Professor Deirdre Connolly

• Garvey J, Connolly D, Boland S, Smith S., OPTIMAL, an occupational therapy led self-management support programme for people with multimorbidity in primary care: a randomized controlled trial, BMC Family Practice, 2015, p1 - 11Journal Article, 2015, DOI , TARA - Full Text
• Stapleton T, Connolly D, O'Neill D, Factors Influencing the Clinical Stratification of Suitability to Drive after Stroke: A Qualitative Study, Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 29, (3), 2015, p253 - 271Journal Article, 2015, DOI , URL
• O'Toole L., Ryder R., Connor R., Yurick L., Hegarty F., Connolly D., Impact of a dance programme on health and well-being for community dwelling adults aged over 50 years, Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics , 33, (4), 2015, p303 - 319Journal Article, 2015, DOI
• Connolly D., Fitzpatrick C., O'Toole, L., Doran M., O'Shea F., Impact of fatigue in Rheumatic Diseases in the work environment: A qualitative study, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, (12), 2015, p13807 - 13822Journal Article, 2015, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
• Connolly D, Garvey J, McKee G., Factors associated with ADL/IADL disability in community dwelling older adults in the Irish longitudinal study on ageing (TILDA), Disability and Rehabilitation, 39, (8), 2017, p809 - 816Journal Article, 2017, DOI , URL
• Kearns C, Connolly D., An exploration of the coping strategies and environmental supports used by parents of boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, The Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy, 43, 2016, p9 - 16Journal Article, 2016
• O'Riordan R, Doran M, and Connolly D., Fatigue and Activity management education for individuals with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Occupational Therapy International, 2017Journal Article, 2017, DOI
• Connolly D. , Occupational therapy practice in primary care: responding to changing health priorities and needs, The Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy, 44, (2), 2016, p32 - 35Journal Article, 2016, TARA - Full Text
• Connolly D, O'Toole L, Fitzpatrick C, Doran M, and O'Shea F., Exploring the impact of fatigue on work ability of people with rheumatic disease, 2016, 69Report, 2016, URL , TARA - Full Text
• Fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in, editor(s)Irvine, David , Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Risk factors, treatment options and clinical aspects, New York, Nova Biomedical, 2017, pp23 - 48, [Connolly, Deirdre]Book Chapter, 2017, URL , TARA - Full Text
• Lim SM, Stapleton T, Chan ML, Connolly D.., Evaluation of one-year occupational therapy degree course in Singapore., 16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Japan, 2014Poster, 2014
• Boland L, Bennett K, Connolly D., Self-management interventions for cancer survivors: a systematic review, Supportive Care in Cancer, 26, (5), 2018, p1585 - 1595Journal Article, 2018, DOI
• McCormack R, Doran M, O'Shea F, Connolly D., Impact of a Fatigue Management in work programme on meeting work demands of individuals with Rheumatic Diseases: A pilot study, Musculoskeletal Care, 16, (3), 2018, p398 - 404Journal Article, 2018, DOI , URL
• Bennett, A.E., O'Neill, L., Connolly, D., Guinan, E.M., Boland, L., Doyle, S.L., O'Sullivan, J., Reynolds, J.V., & Hussey, J., Patient experiences of a physiotherapy-led multidisciplinary rehabilitative intervention after successful treatment for oesophago-gastric cancer, Supportive Care in Cancer, 26, (8), 2018, p2615 - 2623Journal Article, 2018, DOI , URL
• Connolly D, Anderson M, Colgan M, Montgomery J, Clarke J, Kinsella M., The impact of a primary care stress management and well-being programme (RENEW) on occupational participation: A pilot study, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 82, (2), 2019, p112 - 121Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL
• Annals of International occupational Therapy, Thorofare New Jersey, SLACK , [eds.], 2017-2020Editorial Board, 2017
• Occupational Therapy International, Wiley Hindawi, [eds.], 2009-2020Editorial Board, 2009
• Boland L, Bennett K, Cuff S, Gleeson N, Grant C, Kennedy J, Connolly D., Cancer survivors' experience of OptiMal, a 6-week, occupation-based, self-management intervention, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 82, (2), 2019, p90 - 100Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL
• Usher R, Connolly D., Primary care in Singapore: an occupational therapy perspective, Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare, 2019, p141 - 142Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL
• Boland L, Cuffe S, Grant C, Bennett K, Connolly D., 'OPTIMAL, a personalised self-management intervention for cancer survivors, Supporting solutions: Connecting Research, Policy and Practice, Dublin, 12.1.2017, 2017Oral Presentation, 2017
• Boland L, Bennett K, Connolly D., 'OPTIMAL; a self-management intervention for cancer survivors, Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland annual conference, Ireland, 21.4.2017, 2017Oral Presentation, 2017, URL
• Boland L, Cuffe S, Grant C, Bennett K, Connolly D., 'OPTIMAL, a personalised self-management intervention for cancer survivors, Improving Health - Research driving innovations in healthcare, Ireland, 16.11.2016, 2016Oral Presentation, 2016, URL
• Connolly D. Garvey J, Boland F, Smith S., OptiMaL: A primary care intervention for people with multimorbidity, Connecting education, research, practice and policy, Ireland, June 2016, 2016Oral Presentation, 2016, URL
• Connolly D. Garvey J, Boland F, Smith S., OptiMaL: A primary care-based intervention for people with multimorbidity, Annual SPHeRE Network Conference , Ireland, 2017Oral Presentation, 2017
• Connolly D, O'Toole L, Boland L, Cooney C, yurick L, Connor R, Ryder R, Davey M, Mangan S., Gotta dance!, Institute of Public Health annual conference, Belfast, 11.10.2016, 2016Oral Presentation, 2016
• Connolly D, Fitzpatrick C, O'Shea F., Disease Activity, Occupational Participation, and Quality of Life for Individuals with and without Severe Fatigue in Ankylosing Spondylitis, Occupational Therapy International, 2019, p10Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL
