Overview
Background
Roma Forbes is the Program Director of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) program at The University of Queensland. She is a highly experienced APA titled musculoskeletal physiotherapist and Senior Teaching-Focused Lecturer. Roma is a Director of the Australian Physiotherapy Council and the national Chair of the Accreditation Committee, and represents Australia on the World Physiotherapy Education Committee. She serves on a number of editorial boards and is an Associate Editor for The Clinical Teacher.
Ensuring health professional students are prepared for a challenging and changing workforce is a global priority. Roma leads programs of research that explore the use of work integrated learning and the readiness of health professional graduates across emerging and challenging aspects of clinical practice and workplace settings. Her work spans local, national, and international efforts, where she leads work-integrated learning and health professional education advocacy and policy.
Roma's current research focuses on teaching and learning in the health professions, with a specific focus on graduate preparedness for clinical practice and outcomes of clinical education. This research uses several approaches to explore graduate, educator, and employer perspectives with a focus on knowledge translation to improve clinical education capacity and outcomes. She has a strong track record of national and international collaborations in patient education training, clinical education capacity, and physiotherapy teaching and learning. Roma is passionate about health professional education research and enhancing graduate readiness for practice and fostering a stronger, more supported community of health professional educators and researchers at UQ and abroad.
Awards and Fellowships
- Advance Higher Education Global Impact Award (2023)
- The University of Queensland Award for Teaching Excellence (2023)
- Association for the Study of Medical Education - Medical Education Developing Scholarship Award (2023)
- Higher Education Academy Senior Fellow (2023)
- Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty Award for Programs that Enhance Learning (2023)
- Australian Award for University Teaching Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2021)
- Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Fellow (2021)
- The University of Queensland Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2020)
- Flinders University - ANZAHPE Award for Excellence in Health Professional Education (2020)
- Higher Eduction Academy Fellow (2019)
- Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2019)
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2018)
- Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators (ANZAHPE) Associate Fellow (2018)
Availability
- Dr Roma Forbes is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Bachelor, Auckland University of Technology
- Postgraduate Diploma, Auckland University of Technology
- Masters (Coursework), Auckland University of Technology
- Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Certificate of Languages, Te Wananga o Aotearoa
Research impacts
Dr. Forbes leads and collaborates with teams from various institutions and industry sectors to explore and integrate innovative patient education training and frameworks into health professional programs, both within Australia and internationally. By developing educator-focused frameworks and comprehensive training guidelines, Dr. Forbes ensures that these models are effectively embedded into both clinical and classroom settings across multiple health professions. Additionally, Dr. Forbes leads significant research initiatives focused on identifying the barriers and facilitators to private practice participation in Work Integrated Learning and enhancing the quality of private practice placements.
Works
Search Professor Roma Forbes’s works on UQ eSpace
2023
Other Outputs
‘Well…what do you think?’ Responding to challenging questions in the moment
Forbes, Roma (2023, 10 18). ‘Well…what do you think?’ Responding to challenging questions in the moment Times Higher Education
2023
Journal Article
What should all health professionals know about movement behaviour change? An international Delphi-based consensus statement
Alsop, Tahlia, Lehman, Emily, Brauer, Sandra, Forbes, Roma, Hanson, Coral L., Healy, Genevieve, Milton, Karen, Reid, Hamish, Rosbergen, Ingrid and Gomersall, Sjaan (2023). What should all health professionals know about movement behaviour change? An international Delphi-based consensus statement. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57 (22) bjsports-2023-106870, 1-9. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-106870
2023
Conference Publication
The need to equip future health professionals with the skills to navigate social media and potential misinformation; a qualitative study of new-graduate physiotherapists’ use of social media for learning.
Martin, Romany, Mandrusiak, Allison, Ma, Tsz Wun, Leung, Letizia and Forbes, Roma (2023). The need to equip future health professionals with the skills to navigate social media and potential misinformation; a qualitative study of new-graduate physiotherapists’ use of social media for learning.. The 30th Annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Summit, Kennesaw, GA, United States, 22 September 2023.
2023
Journal Article
An online module to introduce students to private practice.
