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Associate Professor Theresa Scott
Associate Professor

Theresa Scott

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Phone: 
+61 7 336 56723

Overview

Background

Dr. Theresa Scott, Associate Professor and former NHMRC Dementia Research Development Fellow, specialises in researching functional outcomes for older people and people living, or caring for a person, with dementia in various settings. Her NHMRC fellowship focused on dementia-related driving issues, leading to the co-development of CarFreeMe, a driving cessation program delivering support to people with dementia, adapted for telehealth delivery through additional NHMRC funding.

Dr. Scott's recent NHMRC MRFF-funded project collaborates with stakeholders to create resources for driving safety assessment with persons with dementia in primary care settings, including an innovative video-based fitness to drive test. She is Chief Investigator (CIA Prof Barbara Masser) on an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant that is generating new knowledge in recruiting, retaining, and deferring older blood donors.

Her research spans qualitative and quantitative methods and emphasises participatory research, co-design, and the integration of lived experiences. Her mixed methods research aims to improve the mental health, emotional well-being, quality of life and quality of care of older Australians and people living with progressive brain diseases such as dementia and their family care partners, through innovative research and knowledge translation activities. Her work addresses ageism, dementia stigma, mental health outcomes of psychosocial interventions, for example the mental health benefits of nature connection, significantly impacting dementia care, and loneliness and isolation.

Research interests:

  • Ageing
  • Aged care
  • Co-design
  • Dementia and quality of life
  • Driving cessation and driving safety assessment
  • Mental health outcomes of psychosocial interventions

Research Projects:

  • Video-based Medical Fitness to Drive assessment (MRFF) http://researchers.uq.edu.au/research-project/55955
  • Driving cessation intervention for persons with dementia (NHMRC) http://researchers.uq.edu.au/research-project/32115
  • Engaging the over 50s to ensure the sustainability of our blood supply (ARC) http://researchers.uq.edu.au/research-project/61705

Availability

Associate Professor Theresa Scott is:
Not available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Psychological Science, The University of Queensland
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Research Methods, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Dementia

    Quality of life; Mobility; Driving; Fitness to drive assessment; Social support; Stigma; Supporting communication within families; Engagement

  • Ageing

    Ageism; Stigma and Self-stereotypes; Mental health; Positive ageing; Psychosocial interventions to support ageing well

  • Evidence based therapies supporting mental health

    Social and therapeutic horticulture; nature therapy; nature connection.

Works

Search Professor Theresa Scott’s works on UQ eSpace

82 works between 2007 and 2024

21 - 40 of 82 works

2022

Journal Article

Well-being benefits of horticulture-based activities for community dwelling people with dementia: a systematic review

Scott, Theresa L., Jao, Ying-Ling, Tulloch, Kristen, Yates, Eloise, Kenward, Oliver and Pachana, Nancy A. (2022). Well-being benefits of horticulture-based activities for community dwelling people with dementia: a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (17) 10523, 1-20. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191710523

Well-being benefits of horticulture-based activities for community dwelling people with dementia: a systematic review

2021

Conference Publication

Horticulture-based Interventions to Enhance Health and Wellbeing of People Living With Dementia in the Community

Scott, Theresa, Jao, Ying-Ling, Tulloch, Kristen, Yates, Eloise and Pachana, Nancy (2021). Horticulture-based Interventions to Enhance Health and Wellbeing of People Living With Dementia in the Community. GSA 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting, Phoenix, AZ United States, 10-14 November 2021. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.2443

Horticulture-based Interventions to Enhance Health and Wellbeing of People Living With Dementia in the Community

2021

Journal Article

Making meaning of integrated care during a pandemic: learning from older adults

Beasley, Elizabeth A., Scott, Theresa L. and Pachana, Nancy A. (2021). Making meaning of integrated care during a pandemic: learning from older adults. Clinical Gerontologist, 45 (1), 1-17. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1933291

Making meaning of integrated care during a pandemic: learning from older adults

2021

Journal Article

Positive aspects of dementia caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic

Tulloch, Kristen, McCaul, Trudy and Scott, Theresa L. (2021). Positive aspects of dementia caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical Gerontologist, 45 (1), 1-11. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2021.1929630

Positive aspects of dementia caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021

Journal Article

Is community mobility contingent upon driving? Attitudes toward and intentions to use alternative modes of transport according to a mixed-aged sample

Scott, Theresa L. and Tulloch, Kristen (2021). Is community mobility contingent upon driving? Attitudes toward and intentions to use alternative modes of transport according to a mixed-aged sample. Journal of Transport and Health, 20 100974, 100974. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2020.100974

Is community mobility contingent upon driving? Attitudes toward and intentions to use alternative modes of transport according to a mixed-aged sample

2021

Journal Article

We need a model of health and aged care services that adequately supports Australians with dementia