• Kiely B, Croke A, O'Shea E, Connolly D, Smith S., Effectiveness of link workers providing social prescribing on health outcomes and costs for adult patients in primary care and community settings. A protocol for a systematic review of the literature, HRB Open Research, 2, (21), 2020Journal Article, 2020, DOI , URL
• O'Neill L, Knapp P, Doyle SL, Guinan E, Ricardo Segurado PA, Connolly D, Jacintha O'Sullivan J, Reynolds JV, Hussey J., Patient and family co-developed participant information to improve recruitment rates, retention, and patient understanding in the Rehabilitation Strategies Following Oesophago-gastric and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Cancer (ReStOre II) trial: Protocol for a study within a trial (SWAT), HRB Open Access, 2, (27), 2019Journal Article, 2019, DOI
• Galvan N, feigherty C, O'Shea F, Connolly D., The Impact of Fatigue and Comorbidities on Daily Activities in People with Sjögren's Syndrome, Rheumatology, 54, (1), 2015, pi132 - i134Journal Article, 2015, DOI , URL
• O'Riordan R, Connolly D., Impact of Group Size on Outcomes of a Fatigue and Activity Management Education Programme for Individuals with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatology, 54, (1), 2015, p113 - 114Journal Article, 2015, DOI
• O'Neill L., Knapp P., Doyle SL., Guinan E., Parker A.,Segurado R., Connolly D., O'Sullivan J., Reynolds JV., Hussey J, 'Patient and family co-developed participant information to improve recruitment rates, retention, and patient understanding in the Rehabilitation Strategies Following Oesophago-gastric and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Cancer (ReStOre II) trial: Protocol for a study within a trial (SWAT) [version 1; peer review: awaiting peer review]', 2019, -Protocol or guideline, 2019, DOI
• Sinclair D, Savage E, O' Brien M, O'Reilly A, Mullaney C, Killeen M, O'Reilly O, Field CA, Fitzpatrick P, Murrin C, Connolly D, Patterson A, Denieffe S, Elmusharaf K, Hickey A, Mellon L, Flood M, Sweeney MR, Developing a national undergraduate standardized curriculum for future healthcare professionals on "Making Every Contact Count" for chronic disease prevention in the Republic of Ireland, Journal of Interprofessional Care, 2019, p1 - 5Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL
• O'NEILL L., GUINAN E., DOYLE S., CONNOLLY D., O'SULLIVAN J., BENNETT A., SHEILL G., SEGURADO R., KNAPP P., FAIRMAN C., NORMAND C., GEOGHEGAN J., CONLON K., REYNOLDS JV., HUSSEY J., Rehabilitation strategies following oesophagogastric and hepatopancreaticobiliary cancer (ReStOre II): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial, BMC Cancer, 20, 2020, p1 - 20Journal Article, 2020, DOI
• Connolly D, Fitzpatrick C. O'Toole L. Doran M. O'Shea F,, Factors associated with meeting work demands for individuals with Rheumatic Diseases, Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, Frankfurt, Germany, June 3-6, 79, 2020, pp166 - 166Conference Paper, 2020, DOI , URL
• Rehabilitation Equipment in, editor(s)O'Hanlon S, Smith M. , A Comprehensive Guide to Rehabilitation of the Older Patient, 4th Edition, London, Elsevier, 2020, pp53 - 58, [Horgan F. Galvin R, Connolly D. Stapleton T.]Book Chapter, 2020
• O'Neill L., Guinan E., Doyle S., O'Connor L., Sheill G., Smyth E., Fairman C., Segurado R., Connolly D., O'Sullivan J., Reynolds JV., Hussey J, ReStOre@Home: Feasibility study of a virtually delivered 12-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme for survivors of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer - study protocol, HRB Open Research, 2020Journal Article, 2020, DOI
• Bennett, A.E., O'Neill, L., Connolly, D., Guinan, E., Boland, L., Doyle, S., O'Sullivan, J., Reynolds, J.V., Hussey, J., Perspectives of Esophageal Cancer Survivors on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery., Cancers, 13, (1), 2021, p1-12Journal Article, 2021, DOI , URL
• Kiely B, Croke A, O'Shea E, Connolly D, Smith SM., Effectiveness of link workers providing socia l prescribing on health outcomes and costs for adult patient s in primary care and community settings. A protocol for a systematic review of the literature, HRB Open Research, 2020Journal Article, 2020
• O'Toole L, Connolly D, Boland F, Doyle S., Enhancing self-management of multimorbidity in primary care: A randomised controlled trial, British Journal of General Practce, 2020, p1 - 26Journal Article, 2020, URL
• O'Toole L, Connolly D, Boland F, Doyle S., The OPTIMAL trial: A randomised controlled trial of an occupational therapy led self-management support programme for those with multimorbidity in primary care, Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland, October, 2020Oral Presentation, 2020, URL
• O'Hara C, Connolly D., An exploration of the impact of social prescribing on the health and wellbeing of individuals living with and beyond cancer, Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Annual Conference, Ireland, October, 2020Oral Presentation, 2020, URL
• Algeo N, Bennett K, Connolly D., BReast cAncer surVivors and Employment (BRAVE): Considerations for occupational therapists in Ireland, Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland, October, 2020Oral Presentation, 2020, URL
• Donnelly N, Delaney S, Donohue J, Boland L, Connolly D., EMPOWER, a self-management stress and anxiety group programme for community -based palliative care patients, Evolving Practice, Enabling Occupation, Enhancing Lives, Dublin, 8.10.21-9.10.2021, 2021Oral Presentation, 2021
• Kiely B, Connolly D, Clyne B, Boland F, O'Donnell P, Shea EO, Smith SM, Primary care-based link workers providing social prescribing to improve health and social care outcomes for people with multimorbidity in socially deprived areas (the LinkMM trial): Pilot study for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial., Journal of Multimorbidity and Comorbidity, 11, 2021, p1 - 11Journal Article, 2021, DOI , URL
• D Connolly, C Fitzpatrick, L O'toole, F O'shea, M Doran, Factors associated with meeting work demands for individuals with Rheumatic Diseases, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 79, 2020, p166 - 166Journal Article, 2020, DOI
