Management Group Leader

Professor David Baxter

TD BSc(Hons) DPhil (Ulster) MBA (Lond)

Position:

Dean - School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago

Teaching Interests:

Supervision (PhD/Masters)

Research Interests:

David has a number of international links and is involved in research across the world in the fields of rehabilitation and complementary and alternative medicine.

He is part of a team analysing results from a large survey of the use of complementary and alternative medicine in the general population (part of the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey), and a developing multinational network project which is focussed on the use of activity monitors in rehabilitation. Further research interests include: laser therapy: effectiveness in tendinopathies; complementary and alternative medicine for the relief of pain; auricular acupuncture personalised exercise programme (APEP) trial; rehabilitation.

External Service:

1. Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (UK), Honorary Life Member
2. International Academy for Laser Medicine & Surgery, Member of Panels for Annual Meetings, Fellow
3. International Association for the Study of Pain, Member
4. Royal Academy of Medicine In Ireland, Fellow (by Election)
5. International Phototherapy Association (President Elect)
6. Society for Research in Higher Education (Member)
7. Editorial Board Membership:
8. Physical Therapy Reviews (Editor-in-Chief)
9. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
10. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies (FACT)
11. Laser Therapy
12. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy
13. Advances in Physiotherapy

Selected Publications:

1. Baxter, G. D. (2006). "A classic text: Val Robertson, Alex Ward, John Low and Ann Reed (2006) Electrotherapy Explained: principles and practice (4th Edn.)." Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 52 (4): 311.
2. Baxter, G. D. (2006). "Commentary: Acupressure a role in the management of chronic low back pain?" Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies 11 (3): 217-218.
3. Baxter, G. D. (2006). "Commentary: Laser acupuncture for whiplash: what have we learned about dosages (and placebo)?" Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies 11 (4): 312.
4. Monaghan, B. and Baxter, G.D. (2005). Post total knee arthroplasty: Age as a factor in early post-surgical outcome Physical Therapy Reviews 10(3): 141-151 .
5. Hurley-Osing DA, McDonough, S.M., Dempster, M., Moore, A.P., Baxter, G.D. (2005). A descriptive study of the usage of spinal manipulation therapy techniques within a randomized clinical trial in acute low back pain. Manual Therapy , 10, 61-67.
6. McKeown, L, Porter-Armstrong, A., Baxter, G.D. (2004). Caregivers of people with multiple sclerosis: experiences of support. Multiple Sclerosis , 10, 219-230.
7. Hurley-Osing, D.A., McDonough, S.M., Moore, A.P., Baxter, G.D. (2004). A randomized clinical trial of manipulative therapy and interferential therapy for acute low back pain. Spine , 29, 2207-2216.
8. Liddle, S.D., Baxter, G.D., Gracey, J.H. (2004). Exercise and chronic low back pain: what works? Pain , 107, 176-190.
9. Warke, K., Al-Smadi, J., Baxter, G.D., Walsh, D.M., Lowe-Strong, A.S. (2004). Use of self-applied TENS for low back pain in people with multiple sclerosis. International Journal of Therapy & Rehabilitation , 11, 275-280.
10. Harte, A.A., Baxter, G.D., Gracey, J.H. (2003). The efficacy of traction for back pain: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Arch Phys Med Rehabil , 84, 1542-1553.
11. McKeown, L.P., Porter-Armstrong, A.P., Baxter, G.D. (2003). The needs and experiences of caregivers of individuals with MS: a systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation , 17, 235-49.
12. McVeigh, J.G., Archer, S., Hurley, D.A., Basford, J.R., Baxter, G.D. (2003). Physiotherapy management of fibromyalgia syndrome: a survey of practice in Northern Ireland. International Journal of Therapy & Rehabilitation , 11, 71-78.
13. Nakaji, S., MacAuley, D., O’Neill, S., McNally, O., Baxter, G.D., Sugawara, K. (2003). Life expectancies in the United Kingdom and Japan. Journal Public Health Medicine, 25, 120-124.
14. Kerr, D., Walsh, D.M., Baxter, G.D. (2003) Acupuncture in the management of chronic low back pain: a blinded randomized trial. Clinical Journal Pain , 19, 364-370.
15. Armstrong, M.P., McDonough, S., Baxter, G.D. (2003). Clinical guidelines versus clinical practice in the management of low back pain. International Journal Clinical Practice , 57, 9-13.
16. Lagan, K.M., McKenna, T., Witherow, A, Johns, J., McDonough, S., Baxter, G.D. (2002). Low-intensity laser therapy/combined phototherapy in the management of chronic ulceration; a placebo controlled study. Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine and Surgery , 20, 109-116.

