Associate Professor Merrill Turpin
Associate Professor

Merrill Turpin

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+61 7 336 56491

Background

Dr Turpin’s research centres on the clinical/professional reasoning of occupational therapists across the spectrum of experience from new graduates to experts, as well as the subjective experiences of people with disabilities. She specialises in the use of qualitative research methods and uses a variety of qualitative research methods in her own research, as well advising others on these research methods. Dr Turpin has written books and book chapters on occupational therapy models of practice, evidence-based practice, and clinical reasoning, as well as publications on various aspects of people's experience. Dr Turpin has been a teaching and research academic at The University of Queensland for more than 30 years. The connection between theory and practice is central to her research and teaching. As occupational therapists attend to both thinking and experience, they need to use rigorous thinking and a deep understanding of human experience in their practice.

Availability

Associate Professor Merrill Turpin is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Clinical sciences Health Sciences

Research interests

  • Qualitative Research Methodology

    My main interest is in selecting the best qualitative methodologies for addressing the research questions that have been posed. Different methodologies attend to and prioritise certain aspects of phenomena and ways of understanding them. Consequently, choosing appropriate qualitative research methodologies from the plethora of those available is essential for guiding the research in a fruitful direction, but can be difficult. Often researchers become wedded to certain methodologies because they are familiar with them. Having a deep understanding of the ontological and epistemological assumptions underlying a range of qualitative research methodologies, as well as their unique goals and focus, provides the basis for well-reasoned decisions about research methodology.

  • Disability - experience and participation

    Occupational therapists are concerned with understanding people's experiences of everyday life and promoting their participation in society by identifying and overcoming barriers and building on existing strengths. My research attends to both understanding experience and promoting participation of people with a range of disabilities. Examples include understanding the everyday lives of people experiencing Multiple Sclerosis fatigue and the experiences of and barriers encountered by travellers with vision or mobility impairments.

  • Occupational Therapy clinical and professional reasoning

    Occupational therapists need to make well-reasoned decisions about the actions they take in practice. My research into the clinical and professional reasoning of occupational therapists has spanned three decades. I have written books, book chapters and journal articles on the occupational therapy practice models that guide occupational therapists in their practice; the process they use when combining disparate information, including research evidence and knowledge of their clients' experiences and circumstances; how they learn to reason as new graduates; and how students learn and can be supported to learn clinical and professional reasoning during their professional practice placements. I also have a sustained commitment to the continued development of the Student Practice Evaluation Form (SPEF, 1997; SPEF-R, 2008, SPEF-R2, 2019), a student professional practice evaluation tool that has consistently been used throughout Australia and in some countries overseas.

Research impacts

Dr Turpin works closely with Queensland Heath regarding supporting the clinical reasoning of occupational therapists with a range of experience. She also works with a range of organisations to use personal and occupational therapy understandings to improve the lives of people with Disabilities.

Search Professor Merrill Turpin’s works on UQ eSpace

117 works between 1997 and 2025
All (117) Journal Article (75) Book Chapter (15) Conference Publication (24) Book (2) Other Outputs (1)

81 - 100 of 117 works

2011

Conference Publication

Organisational support for evidence-based practice: Does it help?

Bennett, S., McCluskey, A., Caldwell, E., Allen, M., Whitehead, M., Ox, R., Hoffmann, T. and Turpin M. (2011). Organisational support for evidence-based practice: Does it help?. Occupational Therapy Australia 24th National Conference, Gold Coast, Queensland, 29 June-1st July.

Organisational support for evidence-based practice: Does it help?

2011

Conference Publication

Using threshold concepts to transform entry level curricula

Rodger, Sylvia and Turpin, Merrill (2011). Using threshold concepts to transform entry level curricula. 34th HERDSA Annual International Conference, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 4-7 July 2011. Milperra, NSW, Australia: Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia.

