
Karina Michelle DANCZA
Profile
Biography
Dr Karina Dancza is an Associate Professor in the Health and Social Sciences Cluster at Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). Karina’s over 20-year experience as an occupational therapist began with her studies at the University of South Australia and her graduate work with children and young people in Adelaide. She continued her career as a senior clinician in the United Kingdom, where she spent 15 years working in practice, higher education, and as a national policy advisor for the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. In 2018, Karina joined SIT to continue her passion for occupational therapy education. Her Ph.D. research interests were in student learning processes and children’s occupational therapy practice. Based on her Ph.D. research, in 2018 she authored the textbook, Implementing Occupation-Centred Practice: A Practical Guide for Occupational Therapy Practice Learning, and she is now working on her second book about professional supervision.
SIT Appointments
- Associate Professor– Present
- Assistant Professor–
Education
- PhD in Occupational TherapyThe University of Queensland , Australia
- Post Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching, Higher EducationCanterbury Christ Church University , United Kingdom
- Master of Arts in Special Education NeedsUniversity of Wales , United Kingdom
- Post Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences, Health Promotion and Health Services ManagementQueensland Institute of Technology , Australia
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational TherapyUniversity of South Australia , Australia
Achievements
- Charles Darwin University, Adjunct Associate Professor–
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Adjunct Lecturer–
- The University of Queensland Research Scholarship–
Professional Certification
- Temporary Registration as an Occupational Therapist (Singapore)Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC)–
- Professional Registration (OT 36377), Occupational Therapist (to present)Health and Care Professions Council, United Kingdom
Professional Memberships
- Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists– Present
- Higher Education Academy, United Kingdom (40871), Fellow, September 2010 - present– Present
- British Association of Occupational Therapists (BT0238562), Professional Member, Jan 2004 - present–
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section – Children, young people and families, Professional Member, January 2004 – present–
Corporate Experience
- The Ministry of Health (MOH) Community Rehabilitation Transformation Workgroup Member–
- Development and delivery of a course for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health on “How to Manage: Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Creator and lecturer of the “Essential Skills for Contemporary Occupational Therapy: Children's” course for The Royal College of Occupational Therapists
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) - Expert on international project team for WFOT Position Statement on Occupational Therapy Services in School-Based Practice and Childhood Obesity–
- Executive committee representative for occupational therapy on the British Academy of Childhood Disability–
- Register of Experts for Occupational Therapy in Europe - (OT-EU / COTEC) for children and young people–
- Professional Advisor – Children & Young People, The Royal College of Occupational Therapists–
- Expert Adviser to Lord Freud (House of Lords, UK) on developing a section of legislation which supports families when children are in distress–
- Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Canterbury Christ Church University–
- Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, The Dyscovery Centre, South Wales–
- Senior Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Colchester Primary Care Trust, England–
- Inclusion Consultant, Inclusion SA, South Australia–
Research
Research Interests
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Health service transformation
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Professional supervision
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Implementation science
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Professional/clinical/workplace education
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Teaching and learning in higher education
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Occupation-centred practice
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Person and family centred practice
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School based occupational therapy practice
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Participation
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Children and young people
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Classroom design for special needs
Current Projects
- QUALITY OF ONLINE INFORMATION ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, NUTRITION AND SLEEP FOR PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS– Present
- EARLY CAREER OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF OCCUPATIONAL JUSTICE IN PRACTICE– Present
- SLEEP QUALITY AND QUANTITY IN ALLIED HEALTH AND NURSING STUDENTS IN SINGAPORE– Present
- GUIDANCE FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED CLINICAL EDUCATORS ON SUPPORTING STUDENTS DURING PLACEMENT: AN EVALUATION OF THE PLUS FRAMEWORK IN SINGAPORE– Present
- SINGHEALTH-SIT STROKE COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE– Present
Collaboration with SingHealth, Singapore. Part of the SingHealth One Rehab Stroke Pilot.
- EXPLORING FEATURES OF A CLASSROOM BENEFICIAL FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN SINGAPORE– Present
Collaboration with Rainbow Centre, Singapore. A joint project between Heath and Social Sciences (Occupational Therapy), Engineering and Design and Business Studies.
- SHIFTING TEACHING AND LEARNING ONLINE: AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY INVESTIGATION INTO CHANGES IN ALLIED HEALTH UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION SINCE COVID-19– Present
- COGNITIVE ORIENTATION TO OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE (CO-OP): IMPROVING FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN MENTAL HEALTH– Present
Collaboration with National University Hospital, Singapore
Past Projects
- A STUDY ON THE EXPERIENCE AND IMPACT OF AUTHENTIC ORAL ASSESSMENT–
A joint project between CoLEAD, Health and Social Sciences (Occupational Therapy and Nursing), and Engineering Faculty.