Management Group Member  

Dr Sarah Gerard Dean

PhD (Health Psychology), MSc (Health Psychology), GradDip Phty, BSc Joint Honours, (Psychology & Physical Education)

Position:

Senior Lecturer in Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit

School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington

Teaching Interests:

• Coordinator teaching role REHX 703 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. This includes a module on chronic pain, emphasising the application of psychology to rehabilitation.
• Guest lecturer for Health Sciences Research Methods paper HASX 417.
• Guest lecturer for Social Research Methods paper PUBH 708.
• Supervision of Masters and PhD Students

Research Interests:

My personal programme of research is based upon two themes. The first centres on applying psychology to rehabilitation and the second utlilises my qualitative research methods expertise. These two themes can work together, for example I was principal investigator on a University of Otago research grant (UORG) that investigated the psychology of treatment coherence in the conservative rehabilitation of urinary incontinence, using a qualitative method of enquiry. Similarly, the 2006 UORG investigates the role of positive psychology in rural workers experiences of low back pain, this also utilizes a qualitative method. In addition I was also co-investigator on another UORG, again using qualitative research methods, looking in to the rehabilitation of people with Multiple Sclerosis, with particular regard to their experiences of housing and their disability. This latter study has been followed up with a similar enquiry concerning people with lower limb amputation, a project that has won two years’ funding from the HRC.

These two themes stem from my PhD work. I was registered part time for PhD (1997-2003) with John Weinman, Professor of Psychology as Applied to Medicine, Unit of Academic Psychiatry and Psychology at Guys Hospital (part of Kings/Guys/St Thomas’ Hospitals Medical & Dental Schools, University of London). My second supervisor was Professor Sheila Payne, Palliative and End-of-Life Care Research Group, University of Sheffield, UK. The PhD comprised three studies. The first study employed a qualitative approach, exploring the perceptions of patients’ and physiotherapists’ with regard to exercise adherence for low back pain. Dr Jonathan Smith (Birkbeck, University of London) was the key advisor for this work. Work from this study has been presented at several national conferences and one paper and one chapter for a research methods book have been published. The second study evaluated an exercise adherence measurement device; this is now being followed up with my collaboration with Professors’ Tennant and Weinman in the UK. The third study was an exploratory controlled trial of an illness perception approach to facilitating adherence to exercises for low back pain. Findings from this study have been presented at the 5^th Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain, Melbourne, November 2004, and results relating to changes in illness perception were presented at the European Health Psychology Society’s conference in Galway, September 2005.

Professional Affiliations/Memberships

• Chartered Health Psychologist, British Psychological Society
• Full member of the Division of Health Psychology, British Psychological Society
• Ordinary member of the Division of Sports Psychology, British Psychological Society
• Full member of the European Health Psychology Society
• Graduate member of the British Psychological Society
• Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, UK
• Member of the Physiotherapy Pain Association, UK

Selected Publications:

• Hay-Smith, E.J.C., Ryan, K. & Dean, S.G. (2007). The silent, private exercise: Experiences of pelvic floor muscle training in a sample of women with stress urinary incontinence. Physiotherapy, 93, 53-61.

• Levack, W.M.M., Dean, S., McPherson, K.M. & Siegert, R.J. (2006). How clinicians talk about the application of goal planning to rehabilitation for people with brain injury – variable interpretations of value and purpose. Brain Injury, 20 (13-14), 1439-1449.

• Levack, W.M.M., Dean, S., Siegert, R.J., & McPherson, K.M. (2006). Purposes and mechanisms of goal setting in physical therapy: the need for a critical distinction. Disability and Rehabilitation, 28 (12), 741-749.

