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:
- 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
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Dementia
Quality of life; Mobility; Driving; Fitness to drive assessment; Social support; Stigma; Supporting communication within families; Engagement
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Ageing
Ageism; Stigma and Self-stereotypes; Mental health; Positive ageing; Psychosocial interventions to support ageing well
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Evidence based therapies supporting mental health
Social and therapeutic horticulture; nature therapy; nature connection.
Research impacts
My research addresses the challenging transition to driving retirement for people living with dementia. As a NHMRC Fellow - Dementia Research Development - I led the translation of an existing driver retirement program ('CarFreeMe) to develop of the first practical psychotherapeutic intervention globally to support people with dementia to stop driving safely and with dignity. To improve access, I adapted the program for telehealth, built a multidisciplinary research and consumer team, and led funding submissions to expand its reach.
With funding from the NHMRC's Boosting Dementia Research initiative and working with UniQuest, we translated the intervention into an online training program for health professionals, broadening its potential use in practice. This work has also driven international collaboration, including adaptation of the intervention for the U.S. with Prof Joe Gaugler and contribution to a successful NIH-funded project.
Building on this impact, my team is developing new primary care resources and a video-based off-road test to support assessment of medical fitness to drive, funded through the NHMRC MRFF grants program.
Future work will adapt the CarFree Dementia-specific intervention for people with Young Onset Dementia and identify sustainable referral and funding pathways.
Works
Search Professor Theresa Scott’s works on UQ eSpace
2023
Journal Article
Does context count? The association between quality of care and job characteristics in residential aged care and hospital settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Hodroj, Batoul, Way, Kïrsten Agnes, Scott, Theresa L., Wright, April L. and Manchha, Asmita (2023). Does context count? The association between quality of care and job characteristics in residential aged care and hospital settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Gerontologist, 63 (6), 1012-1027. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnac039
2023
Book Chapter
Health and wellbeing benefits of therapeutic gardens and gardening activities for older people living in residential aged care settings
Scott, Theresa L. (2023). Health and wellbeing benefits of therapeutic gardens and gardening activities for older people living in residential aged care settings. Cultivated therapeutic landscapes: gardening for prevention, restoration, and equity. (pp. 192-209) edited by Pauline Marsh and Allison Williams. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003355731-12
2023
Journal Article
A qualitative study exploring the experiences and needs of people living with young onset dementia related to driving cessation: ‘It’s like you get your legs cut off’
Scott, Theresa L., Rooney, Donna, Liddle, Jacki, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Gustafsson, Louise and Pachana, Nancy A. (2023). A qualitative study exploring the experiences and needs of people living with young onset dementia related to driving cessation: ‘It’s like you get your legs cut off’. Age and Ageing, 52 (7) afad109. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afad109
2023
Journal Article
3-Domains screening toolkit for medical assessment of older drivers: feasibility study in Australian general practice
Wallis, Katharine A., Scott, Theresa L., Mendis, Marini and Spurling, Geoffrey (2023). 3-Domains screening toolkit for medical assessment of older drivers: feasibility study in Australian general practice. Australian journal of general practice, 52 (6), 401-407. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-08-22-6528
2023
Journal Article
3-Domains screening toolkit for medical assessment of older drivers
Wallis, Katharine A., Scott, Theresa L., Mendis, Marini and Spurling, Geoffrey (2023). 3-Domains screening toolkit for medical assessment of older drivers. Australian Journal of General Practice, 52 (6), 401-407.
2023
Journal Article
Still in first gear: exploration of barriers for implementing driving cessation support
Liddle, Jacki, Gustafsson, Louise, Scott, Theresa, Byrnes, Joshua, Salmon, Amanda and Pachana, Nancy A. (2023). Still in first gear: exploration of barriers for implementing driving cessation support. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 42 (4), 796-800. doi: 10.1111/ajag.13218
2023
Journal Article
Refining a driving retirement program for persons with dementia and their care partners: a mixed methods evaluation of CarFreeMe™-Dementia
Peterson, Colleen M., Birkeland, Robyn W., Louwagie, Katie W., Ingvalson, Stephanie N., Mitchell, Lauren L., Scott, Theresa L., Liddle, Jacki, Pachana, Nancy A., Gustafsson, Louise and Gaugler, Joseph E. (2023). Refining a driving retirement program for persons with dementia and their care partners: a mixed methods evaluation of CarFreeMe™-Dementia. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 78 (3), 506-519. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbac151
2022
Journal Article
Exploring psychosocial dynamics underpinning driver identity in an older adult sample
Lee, Andrew K. and Scott, Theresa L. (2022). Exploring psychosocial dynamics underpinning driver identity in an older adult sample. Geriatrics, 7 (6) 122, 1-21. doi: 10.3390/geriatrics7060122
2022
Journal Article
Aging is inevitable, nihilism is optional
Scott, Theresa L. (2022). Aging is inevitable, nihilism is optional. International Psychogeriatrics, 34 (9), 761-763. doi: 10.1017/s1041610222000345
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Theresa Scott is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
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Living with, or caring for a person with Dementia: and #Driving; and #Quality of life
Some examples: Ageism, Driving Cessation, Driving Safety Assessment in Primary Care, Quality of life in Dementia, Dementia Stigma
Supervision history
Current supervision
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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
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Doctor Philosophy
Closed veins: understanding the experiences and psychosocial impact of permanent deferral in older donors
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Barbara Masser
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding intergenerational co-residence in Indonesia: A mixed-methods investigation
Principal Advisor
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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
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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, Dr Tammy Aplin
Completed supervision
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2024
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
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Twillight or dimlight? Attitudes towards residential aged care and implementation of an learning integrated intervention designed to shift attitudes.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nadeeka Dissanayaka, Professor Nancy Pachana
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
A Social Constructionist Appreciation of the mental health inpatient nursing care for people with intellectual disability.
Associate Advisor
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
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