- ENHANCING SUPERVISION IN COMMUNITY SERVICES–
Collaboration with AWWA, Singapore
- ENHANCING THE PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS IN EARLY INTERVENTION SETTINGS–
Collaboration with AWWA, Singapore
- WHAT ATTRACTS AND RETAINS EARLY-CAREER THERAPISTS TO COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS–
Collaboration with AWWA, Singapore
- VALUE-BASED HEALTHCARE: EVALUATING OUTCOMES THAT ARE RELEVANT AT AN INDIVIDUAL AND SERVICE LEVEL IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY–
Collaboration with National University Hospital, Singapore
- THE USE OF A THEORY-INFORMED WORKBOOK TO SUPPORT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY STUDENTS PLACEMENT LEARNING–In collaboration with Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland
- STRUCTURE AND UNCERTAINTY: THE 'JUST-RIGHT' BALANCE FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY STUDENT LEARNING ON ROLE EMERGING PLACEMENTS IN SCHOOLS–
PhD Thesis: The University of Queensland (September 2015)
- DEVELOPMENTAL COORDINATION DISORDER (DCD), JOINT HYPERMOBILITY SYNDROME (JHS) AND ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): A SURVEY OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS’ KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGEMENT OF THESE CONDITIONS–
Masters Thesis: University of Wales (March 2008)
Publication
Journal Papers
Moores AV, Dancza KM, Turpin MJ, Copley JA. The Nature of Theory Used in Practice Education: A Scoping Review. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. May 2022. doi:10.1177/00084174221093466
Dancza K, Choi YM, Amalia K, Wong PS, Hu JH, Yap LW. (2022) “An appreciative inquiry approach to understanding what attracts and retains early-career therapists to work in community organizations.” The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ijahsp/vol20/iss1/7/
Tan CP, Howes D, Tan RKW, and Dancza, KM. (2021) “Developing interactive oral assessments to foster graduate attributes in higher education.” Assessments and Evaluation in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2021.2020722
Wong SR, Ngooi BX, Kwa FY, Koh XT, Chua RJJ, Dancza, KM. (2021) “Exploring the meaning of value-based occupational therapy services from the perspectives of managers, therapists and clients.” The British Journal of Occupational Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226211030095
Dancza K, Copley J, Moran M. (2021) “PLUS Framework: guidance for practice educators.” Clinical Teacher. 18, pages 431–438. https://doi.org/10.1111/tct.13393
Kaelin, V.C., Dancza, K. (2019) “Perceptions of occupational therapy threshold concepts by students in role‐emerging placements in schools: A qualitative investigation.” Australian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66, pages 711–719.
Dancza, K., Copley, J., Moran, M. (2019) “Occupational therapy student learning on role-emerging placements in schools.” British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 82(9), pages 567-577
Tempest, S., Dancza, K. (2019) “Guest Editorial: Embracing the leadership potential of occupational therapy in the social age: Time for a silent revolution” British Journal of Occupational Therapy.
Dancza, K. (2017). “Invited Opinion Piece: Occupation centred practice”. Children, Young People and Families Journal, Autumn, pages 2-5
Dancza, K., Copley, J., Moran, M., Rodger, S., (2016) “The development of a theory-informed workbook as an additional support for students on role-emerging placements” British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(4), pages 235–243
Dancza, K., Warren, A., McKay, E. A., Taylor, A., Moran, M., Rodger, S., Copley, J. (2013) “Learning experiences on role-emerging placements: An exploration from the students’ perspective” Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, Volume 60, Issue 6, pages 427–435
Dancza, K., and Fowler, F. (2011). “Communication with occupation: endless possibilities for joint working” OT News, 19(10) October, pages 22-23
Dancza, K., Martin, S., & Bates, G. (2011). “Exploring the role of occupational therapy in schools from the perspective of two OT students”. Children, Young People and Families Journal, 15(2) Autumn, pages 29-33
Baudinette* K., Sparks J and Kirby A (2010). "Survey of paediatric occupational therapists' understanding of developmental coordination disorder, joint hypermobility syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder". British Journal Occupational Therapy, 73(8), pages 366-372.
*formally Karina Baudinette
Conferences
Tan, C.P., Howes, D., Dancza, K.M. “The Role of Interactive Oral Assessments in Fostering Graduate Attributes in Higher Education” Workshop, Applied Learning Conference, 20-21 January 2022, Singapore Institute of Technology.
Quak, A.L.X., Lau, M.S.E., Poon, K.Y.C., Soh, G.Y.I., Goff, A.J., Dancza, K.M. “An Appreciative Inquiry investigation into changes in undergraduate health science education since COVID-19.” Presentation, Applied Learning Conference, 20-21 January 2022, Singapore Institute of Technology.