• Levack, W.M.M., Taylor, K., Siegert, R.J., Dean, S.G., McPherson, K.M. & Weatherall, M. (2006). Is goal planning in rehabilitation effective? A systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation, 20, 1-17.

• Taylor, W.J., Dean, S.G. & Siegert, R.J. (2006). Differential association of general and health self-efficacy with disability, health-related quality of life and psychological distress from musculoskeletal pain in a cross-sectional general adult population survey. Pain, 125, 225-232.

• Dean. A.Y. & Dean, S.G. (2006). A pilot study investigating the use of the Orthosense Posture Monitor during a real-world moving and handling task. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 10, 220-226.

• Dean, S.G ., Smith, J., Payne, S. & Weinman, J. (2005). Managing time: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of patients and physiotherapists’ perceptions of adherence to therapeutic exercise for low back pain. Disability and Rehabilitation, 27, (11), 625-636.

• Siegert, R.J., McPherson, K.M. & Dean, S.G. (2005). Theory development and a science of rehabilitation. Disability and Rehabilitation, 27 (24), 1493-1502.

• Siegert, R.J., McPherson, K.M. & Dean, S.G. (2005). Theory development and a science of rehabilitation. Authors’ response to commentaries. Disability and Rehabilitation, 27 (24), 1517-1519.

Management Group Member

Dr Sarah Derrett

PhD (Public Health), MPH, DPH, DiplCpN, BA

Position:

Research Fellow and Lecturer, Injury Prevention Research Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago.

Phone number and email:

+64 (0)3 479 5482

Personal statement:

The common theme underlying all my research to date is: the perspectives, experiences, health-related quality of life, and outcomes of recipients of health and social care services; often alongside the perspectives of carers or health professionals involved in service provision.

Current research:

1. Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study (2007-2010) : Sarah is the principal investigator on the HRC and ACC-funded study with co-investigators: Professor John Langley (Injury Prevention Research Unit, University of Otago), Dr Brendan Hokowhitu (Te Tumu - School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies, University of Otago), Associate Professor Shanthi Ameratunga (School of Population Health, University of Auckland), Professor Anne Bray (Donald Beasley Research Institute), Associate Professor Paul Hansen (Department of Economics, University of Otago), Ms Gabrielle Davie (Injury Prevention Research Unit, University of Otago), Ms Emma Wyeth (Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago) and Miss Rebbecca Lilley (Injury Prevention Research Unit, University of Otago). This project forms one of three projects within an HRC-funded programme of research led by Professor Langley - Preventing Injury and Reducing Subsequent Disability Outcomes. The other two projects within the programme are: the New Zealand Drivers Study (PI: Dr Dorothy Begg) and An internet-based CBT self-help for depression study (PI: Dr Shyamala Nada-Raja).

2. A longitudinal study of the life histories of people with spinal cord injury study (2007-2011): Sarah is a co-investigator on this HRC-funded study led by Dr Martin Sullivan from Massey University, and with other co-investigators: Professor Charlotte Paul (Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago), Associate Professor Peter Herbison (Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago), Mr Peina Tamou (Burwood Academy of Independent Living), Ms Maureen Crawford (School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, Massey University) and Mr Paul Glover (Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit).

3. Renal dialysis for the elderly: pilot study (2007): Sarah is undertaking this University of Otago Research Grant and University of Otago Alumni and Development Office funded study with co-investigators: Professor Rob Walker (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Otago), Associate Professor Sheila Williams (Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago) and Professor John Campbell (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Otago).

4. New Zealand’s elective surgery booking system: 10 years on project (2007): Sarah Derrett and Robin Gauld (Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago) are undertaking this Dean’s Bequest Funded study.

5. International survey of musculoskeletal disorders and related disability (2006-2008): Sarah is undertaking this HRC-funded study led by Dr David McBride (Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago), and with other co-investigators Ms Helen Harcombe (Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago), Associate Prof Peter Herbison (Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago), Dr Sarah Dean (Rehabilitation and Teaching Unit, Wellington School of Medicine, University of Otago), Prof David Coggon (Southampton University).

