home and how digital technology can facilitate this. Her work now has a specific focus on equity. Anita was commissioned by CAPHR (FAIR RESEARCH) to scope the inclusivity of CAHPR. This work formed an important part of the AHP research with the NIHR in relation to fair access for all AHPs.

Ethics Committe
Research Committee
Fitness to Practice

Research methods Occupational Therapy Research Methods Interprofessional Teamwork