• Algeo N, O'Gorman A, Connolly D., Cancer Survivorship and Reintegration into Employment in Ireland, Cancer Professional, 16, (1), 2022, p32 - 35Journal Article, 2022, TARA - Full Text
• Gillespie P, Hobbins A, O'Toole L, Connolly D, Boland F, Smith, S, Cost-effectiveness of an occupational therapy-led self-management support programme for multimorbidity in primary care, Family Practice, 2022Journal Article, 2022, URL , TARA - Full Text
• Carandang K, Poole J, Connolly D., Fatigue and activity management education for individuals with systemic sclerosis: Adaptation and feasibility study of an intervention for a rare disease, Musculoskeletal Care, 2022, p1 - 9Journal Article, 2022, DOI , URL
• Sinclair, D., Savage, E., Carberry, C., Flaherty, S., Flood, B., Han, S., Conlon Heaney, C., Hussey, P., Larkin, L., Mullaney, C., O' Brien, M., & Connolly, D., Developing a standardized national undergraduate curriculum for future healthcare professionals on self-management support for chronic conditions, Journal of Interprofessional Care, 2023, p156 - 159Journal Article, 2023, DOI , URL
• Connolly D, Ryder R, Dempsey A, O'Hara C, Robinson D, Kennedy J, Grant C., Examining the impact of a social prescribing service for individuals living with and beyond cancer: A feasibility study, Dublin, May, 2020, p1 - 41Report, 2020, URL , TARA - Full Text
• Algeo, N., Bennett, K. & Connolly, D, Rehabilitation interventions to support return to work for women with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis, BMC Cancer, 21, 2021, p895-Journal Article, 2021, DOI , URL
• Kiely B, O'Donnell P, Byers V, Boland, F, Smith S, Connolly D, O'Shea E, Clyne B., Protocol for a mixed methods process evaluation of the LinkMM randomised controlled trial "Use of link workers to provide social prescribing and health and social care coordination for people with complex multimorbidity in socially deprived areas, HRB OPen Research, 2021Journal Article, 2021, DOI , URL
• Kiely B, Clyne B, Boland F, Connolly D, O'Shea E, Smith s., Link workers providing social prescribing and health and social care coordination for people with multimorbidity in socially deprived areas (the LinkMM trial): protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial, BMJ Open, 2021Journal Article, 2021, URL
• Poole J, Connolly D, Carandang K, Use of Energy Conversation Strategies as a Result of the Fatigue Management Education for Individuals with Systemic Sclerosis (FAME-iSS), Arthritis and Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology, 8.11.2021, 73, Wiley, 2021Poster, 2021, URL
• Brennan, L., Sadeghi, F., O'Neill, L., Guinan, E., Smyth, L. Sheill, G., Smyth, E., Doyle, S.L., Timon, C., Connolly, D., O'Sullivan, J., Reynolds, J.V., and Hussey, J., Telehealth Delivery of a Multi-Disciplinary Rehabilitation Programme for Upper Gastro-Intestinal Cancer: ReStOre@Home Feasibility Study, Cancers, 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI
• Algeo N, Bennett K, Connolly, D., Cancer Survivorship and Employment in Ireland: Legislative Systems and the Return to Work of Women with Breast Cancer', WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation, 71, (4), 2022, p927 - 939Journal Article, 2022, DOI
• Norris L, Clancy K, O'Gorman A, Connolly D, Bannon C, Nadarajan P, Kent B, Stapleton T, Designing and evaluating the implementation of an Occupational Therapy led Fatigue Management Programme (FaME-PC) for individuals with persistent fatigue Post-COVID 19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection., 32nd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases ECCMID, Lisbon, Portugal, April 23- 26, 2022Poster, 2022
• Clancy K, Connolly D, Norris L, O'Gorman A, Bannon C, Nadarajan P, Stapleton T., Impact of an Occupational Therapy intervention on fatigue and quality of life (QoL) for people post- COVID 19 in an Irish setting, Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland IDSI Conference 2022, Dublin, 19-20 May , 2022Oral Presentation, 2022
• Kathleen Clancy, Deirdre Connolly, Louise Norris, Aoife O Gorman, Tadhg Stapleton, Designing and Evaluating an Innovative Occupational Therapy (OT) rehabilitation programme for people post COVID-19 , Association of Occupational Therapists in Ireland Annual Conference 2021, online, October, 2021Oral Presentation, 2021
• O'Grady M, Barrett E, Broderick J, Connolly D., The role of intermediaries in connecting community-dwelling adults to local physical activity and exercise: A scoping review protocol [version 2; peer review: 2 approved], HRB Open Research, 5, (29), 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI , TARA - Full Text
• Poole, J.L., Connolly, D., Carandang, K, Changes in self-efficacy and use of energy conservation strategies following participation in the Fatigue Management Education for Individuals with Systemic Sclerosis (FAME-iSS) , Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases , EULAR 2022 European Congress of Rheumatology, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 1-4, 81 , (Suppl 1), BMJ Journals, 2022Poster, 2022, DOI , URL
• Clancy K, O'Gorman A, Norris, Stapleton T, Connolly D., The impact of an occupational therapy (OT) led fatigue management programme for post-COVID patients, Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland (AOTI) Conference 2022, Athlone, 7-8 October, 2022Oral Presentation, 2022
• Kiely B, Croke A, O'Shea M, Boland F, O'Shea E, Connolly D, Smith S, Effect of social prescribing link workers on health outcomes and costs for adults in primary care and community settings: a systematic review, BMJ Open, 2022Journal Article, 2022, DOI , URL
• Algeo N, Bennett K, Connolly D., Prioritising the content and delivery of a work-focused intervention for women with breast cancer using the nominal group technique., Work, 73, (4), 2022, p1337 - 1345Journal Article, 2022, DOI
• Karkon S, O'Shea F, Doran M, McCormack H, Connolly D, Testing the feasibility and acceptability of an online 'Fatigue and Activity Management Education for Work (FAME-W) programme' for individuals with inflammatory arthritis, Musculoskeletal Care, 2023, p1 - 12Journal Article, 2023, DOI
