HEAL - Health, Engagement and Activity Throughout Life (Occupational Therapy)

HEAL research focuses on occupational therapy, health promotion, prevention and rehabilitation to enable activity, participation and health in everyday life at different life stages. Research projects cover areas such as participation of children and young people, health promotion and sustainable working life, and rehabilitation for older people living at home. The research aims to improve methods that enable children, young people and adults to participate in school/study, working life and leisure in the way they want and need to, as well as methods that support participation for older people living at home.

In the field of children and young people, early promotion and prevention interventions in schools based on the Partnering for Change (P4C) approach are being evaluated at class and group level to increase children's participation in school and prevent the risk of exclusion and mental illness. Another project focuses on collaboration between health care and schools to increase participation in school for children with long-term pain. In the field of working life, research is being conducted that focuses on entry into the labour market for different groups for a sustainable and lasting working life. Projects focusing on employer involvement in the return to work are also being conducted. In the field of older people, research is being conducted on the new rehabilitative approach reablement for older people who receive home care and rehabilitation services at home. The aim of reablement is for staff to support and collaborate with older people to strengthen their abilities and increase their independence in desired everyday activities in the home or local environment.

The research group conducts quantitative and qualitative studies, studies with co-creation of interventions and clinical intervention studies. Both national and international research collaborations are ongoing.

Read more about our projects