Forbes, Roma, Bonner, Katy, Phoong, Chu Ting, Ng, Talia, Angwin, Anthony, McClymont, Damian, Scott, Rachel, Wernyjowska, Jo, Melvin, Katelyn, Koo, Rachel and Hoyle, Melanie (2023). An online module to introduce students to private practice.. Education in the Health Professions, 63 (3), 114-120. doi: 10.4103/EHP.EHP_18_23
2023
Journal Article
Systematic review of distributed practice and retrieval practice in health professions education
Trumble, Emma, Lodge, Jason, Mandrusiak, Allison and Forbes, Roma (2023). Systematic review of distributed practice and retrieval practice in health professions education. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 29 (2), 689-714. doi: 10.1007/s10459-023-10274-3
2023
Journal Article
Embarking on a cultural journey: a qualitative study of new graduate physiotherapists’ experiences of working in First Nations Australian health settings
Nelson, Curtley, Mandrusiak, Allison and Forbes, Roma (2023). Embarking on a cultural journey: a qualitative study of new graduate physiotherapists’ experiences of working in First Nations Australian health settings. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 40 (10), 1-11. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2246547
2023
Journal Article
Prescribing exercise therapy for the management of musculoskeletal pain: new-graduate physiotherapists' perceptions and perceived training needs
Leung, Letizia, Mandrusiak, Allison, Martin, Romany, Ma, Tsz Wun and Forbes, Roma (2023). Prescribing exercise therapy for the management of musculoskeletal pain: new-graduate physiotherapists' perceptions and perceived training needs. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 40 (10), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2242461
2023
Journal Article
"I felt uncertain about my whole future"-a qualitative investigation of people's experiences of navigating uncertainty when seeking care for their low back pain
Costa, Nathalia, Butler, Prudenc, Dillon, Miriam, Mescouto, Karime, Olson, Rebecca, Forbes, Roma and Setchell, Jenny (2023). "I felt uncertain about my whole future"-a qualitative investigation of people's experiences of navigating uncertainty when seeking care for their low back pain. Pain, 164 (12), 2749-2758. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002975
2023
Journal Article
"A great tool to open your eyes": new graduate physiotherapists' perceptions and use of social media for learning
Ma, Tsz Wun, Leung, Letizia, Martin, Romany, Mandrusiak, Allison and Forbes, Roma (2023). "A great tool to open your eyes": new graduate physiotherapists' perceptions and use of social media for learning. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1-13. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2231539
2023
Other Outputs
Real-world education: embracing project-based learning
Forbes, Roma and Donovan, Michael (2023, 06 16). Real-world education: embracing project-based learning THE Campus
2023
Journal Article
Do intra-articular temporomandibular disorders show an association between physical bite function, self-perceived bite limitation and kinesiophobia? A case-control study
Dinsdale, Alana, Thomas, Lucy, Forbes, Roma and Treleaven, Julia (2023). Do intra-articular temporomandibular disorders show an association between physical bite function, self-perceived bite limitation and kinesiophobia? A case-control study. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, 65 102756, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102756
2023
Conference Publication
Preparing occupational therapy students for the National Disability Insurance Scheme: Evaluation of an online module
Hoyle, Melanie, Forbes, Roma and Bonner, Katy (2023). Preparing occupational therapy students for the National Disability Insurance Scheme: Evaluation of an online module. OTA 30th National Conference and Exhibition 2023, Cairns, QLD, Australia, 21-23 June 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Preparing students for private practice settings
Forbes, Roma (2023). Preparing students for private practice settings. Australia and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 26-29 June 2023. Gold Coast, QLD, Australia: Australia and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators.
2023
Conference Publication
Physiotherapy students’ perceptions of engagement with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities during clinical placement
Martin, Romany, Donovan, Michael, Su, Yi-Jen, Neish, Calum, Dunwoodie, Ruth, Mandrusiak, Allison and Forbes, Roma (2023). Physiotherapy students’ perceptions of engagement with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities during clinical placement. Australian Physiotherapy Association Symposium, Launceston, TAS, Australia, 27 May 2023.