Dancza, K., Copley, J., Moran, M., “Guidance for fieldwork educators in promoting professional reasoning: Development of the PLUS Framework”, 2021 Schell-TWU Professional Reasoning Colloquium, Texas Women’s University, Online, 8-9 October 2021.
Schoenthaler, E., Lynch, H., Dancza, K., Schulze, C., Kaelin, V., “Workshop: Developing resilience in school-based occupational therapy practitioners using an international community of practice”, 2nd COTEC-ENOTHE Congress 2021, Prague, Czech Republic, Online, 15-18 September 2021.
Moores, A., Dancza, K. Turpin, M. and Copley, J. “Supporting occupational therapy students to use theoretical knowledge during placements: what can practice educators do?”, 14th National Allied Health Conference Australia, Online, 9-12 August 2021.
Moores, A., Dancza, K. Turpin, M. And Copley, J. "The use of theoretical knowledge in occupational therapy practice education: What is happening now, and can more be done?" Occupational Therapy Australia 29th National Conference and Exhibition, Online, 23-25 June 2021.
Kwa, FY., Koh, XT., Chua, R., Wong, SR., Ngooi, BX., Dancza, K. “Poster: Understanding value-based health care in occupational therapy in Singapore: An appreciative inquiry exploration of the patients' and caregivers' perspectives”, Singapore Allied Health Conference 2021, Singapore, 8-9 March 2021.
Dancza, K and Tan S. "An introduction to coaching for occupational therapy." Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists Paediatric Special Interest Group study day, Singapore, 10 December 2020.
Dancza, K., Kaelin, V., “Embracing uncertainty to enhance learning: Using a threshold concepts perspective in clinical fieldwork.”, Applied Learning Conference 2020, Singapore, 30-31 January 2020.
Dancza, K., Copley, J., Moran, M., “Understanding how students learn during role-emerging placements.”, National Occupational Therapy Conference, Singapore, 2 November 2019.
Kaelin, V., Dancza K. (2019) “Using threshold concepts to understand and enhance the support of students undertaking role‐emerging placements” Special Issue: Occupational Therapy Australia 28th National Conference and Exhibition “Together Towards Tomorrow”, 10–12 July 2019, International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 66 (Suppl. 1) 39-82.
Dancza, K., Moran, M., Copley, J. (2019) “Unexpected benefits of engaging in research: reflections from participants”, Special Issue: Occupational Therapy Australia 28th National Conference and Exhibition “Together Towards Tomorrow”, 10–12 July 2019, International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 66 (Suppl. 1) pages 6–38.
Dancza, K., Hoo, C. “Occupational therapy in school settings: Learning from Singapore and the United Kingdom.”, National Occupational Therapy Conference, Singapore, 20 October 2018.
Dancza, K. “School-based occupational therapy.”, Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists Paediatric Special Interest Group study day, Singapore, 22 September 2018.
Dancza, K.M. & Brotherton, J. (2017) “Occupation focused outcomes – Troubleshooting problems and presenting exemplars of Education Health and Care Plans”. Broadening Horizons: Celebrating Collaborative. Children, Young People and Families Annual conference, 9th – 10th November, Leeds, UK
Barnes, A. & Dancza, K.M. (2017). “Putting the ‘occupation’ back into occupational therapy in the acute paediatric setting”. Broadening Horizons: Celebrating Collaborative. Children, Young People and Families Annual conference, 9th – 10th November, Leeds, UK
Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2016). “The development of a theory-informed workbook as an ‘additional supervisor’ for occupational therapy students on role-emerging placements”. 1st COTEC –ENOTHE joint congress, 15-19 June, Galway, Ireland
Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2016). “Enabling the development of professional identity through occupation-centred practice”. It’s time for occupation. 40th Annual Conference of the College of Occupational Therapists, 28-30 June, Harrogate, UK
Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2016). “Embedding the importance of participation with future practitioners: The development of a theory-informed workbook to guide occupational therapy students on role-emerging placements.” Supporting Children’s Participation: Evidence and interaction. 3rd #CountMeIn! International Scientific Meeting. 6th – 7th April, Plymouth, UK
Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2016). “The development of a theory-informed workbook as an additional resource for supporting occupational therapy students on role-emerging placements, poster presentation”. Its time for occupation. 40th Annual Conference of the College of Occupational Therapists, 28-30 June, Harrogate, UK
Dancza, K. M., Copley, J., Moran, M., & Rodger, S. (2014). “Is it important for students to experience occupation-centred practice on placement?” Sharing Traditions, Creating Futures. 16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. 18th – 21st June, Yokohama, Japan