6. Illness and injury comparative outcomes study: development phase (2005-2007): Professor Charlotte Paul (Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago), Sarah Derrett and Professor John Langley; DSM and ODHB Research Advisory Group funded grant to support rehabilitation research.

Teaching expertise and interests:

I am interested in health services and comparative health systems teaching. While working at Keele University (UK), I was a lecturer in Health Services Research in 2001, Course Director (Health Policy and Strategy) and then Programme Director for the MBA (Health Executive) managing a programme of eight taught courses and research.

Memberships:

EuroQol Scientific Committee
Editorial Board of the International Journal of Health Planning and Management
Member of the Ministry of Health Lower South Regional Ethics Committee

Selected Publications:

1. Newdick C & Derrett S. (2006) Access, equity and the role of rights in health care. Health Care Analysis; 14:157-168.
2. Smith D & Derrett S. (2006) Constipation services for children: the role of health visitor teams. British Journal of Nursing ; 15(3):134-136.
3. Derrett S. (2005) Booking Systems for Elective Services in New Zealand: Literature scan to identify any ethical issues of national significance . A report to the National Ethics Advisory Committee. 25 February. Centre for Health Planning and Management, University of Keele, UK. Page numbers i-65. (http://www.neac.health.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagescm/519/$File/booking-systems-elective-services-nz-feb05.pdf)
4. Derrett S, Stokes E, James M, Bartlett W & Bentley G. (2005) Cost and health status analysis following autologous chondrocyte implantation and mosaicplasty: a retrospective comparison. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care; 21(3): 359-367.
5. Bevin TH, Derrett S, Molteno ACB. (2004) Cataracts and driving: Some New Zealanders’ experiences. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 32(5 ): 551-552.
6. Derrett S, Devlin N, Hansen P, Herbison P (2003) Prioritizing patients for elective surgery: a prospective study of Clinical Priority Assessment Criteria in New Zealand. International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care; 19(1):91-105.
7. Derrett S, Paul C, Herbison P, Williams H (2002) Evaluation of explicit prioritisation for surgery: prospective study. J Health Serv Res Policy; 7 (Suppl 1): 14-22.
8. Derrett S, Devlin N, Harrison T (2002). Waiting in the NHS. Part 2: A prescription for change. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine; 95: 280-283.
9. Devlin N, Harrison T, Derrett S (2002) Waiting in the NHS. Part 1: A diagnosis. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 95: 223-226.
10. Derrett S (2001) Surgical prioritisation and rationing: some recent changes. New Zealand Bioethics Journal 2 (3): 3 - 6.

Management Group Member

Dr Stephan Milosavljevic

PhD, MPHTY (Manips), Grad Dip Manip Ther, BAppSc(Physio)
MNZSP, MNZMPA

Position:

Senior Lecturer - School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago
Group Leader - AMOCK (Advancement of Musculoskeletal, Occupational Health and Clinical Knowledge) Research Group - School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago
Vernon Willey Trust - Research Fellow 2005

Teaching Interests:

Supervision (PhD/Masters), manipulative physiotherapy, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, clinical practice. PHTY 541, PHTY 561, PHTY 5, PHTY 324, PHTY 545

Research Interests:

Stephan has a special interest in occupational biomechanics, ergonomics and injury prevention in the rural workplace. His long-term research plan is to develop a rural research team with a focus on ergonomics, biomechanics, identification of injury risk, and prevention of injury. He has links locally to rural partners interested in his research and has collaborated with international leaders in the field of ergonomics and occupational biomechanics both in Canada and Sweden. Specifically, Stephan conducts research into clinical management of low back pain, occupational cumulative spinal loading, whole body vibration, injury coping strategies of rural workers, spinal kinematics, and alternative wool harvesting technologies. Stephan, as Associate Dean of Postgraduate Studies has helped the School and Centre become an attractive study and research option. His time and commitment to the School’s development of research and postgradudate programmes has been exemplary.