2023
Journal Article
Clinical Documentation During Clinical Placements: Perspectives of Physiotherapy Students and Clinical Educators
Howse, Laura, Gane, Elise and Forbes, Roma (2023). Clinical Documentation During Clinical Placements: Perspectives of Physiotherapy Students and Clinical Educators. Australian Journal of Clinical Education, 12 (1). doi: 10.53300/001c.71404
2023
Journal Article
The future role of healthcare mentors and coaches in navigating workplace culture
Martin, R., Copley, J., Dunwoodie, R., Forbes, R., Joyce, L., Mandrusiak, A., Noble, C., Pearson, A., Radford, J., Wilkinson, T. and Sheehan, D. (2023). The future role of healthcare mentors and coaches in navigating workplace culture. Focus on Health Professional Education, 24 (1), 95-103. doi: 10.11157/fohpe.v24i1.706
2023
Journal Article
Perceived preparedness and training needs of new graduate physiotherapists’ working with First Nations Australians
Nelson, Curtley, Mandrusiak, Allison and Forbes, Roma (2023). Perceived preparedness and training needs of new graduate physiotherapists’ working with First Nations Australians. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 40 (7), 1-14. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2023.2179382
2022
Journal Article
Professional development from the perspective of new-graduate physiotherapists within Australian hospital settings: A qualitative study
Tan, Shaun, Phan, Andrew, Martin, Romany, Mandrusiak, Allison and Forbes, Roma (2022). Professional development from the perspective of new-graduate physiotherapists within Australian hospital settings: A qualitative study. Focus on Health Professional Education, 23 (4), 35-51. doi: 10.11157/fohpe.v23i4.619
2022
Other Outputs
What the health: Should I be standing while I work?
Forbes, Roma (2022, 12 12). What the health: Should I be standing while I work? What the Health
2022
Journal Article
The impact of rural nursing and midwifery clinical placements from the perspective of health service staff
Walker, Clara and Forbes, Roma (2022). The impact of rural nursing and midwifery clinical placements from the perspective of health service staff. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 31 (2), 256-265. doi: 10.1111/ajr.12943
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Roma Forbes is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Enhancing clinical education capacity within the physiotherapy profession
-
New graduate physiotherapist readiness for practice
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring and enhancing physiotherapist competency in clinical documentation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Allison Mandrusiak
-
Doctor Philosophy
Preparing the physiotherapy workforce for identifying and managing social determinants of health
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Allison Mandrusiak
-
Doctor Philosophy
Comparing and contrasting the physical therapies.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nathalia Costa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Educational experience and work readiness of allied health students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Adriana Penman, Dr Freyr Patterson
-
Doctor Philosophy
Preparing and supporting recent graduate physiotherapists for the private sector
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Allison Mandrusiak, Dr Alana Dinsdale
-
Doctor Philosophy
The contribution of patient caseload complexity in bridging the gap between student and new graduate physiotherapist
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Allison Mandrusiak
-
Doctor Philosophy
Study Strategies in Health Professions Education
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Allison Mandrusiak, Associate Professor Jason Lodge
-
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the experiences of clinical based learning and transition to clinical practice for physiotherapy students from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background with a view to informing better student, university and clinical placement practices
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Martin Sale
-
Master Philosophy
Exploring student and practice educator experiences in feedback processes within clinical learning environments
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Freyr Patterson, Dr Adriana Penman
-
Doctor Philosophy
Behaviour Change for Healthy Living - Implementation and evaluation of a health professional delivered physical activity intervention in older adults in a community health service
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Genevieve Healy, Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall
Completed supervision
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Preparing and supporting new-graduate physiotherapists for rural practice
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell, Associate Professor Allison Mandrusiak
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring disability and management in adults with persistent mechanical temporomandibular disorders
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Julia Treleaven, Dr Lucy Thomas
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Roma Forbes directly for media enquiries about:
- Clinical Education
- Graduate Preparedness
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
- Patient Education
- Private Practice
- Readiness for Practice
- Teaching and Learning
- Work Integrated Learning
- Workforce
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