NHMRC National Institute for Dementia Research Special Interest Group in Rehabilitation, Dementia, Low, Lee‐Fay, Laver, Kate, Lawler, Katherine, Swaffer, Kate, Bahar‐Fuchs, Alex, Bennett, Sally, Blair, Annaliese, Burton, Jason, Callisaya, Michele, Cations, Monica, MC O'Connor, Claire, Gresham, Meredith, Lewin, Gill, Messent, Petrea, Poulos, Christopher J., Wesson, Jacqueline, Scott, Theresa L. and Rees, Glenn (2021). We need a model of health and aged care services that adequately supports Australians with dementia. Medical Journal of Australia, 214 (2) mja2.50911, 1-3.e1. doi: 10.5694/mja2.50911

We need a model of health and aged care services that adequately supports Australians with dementia

2021

Book Chapter

Driving and community mobility for people living with dementia

Scott, Theresa, Liddle, Jacki and Pachana, Nancy A. (2021). Driving and community mobility for people living with dementia. Dementia rehabilitation: evidence-based interventions and clinical recommendations. (pp. 129-147) edited by Lee-Fay Low and Kate Laver. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-818685-5.00008-8

Driving and community mobility for people living with dementia

2021

Book Chapter

Transport modes and an aging society

Musselwhite, Charles B.A. and Scott, Theresa (2021). Transport modes and an aging society. International Encyclopedia of Transportation. (pp. 6-12) Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-08-102671-7.10398-7

Transport modes and an aging society

2021

Conference Publication

A meta-analysis of work factors impacting quality of care and counterproductive work behaviours in residential aged care and hospitals.

Hodroj, Batoul, Way, Kirsten, Scott, Theresa, Wright, April and Manchha, Asmita (2021). A meta-analysis of work factors impacting quality of care and counterproductive work behaviours in residential aged care and hospitals.. 54th Australian Association of Gerontology Conference, Sydney, Australia, 9-12 November 2021.

A meta-analysis of work factors impacting quality of care and counterproductive work behaviours in residential aged care and hospitals.

2020

Conference Publication

Lifestyle adjustment and mobility-related goal setting after driving cessation with people living with dementia

Scott, Theresa, Liddle, Jacki, Beattie, Elizabeth, Gustafsson, Louise, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Rooney, Donna and Pachana, Nancy (2020). Lifestyle adjustment and mobility-related goal setting after driving cessation with people living with dementia. GSA 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting, Philadelphia, PA United States, 4-8 November 2020. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press . doi: 10.1093/geroni/igaa057.927

Lifestyle adjustment and mobility-related goal setting after driving cessation with people living with dementia

2020

Journal Article

Adaptation of the CarFreeMe driver retirement intervention to provide driving cessation support to older people living with dementia

Scott, Theresa L., Liddle, Jacqueline, Sidhu, Raychelle, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Beattie, Elizabeth, Gustafsson, Louise and Pachana, Nancy A. (2020). Adaptation of the CarFreeMe driver retirement intervention to provide driving cessation support to older people living with dementia. Brain Impairment, 21 (3) PII S1443964620000169, 1-12. doi: 10.1017/brimp.2020.16

Adaptation of the CarFreeMe driver retirement intervention to provide driving cessation support to older people living with dementia

2020

Journal Article

The effectiveness of spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression in Malaysia

Syed Elias, Sharifah Munirah, Neville, Christine, Scott, Theresa and Petriwskyj, Andrea (2020). The effectiveness of spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression in Malaysia. Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, 32 (4), 341-356. doi: 10.1080/15528030.2020.1765448

The effectiveness of spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression in Malaysia

2020

Journal Article

Positive aging benefits of home and community gardening activities: older adults report enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavours, social engagement and exercise

Scott, Theresa L., Masser, Barbara M. and Pachana, Nancy A. (2020). Positive aging benefits of home and community gardening activities: older adults report enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavours, social engagement and exercise. SAGE Open Medicine, 8, 205031212090173. doi: 10.1177/2050312120901732

Positive aging benefits of home and community gardening activities: older adults report enhanced self-esteem, productive endeavours, social engagement and exercise

2020

Conference Publication

Living with young onset dementia and staying engaged without driving

Scott, Theresa L., Liddle, J., Mitchell, G., Gustafsson, L. and Pachana, N. A. (2020). Living with young onset dementia and staying engaged without driving. Alzheimer's Disease International , Singapore, 10-12 December 2020.