• Karkon S, O'Shea F, Doran M, McCormack H, Connolly D, Feasibility of an online "fatigue and activity management education in work" (fame-w) intervention for individuals with inflammatory arthritis, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, EULAR 2022 European Congress of Rheumatology, Copenhagen, Denmark, June 1-4,, edited by BMJ Journals , 81, (1), BMJ Journals, 2022, pp1098 - 1100Poster, 2022, DOI
• Poole J, Connolly D, Carandang K., Self-Management Principles Applied to Fatigue Management for a Rare Chronic Disease, Systemic Sclerosis , American Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference, Kansas, Missouri, April 20-23, 2023Poster, 2023
• O'Brien, A., Brennan, L., O'Neill, L, Guinan, E., Connolly, D., Reynolds, JV., and Hussey, J., Patient Experiences of a Telehealth Multidisciplinary Cancer Rehabilitation Programme: Qualitative Findings from the ReStOre@Home Feasibility Study, 2023Journal Article, 2023, DOI
• King E, Algeo N, Connolly D., Feasibility of OptiMaL, a Self-Management Programme for Oesophageal Cancer Survivors, Cancer Control, 30, 2023, p1 - 13Journal Article, 2023, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
• Megan O Grady, Deirdre Connolly, Emer Barrett, The role of intermediaries in connecting community-dwelling adults to local physical activity and exercise: a scoping review, NUIG Health Promotion Annual Conference , Galway, 2023Oral Presentation, 2023, URL , TARA - Full Text
• Megan O Grady, Deirdre Connolly, Emer Barrett, The processes and practices of an intermediary in connecting community dwelling adults to local physical activity and exercise services, Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists Conference, Dublin, 2023Oral Presentation, 2023
• O'Neill, L., Brennan, L., Sheill, G., Connolly D., Guinan, E., and Hussey, J., Moving Forward With Telehealth in Cancer Rehabilitation: Patient Perspectives From a Mixed Methods Study, JMIR Cancer, 2023Journal Article, 2023, DOI , URL
• Forcino RC, Rotenberg S, Morrissette KJ, Godzik CM, Lichtenstein JD, Schiffelbein JE, Stevens CJ, Sundar V, Brucker DL, Connolly D, Keysor J, Lyons KD, Exploring Acceptability of Employment Interventions to Support People Living With Cancer: Qualitative Study of Cancer Survivors, Health Care Providers, and Employers, JMIR Formative Research, 7, ( e47263), 2023, p1 - 14Journal Article, 2023, DOI
• Boland L, Bennett KE, Cuffe S, Grant C, Kennedy MJ, Connolly D., Feasibility Randomised Control Trial of OptiMal: A Self-Management Intervention for Cancer Survivors, Current Oncology, 30, (12), 2023, p10195 - 10210Journal Article, 2023, DOI , URL
• Dures E,Farisogullari B, Santos E, Moltó A, Feldthusen c, Harris C, Elling-Audersch c, Connolly d et al., Recommendations For The Management Of Fatigue In People With Inflammatory Rheumatic And Musculoskeletal Diseases, Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, 2023, p8Journal Article, 2023, DOI
• Stapleton T., Norris L., Clancy K., O Gorman A., Bannan C., Kent B., Conlon P., Nadajaran P., Kerr C., Connolly D., Outcomes of a fatigue management intervention for people with post COVID-19 condition., American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation., 103, (5), 2024, p410 - 417Journal Article, 2024, DOI , TARA - Full Text
• O'Grady M, Barrett E, Connolly D., The processes and practices of intermediaries in connecting individuals to local physical activity, European Journal of Public Health,, Europen Public Health Conference, Dublin, Ireland, 8-11 November, 33, (2), 2023, pp455 - 456Poster, 2023, DOI , URL
• Connolly H, Delimata N, Galway K, Kiely Lawler M, Mulholland J, O'Grady M, Connolly D., Exploration of Evaluation Practices in Social Prescribing Services in Ireland: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study, Healthcare, 12, (2), 2024, p219 - 229Journal Article, 2024, DOI
• Poole JL, Carandang K, Connolly D, Increased Confidence and Deeper Understanding of Fatigue Following Participation in Fatigue Education and Management Education in Systemic Sclerosis: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of a Virtual Intervention, ACR Open Rheumatology, 2024, p1 - 10Journal Article, 2024, DOI
• Dures E, Farisogullari B, Santos E, Molto A, Feldthusen C, Harris C, Elling-Audersch C, Connolly D, Elefante E, Estévez-López F, Bini I, Primdahl J, Hoeper K, Urban M, MVD Laar, Redondo M, Böhm P, Amarnani R, Hayward R, Geenen R, Rednic S, Pettersson S, Thomsen T, Uhlig T, Ritschl V, Machado P., 2023 EULAR recommendations for the management of fatigue in people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, EULAR 2023 Annual European Congress of Rheumatology, Milan, Italy, 03.06.23, 82, 2023, pp437 - 438Poster, 2023, URL
• O' Grady M, Connolly D, Kennedy M, Mockler D, Broderick J, Barrett E., The Role of Intermediaries in Connecting Community-Dwelling Adults to Local Physical Activity and Exercise: A Scoping Review, Journal of Integrated Care, 2, (24(2)), 2024Journal Article, 2024, DOI
• Continuing professional Development of Occupational Therapists: A Case Study of Problem-Based Learning in Work in, editor(s)Barrett, T.; Mac Labhrainn, I.; and Fallon, H. , Handbook of Enquiry and Problem-Based Learning: Irish Case Studies and International Perspectives, NUI Galway, CELT, 2005, pp147 - 155, [Connolly D.]Book Chapter, 2005
• Connolly D., Problem-based learning in an occupational therapy course, Journal of Learning in Health and Social Care, 1, (3), 2002, p150 - 157Journal Article, 2002
• Connolly D., Flynn P., Spirituality in the reality of everyday practice: Part 2, Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy, 32, (1), 2002, p26 - 32Journal Article, 2002
• Connolly D., Flynn P., Spirituality in the reality of everyday practice: Part 1, Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy, 31, (1&2), 2002, p53 - 58Journal Article, 2002
• Connolly D. and O'Dowd, T.,, The impact of the different disabilities arising from head injury on the primary caregiver, The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64, (1), 2001, p41 - 46Journal Article, 2001
• Connolly D., Donovan M., Student evaluation of a problem-based learning module into an occupational therapy course, Book of Proceedings from Association for Medical Education in Europe, 2001, pp4.31 - 4.31Conference Paper, 2001
• Stapleton, T. and Connolly, D., Occupational therapy practice in pre-driving assessment post stroke in the Irish context: Findings from a nominal group technique meeting, Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation , 17, (1), 2010, p58 - 68Journal Article, 2010