Warren, A., Dancza, K., McKay, E. A., Taylor, A., Moran, M., Rodger, S., Copley, J. “Supervising Role-Emerging Placements: Creating Opportunities for Innovation in Practice.” Australian Occupational Therapy Conference / Journal, 60, (Supp.1) 2013 21
Dancza, K. “The School Assessment of Motor and Process Skills, Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model and Evaluation of Social Interaction.”, London AMPS user group study event, National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, 18 September 2013
Dancza, K. “Using Occupational Performance Analysis to Maintain Occupation at the Core of our Practice.” Children, Young People and Families South East Region Study Event, Canterbury Christ Church University, Medway, 2 July 2013
Dancza, K.M., Copley, J., Moran, M. & Rodger, S. (2012). “Scaffolding learning for occupational therapy role-emerging placements using the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model.” Implementing evidence-based, occupation-focused assessments and occupation-based interventions, International AMPS Symposium. 11th – 14th September, Copenhagen, Denmark
Dancza, K.M., & Head, J. (2012). “Promoting creativity in reflection: charting the learning experience”. Towards Creative Action: Transformations and Collaborations in Practice, Collaborative Action Research Network/ International Practice Development Collaborative Conference. 23rd – 25th November, Kent, United Kingdom
Mesa, S., Dancza, K.M., & Chard, G. (2012). “Using the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model in a first year university programme to explore how occupation influences early student learning about practice.” Implementing evidence-based, occupation-focused assessments and occupation-based interventions, International AMPS Symposium. 11th – 14th September, Copenhagen, Denmark
Dancza, K.M., Warren, A., Moran, M., Copley, J., Rodger, S., Taylor, A., & McKay, E. (2012) “Role emerging occupational therapy placements: learning and collaborating together”. All Together Better Health VI, 6th International Interprofessional Education Conference. 5th – 8th October, Kobe, Japan
Books
Dancza, K., Volkert, A., Tempest, S. (Eds) (in press) “Supervision for Occupational Therapy.”, United Kingdom: Routledge.
Royal College of Occupational Therapists (author), Tempest S, Dancza, K (writers) (2021) “Royal College of Occupational Therapists Career Development Framework: Guiding principles for occupational therapy, Second Edition”. Online, available at https://www.rcot.co.uk/publications/career-development-framework
Dancza, K (et al.) (2020), “Rehabilitation and Prognosis of Developmental Disorders of Speech and Language”, In am Zehnhoff-Dinnesen, A., Wiskirska-Woznica, B., Neumann, K., Nawka, T. (Eds.) European Manual of Medicine, Phoniatrics I Fundamentals – Voice Disorders – Disorders of Language and Hearing Development, Springer Nature, pp. 725-748.
Dancza, K., Rodger, S. Eds (2018) “Implementing occupation-centred practice: A guide for occupational therapy practice learning”, Routledge.
Dancza, K., Tempest, S. (2017) “The Career Development Framework: Guiding Principles for Occupational Therapists”, United Kingdom: Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Dancza, K., Missiuna, C., Pollock, N. (2017) “Occupation-centred practice: When the classroom is your client.” In S. Rodger, A. Kennedy-Behr, Occupation-centred practice with children: A practical guide for occupational therapists 2nd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell, pages 257 – 288
Gordon, A., Dancza, K. Roberts, J. Eds (2015) “Children and young people with acquired brain injury: Current practice in occupational therapy” The Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Dancza, K., Volkert, A., Tempest, S. (Eds) (in preparation) “Effective Supervision in Occupational Therapy.”, United Kingdom: Routledge.
Teaching
Teaching Modules
Diagnostic Radiography, BSc (Hons)
- HSC1005 - Research - Critical Appraisal of Literature
- HSC2002 - Research - Methods and Statistics
Occupational Therapy, BSc (Hons)
- HSC1005 - Research - Critical Appraisal of Literature
- HSC2002 - Research - Methods and Statistics
- OTY2101 - Occupational Therapy Intervention and Clinical Reasoning
- OTY2105 - Occupational Therapy Group Interventions
- OTY3002 - Play, School and Transition
- OTY4006 - Occupational Justice and Disabilities Studies
- OTY4005 - Honours Thesis
- OTY2909 - Clinical Practice Education 2
- OTY4901 - Clinical Practice Education 4
Radiation Therapy, BSc (Hons)
- HSC1005 - Research - Critical Appraisal of Literature
- HSC2002 - Research - Methods and Statistics
Occupational Therapy, BSc
- OTY3908 - Clinical Practice Education 3a
- OTY3908 - Clinical Practice Education 3a
- OTY3909 - Clinical Practice Education 3b
- OTY3909 - Clinical Practice Education 3b
Past
- OTY4911 - Critical Appraisal of OT Practice (4101)
- OTY3917 - Linking Theory, Evidence and Practice (4071)