Using threshold concepts to transform entry level curricula

2010

Journal Article

Refugee settlement workers' perspectives on home safety issues for people from refugee backgrounds

Campbell, Emma Jean and Turpin, Merrill June (2010). Refugee settlement workers' perspectives on home safety issues for people from refugee backgrounds. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 57 (6), 425-430. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2010.00882.x

Refugee settlement workers' perspectives on home safety issues for people from refugee backgrounds

2010

Journal Article

Information used by an expert paediatric occupational therapist when making clinical decisions

Copley, Jodie A., Turpin, Merrill J. and King, Tegan L. (2010). Information used by an expert paediatric occupational therapist when making clinical decisions. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77 (4), 249-256. doi: 10.2182/cjot.2010.77.4.7

Information used by an expert paediatric occupational therapist when making clinical decisions

2010

Journal Article

Clinical utility of the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory for stroke rehabilitation

Gustafsson, Louise A., Turpin, Merrill J. and Dorman, Caitlin M. (2010). Clinical utility of the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory for stroke rehabilitation. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77 (3), 161-173. doi: 10.2182/cjot.2010.77.3.6

Clinical utility of the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory for stroke rehabilitation

2010

Book Chapter

Clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice

Turpin, Merrill and Higgs, Joy (2010). Clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice across the health professions. (pp. 300-317) edited by Tammy Hoffmann, Sally Bennett and Chris Del Mar. Sydney, Australia: Elsevier.

Clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice

2010

Journal Article

Occupational therapy students' perceptions toward and experiences of fieldwork with older people

Hayes, L., Turpin, M. and Moran, M. (2010). Occupational therapy students' perceptions toward and experiences of fieldwork with older people. Focus on Health Professional Education, In press

Occupational therapy students' perceptions toward and experiences of fieldwork with older people

2010

Book Chapter

Decision Making for Occupation-centred Practice with Children

Copley, Jodie, Bennett, Sally and Turpin, Merrill (2010). Decision Making for Occupation-centred Practice with Children. Occupation-centred practice with children: A practical guide for occupational therapists. (pp. 320-341) edited by Sylvia Rodger. Oxford, UK: Wiley - Blackwell. doi: 10.1002/9781444319699.ch15

Decision Making for Occupation-centred Practice with Children

2009

Journal Article

Review of upper limb ability assessments in acute stroke care, from a practice perspective

Rowland, T. J., Gustafsson, L., Henderson, R. D., Turpin, M. and Read, S. J. (2009). Review of upper limb ability assessments in acute stroke care, from a practice perspective. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 16 (12), 678-684. doi: 10.12968/ijtr.2009.16.12.45434

Review of upper limb ability assessments in acute stroke care, from a practice perspective

2009

Journal Article

The experiences and needs of people who cease driving after stroke

Liddle, Jacki, Turpin, Merrill, McKenna, Kryss, Kubus, Tara, Lambley, Sonia and McCaffrey, Katherine (2009). The experiences and needs of people who cease driving after stroke. Brain Impairment, 10 (3), 271-281. doi: 10.1375/brim.10.3.271

The experiences and needs of people who cease driving after stroke

2009

Journal Article

Older workers: An exploration of the benefits, barriers and adaptations for older people in the workforce

Fraser, L, McKenna, K, Turpin, M, Allen, S and Liddle, J (2009). Older workers: An exploration of the benefits, barriers and adaptations for older people in the workforce. Work, 33 (3), 261-272. doi: 10.3233/WOR-2009-0874

Older workers: An exploration of the benefits, barriers and adaptations for older people in the workforce

2008

Journal Article

Redefining failure: Phenomenology and meaning

Turpin, Merrill June (2008). Redefining failure: Phenomenology and meaning. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 55 (4), 283-286. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2008.00748.x

Redefining failure: Phenomenology and meaning

2008

Journal Article

Participant perspectives on an individualized self-awareness intervention following stroke: A qualitative case study

Ownsworth, Tamara L., Turpin, Merrill, Andrew, Brooke and Fleming, Jennifer (2008). Participant perspectives on an individualized self-awareness intervention following stroke: A qualitative case study. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 18 (5-6), 692-712. doi: 10.1080/09602010701595136

Participant perspectives on an individualized self-awareness intervention following stroke: A qualitative case study

2008

Journal Article

The needs and experiences related to driving cessation for older people

Liddle, Jacki, Turpin, Merrill, Carlson, GLenys and McKenna, Kryss (2008). The needs and experiences related to driving cessation for older people. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71 (9), 379-388. doi: 10.1177/030802260807100905

The needs and experiences related to driving cessation for older people

2008

Journal Article

Self-identified Goals and the Ability to Set Realistic Goals Following Acquired Brain Injury: A Classification Framework

Turner, Benjamin J., Ownsworth, Tamara L., Turpin, Merrill, Fleming, Jennifer M. and Griffin, Janelle (2008). Self-identified Goals and the Ability to Set Realistic Goals Following Acquired Brain Injury: A Classification Framework. Australian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55 (2), 96-107. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2007.00660.x