• Connolly, D., PBL tutors facilitating active learning: What do students value?, Improving University Teaching Annual Conference, Vancouver, Canada, July 14-17, 2009, pp12 - 12Conference Paper, 2009, URL
• Connolly, D., Impact of PBL on professional knowledge and skills required for occupational therapy fieldwork practice, Annual conference of National Academy for Integration of Research & Teaching & Learning, Waterford, Nov 13-14, 2008, pp22 - 22Conference Paper, 2008
• Connolly, D., Rogers, C., Problem-based learning from the far side: impact on professional work practices, British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Edinburgh, Sept 3-5, 2008, pp90 - 90Conference Paper, 2008
• Connolly, D., Impact of problem-based learning on occupational therapy fieldwork practice, Transforming Healthcare through research, education and technology, Dublin, Nov 5-8, 2008, pp57 - 57Conference Paper, 2008
• Connolly, D., The impact of problem-based learning on self-directed learning skills in the workplace, Probell Annual Research Conference, , Finland, April 3-4, 2008Conference Paper, 2008
• Connolly, D., Problem-based learning from the far side: impact of PBL on professional practice, All Ireland Society of Higher Education Annual Conference, 2007., Maynooth, Ireland., Aug 30-31, 2007, pp58 - 58Conference Paper, 2007
• Connolly, D., Continuing professional development of occupational therapists: a case study of PBL in work, PBL-2006 International Conference, Peru, July 17-24, 2006Conference Paper, 2006
• Connolly, D., The application of PBL to occupational therapy practice, International Conference PBL 2006 ABP, Peru, July 17-24, 2006, pp47 - 47Conference Paper, 2006
• Cassidy C, Ni Mhurchu E, Nolan E, Connolly D. ,, To determine the impact of Parkinson's Disease on occupational performance from the perspective of the individual with the condition,, Irish Journal of Medical Science , 57th Annual Scientific Meeting of Irish Gerontological Society, Belfast, Sept 25-26, , 178, (8), Springer, 2009, ppS309 - S309Conference Paper, 2009
• Cahill M, Connolly D, Stapleton T, Exploring occupational adaptation through the lives of women with multiple sclerosis, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73, (3), 2010, p106 - 115Journal Article, 2010, DOI
• T. Stapleton, D. O'Neill, D. Connolly, R. Collins, Self-efficacy rating and driving assessment after stroke, Cerebrovascular Diseases, European Stroke Conference, Barcelona, May, 29, (Suppl 2), 2010Meeting Abstract, 2010
• Connolly, D., Cassidy, C., Ní Mhurchú, E., Nolan, E., An exploration of individuals' perspectives on the impact of Parkinson's Disease on self-care, work and leisure activities, Movement Disorders, World Parkinson's Congress, Glasgow, Sept 28 - Oct 1st,, 25, (3), 2010, ppS712 - S712Conference Paper, 2010
• Connolly, D., McNally, A., Moran, D., and Ryan, M., Fatigue in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Impact on self-care, work and leisure., Physical Therapy Reviews, Rehabilitation and Therapy Research Society 6th Annual Conference, Trinity College Dublin, May, 2010, 15, (2), 2010, pp127 - 128Conference Paper, 2010
• Empowering tutors: Strategies for Inspired and Effective PBL Learning in, editor(s)Barrett, T. and Moore, S. , New Approaches to Problem-Based Learning: Revitalising your practice in Higher Education, New York, Routledge, 2011, pp215-228 , [Connolly, D. and Silen, C.]Book Chapter, 2011
• Connolly, D., Doyle, A., Martin, O. and Miklis, D., Exploration of work activities among people with young onset Parkinson's Disease: strategies and enablers to maintain worker role, Neuro-degenerative Diseases, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease: Advances, Concepts and New Challenges., Barcelona, March 9-13, 8,, (1-2,), Karger, 2011, ppS1 - 94Meeting Abstract, 2011
• Stapleton T, Connolly D, O'Neill D, Exploring readiness to assess fitness to drive after stroke, Cerebrovascular Diseases, 20th European Stroke Conference, Hamburg, May, 31, (Suppl 2), 2011Meeting Abstract, 2011
• Stapleton T, O'Neill D, Connolly D, Examining optimum timing to assess fitness to drive among acute and subacute stroke patients, Irish Journal of Medical Science, Irish Gerontological Society, Dublin, 9-10 Sept 2011, 180, (Suppl 10), 2011, ppS329Meeting Abstract, 2011, DOI
• Stapleton T, Connolly D, O'Neill D, Pre-cursive clinical reasoning underlying the stratification of acute andsubacute stroke patient's suitability to undertake a formal driving assessment , International Journal of Stroke, UK Stroke Forum Conference, Glasgow, 29/11 to 1/12/2011 , 6, (Supplement 2), 2011, pp50-Meeting Abstract, 2011
• Stapleton T, Connolly D, O'Neill D, Exploring the relationship between self-awareness of driving efficacy and that of a proxy when determining fitness to drive after stroke., Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 59, (1), 2012, p63-70Journal Article, 2012, DOI
• Dugow, H. and Connolly, D., Exploring the impact of an independent living programme on activity participation of elderly people with chronic conditions, International Jourmnal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 19, (3), 2012, p154 - 162Journal Article, 2012, DOI
• O'Toole L, Connolly D, Smith S., Impact of an occupation-based self-management programme on chronic disease management., Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 60, 2013, p30 - 38Journal Article, 2013, DOI
• Connolly, D. O'Toole, L, Redmond, P., Smith, S., Managing fatigue in patients with chronic conditions in primary care, BMC Family Practice, 30, 2013, p123 - 124Journal Article, 2013, DOI , TARA - Full Text
• Connolly, D., McNally, A., Moran, D., Ryan, M., Fatigue in sytemic lupus erythematosus: impact on occupational participation and reported management strategies, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77, (7), 2014, p373 - 380Journal Article, 2014, DOI
• Lynam Ann-Marie, Corish Clare, Connolly Deirdre, Development of a framework to facilitate a collaborative peer learning 2:1 model of practice placement education, Nutrition & Dietetics, 2014Journal Article, 2014, DOI