Living with young onset dementia and staying engaged without driving

2019

Journal Article

How medical professional students view older people with dementia: implications for education and practice

Scott, Theresa L., Kugelman, Melissa and Tulloch, Kristen (2019). How medical professional students view older people with dementia: implications for education and practice. PLoS One, 14 (11) e0225329, e0225329. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225329

How medical professional students view older people with dementia: implications for education and practice

2019

Journal Article

Nonpharmacological interventions for anxiety and dementia in nursing homes: a systematic review

Brown Wilson, Christine, Arendt, Lars, Nguyen, Mynhi, Scott, Theresa L, Neville, Christine C and Pachana, Nancy A (2019). Nonpharmacological interventions for anxiety and dementia in nursing homes: a systematic review. The Gerontologist, 59 (6), e731-e742. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnz020

Nonpharmacological interventions for anxiety and dementia in nursing homes: a systematic review

2019

Journal Article

Developing a model of mobility capital for an ageing population

Musselwhite, Charles and Scott, Theresa (2019). Developing a model of mobility capital for an ageing population. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16 (18) 3327, 3327. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16183327

Developing a model of mobility capital for an ageing population

2019

Journal Article

Shaping attitudes: the association between prior contact with residential aged care and resistance to enter residential aged care

Walker, Nicole, Dissanayaka, Nadeeka N., Scott, Theresa, Manchha, Asmita and Pachana, Nancy A. (2019). Shaping attitudes: the association between prior contact with residential aged care and resistance to enter residential aged care. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 14 (4) e12268, e12268. doi: 10.1111/opn.12268

Shaping attitudes: the association between prior contact with residential aged care and resistance to enter residential aged care

2019

Journal Article

Implementation and evaluation of a driving cessation intervention to improve community mobility and wellbeing outcomes for people living with dementia: study protocol of the ‘CarFreeMe’ for people with dementia program

Scott, Theresa, Liddle, Jacki, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Beattie, Elizabeth and Pachana, Nancy (2019). Implementation and evaluation of a driving cessation intervention to improve community mobility and wellbeing outcomes for people living with dementia: study protocol of the ‘CarFreeMe’ for people with dementia program. BMC Geriatrics, 19 (1) 66, 66. doi: 10.1186/s12877-019-1074-6

Implementation and evaluation of a driving cessation intervention to improve community mobility and wellbeing outcomes for people living with dementia: study protocol of the ‘CarFreeMe’ for people with dementia program

2019

Journal Article

Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: a qualitative approach

Syed Elias, Sharifah Munirah, Petriwskyj, Andrea, Scott, Theresa and Neville, Christine (2019). Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: a qualitative approach. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 38 (1), E25-E30. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12598

Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: a qualitative approach

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2026
    Engaging the over 50s to ensure the sustainability of our blood supply
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2026
    Navigating Fitness to Drive with Patients with Dementia in Primary Care: Delivering an innovative Online Driver Safety Assessment and Management Package to Practitioners
    NHMRC MRFF Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care Mission
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2020 - 2024
    The 3-Domains toolkit for assessing older drivers: pilot study in general practices and validation study in driving assessment clinic
    MAIC/RACGP Foundation Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2023
    Supporting older adults with dementia with driving cessation and mobility: An innovative telehealth approach
    NHMRC Boosting Dementia Research Grants
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    The Watermemories Swimming Club: a randomized clinical trial to establish the efficacy and cost benefit of a non-pharmacological intervention to improve the quality of life for people with dementia
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Developing partnerships to support older adults with driving cessation: Feasibility of delivering telehealth UQDRIVE and UQDRIVE-dementia in South Australia
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund - FirstLink
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2019
    NHMRC-ARC Dementia Fellowship (Aus Based) - Rolling it out: Targeted translation intervention to improve driving cessation outcomes for people with dementia across metropolitan and regional areas
    NHMRC-ARC Dementia Research Development Fellowships Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    The Watermemories Swimming Club: a randomized clinical trial to establish the efficacy and cost benefit of a non-pharmacological intervention to improve the quality of life for people with dementia
    Queensland Health
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Theresa Scott is:
Not available for supervision

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Closed veins: understanding the experiences and psychosocial impact of permanent deferral in older donors

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Barbara Masser

  • Doctor Philosophy

    An evaluation of primary care management of driving and driving cessation for people living with dementia, with a development and assessment of an innovative model of care

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Andrew Hill

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mindful and compassionate nature connection to increase the well-being of family members caring for people living with dementia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor James Kirby

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mathematically modelling the process of managing fitness to drive for people living with dementia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Mark Horswill, Dr David Sewell

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Mathematically modelling the process of managing fitness to drive for people living with dementia

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Mark Horswill, Dr David Sewell

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Co-residence with Children, Are Older People Happy?

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Occupational Therapy in the Residential Aged Care Setting: The Occupational Therapists Role and Service Delivery in Australia

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sally Bennett

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring the role of institutional logics and work design in the facilitation of anomie in residential aged care.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Kirsten Way

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Theresa Scott directly for media enquiries about:

  • ageing positively
  • Dementia and driving cessation
  • nature connection
  • social and therapeutic gardening to combat loneliness and isolation

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au