Self-identified Goals and the Ability to Set Realistic Goals Following Acquired Brain Injury: A Classification Framework

2008

Journal Article

Factors influencing therapists' interventions for children with learning difficulties

Copley, Jodie, Nelson, Alison, Turpin, Merrill, Underwood, Katherine and Flanigan, Kerry (2008). Factors influencing therapists' interventions for children with learning difficulties. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75 (2), 105-113. doi: 10.1177/000841740807500206

Factors influencing therapists' interventions for children with learning difficulties

2008

Journal Article

Understanding and negotiating: Reasoning processes used by an occupational therapist to individualize intervention decisions for people with upper limb hypertonicity

Copley, Jodie, Turpin, Merrill, Brosnan, Jessica and Nelson, Alison (2008). Understanding and negotiating: Reasoning processes used by an occupational therapist to individualize intervention decisions for people with upper limb hypertonicity. Disability and Rehabilitation, 30 (19), 1486-1498. doi: 10.1080/09638280701654799

Understanding and negotiating: Reasoning processes used by an occupational therapist to individualize intervention decisions for people with upper limb hypertonicity

2008

Conference Publication

Authentic industry based professional projects: The impact on learning

Turpin, Merrill, De jonge, Desleigh and Moran, Monica (2008). Authentic industry based professional projects: The impact on learning. 13th Ottawa International Conference on Clinical Competence (Ozzawa), Melbourne, Australia, 5 - 8 March 2008.

Authentic industry based professional projects: The impact on learning

2008

Journal Article

Living with parental multiple sclerosis: Children's experiences and clinical implications

Turpin, Merrill, Leech, Christine and Hackenberg, Louisa (2008). Living with parental multiple sclerosis: Children's experiences and clinical implications. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75 (3), 149-156. doi: 10.1177/000841740807500306

Living with parental multiple sclerosis: Children's experiences and clinical implications

2007

Journal Article

Mental health issues and resources in rural and regional communities: An exploration of perceptions of service providers

Turpin, M., Bartlett, H., Kavanagh, D. and Gallois, C. (2007). Mental health issues and resources in rural and regional communities: An exploration of perceptions of service providers. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 15 (2), 131-136. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1584.2007.00870.x

Mental health issues and resources in rural and regional communities: An exploration of perceptions of service providers

Past funding

  • 2024
    Empowering Accessible Travel: An Evaluation of the `Access Accelerator¿ Program
    Spinal Life Australia
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Translating low back pain research: Identifying potential hidden harms in health messaging
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    eSPEF-R Occupational Therapy Project
    Commonwealth Health Workforce Australia (HWA)
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Developing a clinical reasoning algorithm to guide MS fatigue rehabilitation interventions
    University of Illinois
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Development of tools for enhancing clinical reasoning of occupational therapy students and practitioners
    Occupational Therapists Board of Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Assisting allied health professionals to implement evidence: An OTSeeker initiative, 2008-2011
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Teaching clinical reasoning to Occupational Therpay students during Paediatric Clinical Fieldwork
    Occupational Therapists Board of Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Development of a Flexible Training Package for Clinical Educators Using the Student Placement Evaluation Form (SPEF)
    UQ Teaching & Learning Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    An exlporation of self awareness of deficits by people with an Acquired Brain Injury
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Merrill Turpin is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Impact of Community Training on Inclusion of People with Disabilities within the Community.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Lynda Shevellar

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Adolescent Perspectives of Sharing Responsibility for the Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Secondary School

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Occupational Therapy Practice in Intensive Care Units

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Jennifer Fleming

  • Master Philosophy

    Co-designing allied health clinical pathways with frail vascular patients

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Kristiana Ludlow, Associate Professor Jacki Liddle

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding theory integration in occupational therapy student placements: An educator-focused exploration

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Jodie Copley

  • Master Philosophy

    Co-designing allied health clinical pathways with frail vascular patients

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Kristiana Ludlow, Associate Professor Jacki Liddle

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploration of the use of mental health services among international students in Australia

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Tomomi McAuliffe

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Role of Occupational Therapy and Early Cognitive Therapy in Patients in Intensive Care Units

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Jennifer Fleming

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Co-creating inclusive walking and running activities alongside young people with disabilities and their families: Participatory Action Research in a regional Australian community.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Georgina Clutterbuck

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding theory integration in occupational therapy student placements: An educator-focused exploration

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Jodie Copley

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Becoming an effective healthcare practitioner in the NDIS context

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Leander Mitchell, Professor Jodie Copley

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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