• Connolly D., Troy M., Mannion L., Reilly E., Ryder R., Review of the Rialto Community Health Project, Dublin, 2013, 40Report, TARA - Full Text
• Connolly D, O'Toole L, Boland L, Cooney C, , Impact of Well-Dance on physical and mental health of older adults in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown borough, 2016, p1 - 15Report, URL , TARA - Full Text
• Connolly D., Optmising physical and psychological health during and after cancer treatment, Oesophageal Cancer Fund Patient Education day, Dublin, Ireland, 6.10.2018, 2018, Oesophageal Cancer FundInvited Talk
• Connolly D., Managing physical and psychological health during and after cancer treatment, OVARIAN CANCER PATIENT DAY , Ireland, 26th May, 2018, OvaCareInvited Talk, URL
• Connolly D, Irish Association for Cancer Research Annual Conference, Dublin, Ireland, 24-26 March, 2021, Irish Association for Cancer ResearchInvited Talk, URL
• Connolly H, Delimata N, Galway K, Mulholland J, O'Grady M, Connolly D., Measuring Successes of Social Prescribing , Trinity College Dublin, March, 2024, p1 - 18Report, URL , TARA - Full Text

As occupational therapy focuses on how chronic diseases interfere with people's abilities to perform everyday activities, Dr Connolly's research programme is focused on developing and testing the impact of primary care-based occupational therapy interventions for people with single chronic conditions and multimorbidity. To this end, she has developed OPTIMAL, a self-management, group-based intervention aimed at increasing activity participation for people with physical and mental health-related chronic conditions. OPTIMAL, has been tested in different healthcare contexts using different methodologies, including RCT, and has shown significant changes in activity participation and symptoms of illness burden including quality of life and depression. She is now evaluating OPTIMAL for cancer survivors using an RCT design. This research is carried in an inter-institutional, cross-disciplinary capacity with national and international collaborators. Dr Connolly has also designed, delivered and evaluated FAME (Fatigue and Activity Management), a six-week programme for people with chronic inflammatory/autoimmune diseases who experience significant fatigue. FAME has been delivered and evaluated with people with rheumatic diseases with positive outcomes. Dr. Connolly's research on self-management for chronic diseases and multimorbidity is internationally relevant and highly sustainable given the rising ageing demographic and the increasing incidence of chronic disease and multimorbidity globally. Developing evidence-based interventions for chronic diseases and multimorbidity is a priority for all health services. She has presented her research at occupational therapy-specific, multidisciplinary, national and international conferences, including invited key note addresses. She supervises PhD and MSc students.