External Service:

1. Academic auditor New Zealand Physiotherapists Registration Board
2. Scholarships advisory committee New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists
3. Advisor to New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association
4. Advisor to TECTRA shearer training
5. Advisor to Australian Wool Innovation
6. Advisor to New Zealand Agricultural Safety Council
7. Ergonomic Advisor to New Zealand Aluminium Smelters
8. Shear-Safe Liaison with ACC in development of rural injury prevention

Selected Publications:

1. Harlick J, Milosavljevic S. Milburn PD, Hendrick P. (2007) Palpation identification of the lumbar spine. Manual Therapy, 12(1), 56-62.
2. Milosavljevic S . Carman AB, Schneiders AG, Milburn PD Wilson BD (2007). Three dimensional spinal motion of a rural occupation at risk of injury. Applied Ergonomics, 38(3), 299-306.
3. Gregory D, Milosavljevic S, Callaghan J. (2006) Quantifying low back peak and cumulative load in open and senior sheep shearers in New Zealand: Examining the effects of a trunk harness. Ergonomics 49(10), 968 - 981.
4. Milosavljevic S . Gregory D. Callaghan J. (2006) Quantifying low back cumulative load in shearers. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. 34(2): 116.
5. Sole G. Hamren J. Milosavljevic S. Nicholson H. Sullivan SJ. (2006) Reliability of isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. 34(2): 112.
6. Pal P. Milosavljevic S. Johnson G. Sole G. (2006) Hip-spine kinematic relationships during flexion and return. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. 34(2): 110.
7. Milosavljevic S . Carman AB. Pal P. (2006) Whole body vibration exposure in rural all terrain vehicle (ATV) use. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. 34(2): 109.
8. Milosavljevic S . Bain D. Pal P. Milburn P. (2006) Hip-spine kinematic relationships during extension and return. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy. 34(2): 109.
9. Milosavljevic S , Milburn PD & Knox BW. (2005). The influence of occupation on sagittal lumbar motion and posture. Ergonomics 48(6), 657-667 .
10. Milosavljevic S . Carman AB, Milburn PD Wilson BD & Davidson PL (2004). The influence of a back support harness on spinal forces during sheep shearing. Ergonomics 47(11), 1208-1225.
11. Milosavljevc S. (2004) The influence of a back support harness on the spinal movement and force profile of sheep shearers. The Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales 137, 62.

Management Group Member

Julian Verkaaik

B Des (Industrial)

Manager & Research Associate

ADDRESS: www.burwood.org.nz
CONTACT: Email Julian Verkaaik

Personal statement:

My work is focused on improving real life outcomes for people living with serious injury or illness through the development of technology and through life long learning.

Research expertise and interests:

Rehabilitation technology and product development
Independent Living for people with physical disability

Current research interests:

Assistive Devices Project (with Industrial Research Ltd) - 4 year FRST Augment Humans Project 2004-08.

Future research:

Augmented Reality in Rehabilitation
Active-Passive Bimanual Therapy for Stroke

Teaching expertise and interests:

Acute patient education for serious injury and illness

Clinical expertise and interests:

Acute patient education for serious injury and illness

Community Service:

Life Member, New Zealand Spinal Trust

Selected Publications:

Back on Track - A basic introduction for those learning to live with a spinal cord injury. NZST 2004. ISBN 0-476-00686-4

Management Group Member

Dr Linda H Wilson

PhD MSc NZROT DHA

Position

Principal Lecturer

Phone number and email:

4796134
Email Dr Linda H Wilson

Memberships:

WFOT
NZOTA

Honours and Awards:

NZAOT Frances Rutherford Lecture Award 1996

Research expertise and interests:

Client centred practice, Oral Histories, Professionalisation, Primary health, women’s careers

Current research:

Primary health, roles and functions for occupational therapy
Professionalising occupations

Teaching papers:

Qualitative research
Occupation

Selected Publications:

Wilson, L. (2002) A review of the journals of the New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists 1949- 2002 New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy Vol 49: 2 p5-13

Other Management Group Members

Dr Anne Bray

Prof. John Campbell

Dr Peter Davidson

Dr Lynda McCutcheon

Dr Linda Robertson

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