Denise has over twenty-one years of experience assessing and developing rehabilitation and support programs. She has managed a diverse range of clients, including those with head and brain injuries, polytrauma, and orthopaedic conditions, specialising in community neurological rehabilitation. Denise has also provided rapid response, fall prevention, healthcare education, and palliative and end-of-life care.

 

As an occupational therapist and care expert, she uses her skills and knowledge to comprehend a person's situation, encompassing their world, losses, and potential for future rehabilitation. Based on this understanding, she offers recommendations. She appoints appropriate multidisciplinary teams of professionals to assist in helping clients regain their previous quality of life as much as possible following an illness or injury.

 

In addition to her work as an occupational therapist, Denise has experience as a researcher, author, and educator, which keeps her updated on changing trends in the field. She completed a multi-phase study using two distinct methodologies: hermeneutic phenomenology and autoethnography. This research sought to interpret the meaning of existence for individuals with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and their family caregivers. After earning her PhD, Denise established her independent practice.

 

From her research findings, she developed The Lifeworld Approach to Care. This person-centred care model focuses on understanding individuals within a broader temporal context beyond the limitations of their illness or injury. In 2023, Denise authored a book chapter outlining her research journey, published papers, and the development of her person-centred care model for MND. This model emphasizes individuality and includes three key elements: 1) presuppositions, 2) acceptance, and 3) temporality.

 

Denise has presented her research and person-centred care model for MND at international and national conferences, engaging with professionals and students interested in adopting this approach. Recently, she was invited to present her published paper at the 3rd International Conference on Primary Care and Public Health in Dubai. The paper, co-authored with Harris DA, Jack K, and Wibberley C, is titled "There is a Need to Consider 'Temporality' in Person-Centered Care for People with Motor Neurone Disease." It was published in the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice in 2023 (Vol 29, No. 5, pages 802-807, doi:10.1111/jep.1854).