• Title

  Examining the effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness, of a Work and Cancer self-management programme to support women with breast cancer to return to work
  Summary

  Between 30 and 40% of women with breast cancer do not return to work after completing treatment, and for those who do, up to 43% report difficulty managing cancer-related symptoms in the work place. We have designed a Work and Cancer self-management intervention to enable women with breast cancer to manage post-treatment health-related difficulties in work and to provide knowledge of work-related entitlements to support women with breast cancer to manage their work activities. A feasibility study demonstrated acceptability of the intervention with 100% retention. Improvements were noted in functional ability and symptom management. Two of ten participants returned to work post-intervention. The findings of the feasibility study support progression to a definitive intervention trial to test the effectiveness of, and costs associated with, the Work and Cancer programme. In order to test the effectiveness of the intervention, a cluster randomised trial design will be used. Two hundred and forty eight women with breast cancer, who have completed treatment and are considering returning to work within six months, will be recruited through national cancer support centres. Each cancer centre will be randomised to the online Work and Cancer intervention or no intervention. A process evaluation will be carried out to examine implementation processes and mechanisms of action of the intervention. An economic evaluation will compare cost effectiveness and healthcare resource use between the intervention and control participants. Employment related outcomes will include return-to-work rates and confidence to return to work. Secondary outcomes will include symptom management, self-efficacy and health-related quality of life. Qualitative data will examine participants' perspectives on the impact of intervention on their return-to work. Process evaluation data will be collected through fidelity logs and interviews with key stakeholders involved in intervention delivery. Economic data will include intervention delivery costs, Quality Adjusted Life-Years and health and social care resource utilisation. Costs relating to absenteeism from work over the course of the trial will also be estimated. If effective in supporting women with breast cancer to return to work, the Work and Cancer programme can be offered as routine cancer survivorship care and tested with other cancer types.
  Funding Agency

  Health Research Board (HRB)
  Date From

  September 2023
  Date To

  August 2027
• Title

  The impact of fatigue on workability of individuals with Rheumatic Diseases.
  Summary

  Fatigue is a common symptom in chronic diseases with a reported prevalence rate of up to 90% for people with Rheumatic Diseases. It effects participation in many daily activities however, the impact of this symptom on ability to maintain employment is limited. Therefore the purpose of this study is: (i) to measure work disability in relation to levels of fatigue, (ii) identify effective fatigue management strategies in the workplace and (iii) explore peoples' experiences of reasonable accommodations provided by their employers to management of fatigue.
  Funding Agency

  National Disability Authority
  Date From

  2014
  Date To

  2015
• Title

  Examining the impact of a social prescribing service on health and well-being of individuals living with and beyond cancer
  Summary

  Due to improved cancer treatment, the number of people living with and beyond cancer has increased considerably. However the National Cancer Strategy, 2017-2026, reports that 25% of cancer survivors have long-term physical and/or psychological difficulties and that services are required to address these consequences. Social prescribing (SP) is a community-based service that links individuals with activities in their community with the aim of improving physical and mental health and well-being. Typical activities include exercise and arts-based activities, self-help and support programmes, volunteering activities, further education services and skills-development programmes. SP was initially established for individuals with mental health difficulties and is now delivered across a range of chronic diseases including cancer. Research on the impact of SP for people with mental health difficulties show positive outcomes but research is needed on its impact for other health service users. This mixed methods study will evaluate the impact of social prescribing on physical and mental health of individuals with cancer.
  Funding Agency

  TCD and Irish Cancer Society
  Date From

  April 2018
  Date To

  March 2019
• Title

  Exploration of suitability and acceptability of social prescribing for men with Prostate Cancer
  Summary

  In Ireland, one in seven men will develop Prostate cancer (PCa) by the age of 75 years and given the improved diagnostic testing, this number is increasing annually. However, many men with PCa experience considerable physical (incontinence, fatigue, reduced physical activity) and psychological (anxiety, distress, and depression) difficulties that impact on quality of life (QOL). Social prescribing (SP) is a community-based service that links individuals with physical and psychological health difficulties with health-promoting activities and services in their community. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to determine the potential suitability and acceptability of SP as a mechanism for linking men with PCa with activities and services in their community to improve their physical and psychological health.
  Funding Agency

  Trinity St. James' Cancer Institute
  Date From

  4.09.2022
  Date To

  1.10.2023
• Title

  The OPTIMAL study: A randomized controlled trial and process evaluation of an OccuPaTIonal therapy led self MAnagement support programme for patients with muLtimorbidity in primary care
  Summary

  The prevalence and incidence of chronic disease and multimorbidity is increasing globally. Interventions are needed to improve health outcomes in mutlimorbidity and reduce the cost of healthcare services. This study will evaluate the impact of OPTIMAL on activity participation, mood and quality of life.
  Funding Agency

  Health Research Board
  Date From

  07/09/15
  Date To

  06/09/18
• Title

  Personalised Exercise Rehabilitation in Cancer Survivorship: The PERCS Programme
  Summary

  Physical activity is a fundamental part of individuals' everyday lives, but many individuals with cancer have been experiencing drastically reduced access to crucial rehabilitation services due to the Covid pandemic. The ability to get back out into the world and among the community again is incredibly important to those who have been through cancer treatment. However there have been far less opportunities for individuals to do this due to Covid-19 restrictions, which have also hugely curtailed support services that help individuals get back to an adequate level of physical activity. This study will test a Personalised Exercise Rehabiliation in Cancer Survivorship (PERCs) Programme, for individuals with cancer.
  Funding Agency

  Irish Cancer Society
  Date From

  November 2021
  Date To

  November 2023
• Title

  OPTIMAL, a personalised self-management intervention for cancer survivors
  Summary

  Cancer survivors experience problems such as pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression (Shneerson et al. 2015). This can result in social isolation and decreased activity participation (Foster & Fenlon, 2011). OPTiMaL is a six-week, occupational therapy led, self-management programme designed to increase activity participation and improve participants' mood. Each session comprises of an education and an individual goal-setting component. A mixed methods study (randomised control trial and qualitative descriptive interviews) is being carried out to (i)examine the effectiveness of OPTiMaL for cancer survivors and (ii) explore the acceptability of OPTiMaL to cancer survivors.
  Funding Agency

  Trinity College Dublin
  Date From

  1.09.2014
  Date To

  31.06.2018
• Title

  Identifying support needs of adolescents and young adult cancer survivors for successful return to education and/or work
  Summary

  There is increasing national and international recognition that Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors have difficulty returning to education and work due to ongoing difficulties with their physical, mental, and social health following completion of cancer treatment. As a result, research is recommended to identify survivorship interventions and services needed for this population. The purpose of this study therefore is to examine health difficulties impacting on return to education and/or work for AYA cancer survivors and to identify services required to meet the unique support needs of AYA cancer survivors in Ireland.
  Funding Agency

  Irish Cancer Society
  Date From

  1.11.2022
  Date To

  3.4.24
• Title

  Examination of the impact of a falls prevention programme through dance.
  Summary

  The Dance Theatre of Ireland have developed a 10-week dance programme for community dwelling older adults to increase their self-confidence and contribute to prevention of falls. This study will therefore evaluate the impact of the programme on participants' falls self-efficacy, balance and mobility, levels and frequency of activity participation, mood, and quality of life. It will also explore participants' perceptions and experiences of the dance programme
  Funding Agency

  HSE/Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Arts and Health project
  Date From

  January 2015
  Date To

  September 2015
• Title

  Examining assessment of fitness to drive among acute and subacute stroke patients
  Summary

  This study is aimed at examining the assessment process used in determining a person's fitness to drive following a stroke. It uses a mixed methodology to explore the clinical reasoning processes and relaibility of standardised assessments in deciding whether a person is safe to return to driving following a CVA.
  Funding Agency

  HRB
  Date From

  2009
  Date To

  2012
• Title

  Examining the impact of Social Prescribing on health and Well-being of individuals with Chronic Diseases
  Summary

  Social prescribing (SP) is a community-based service that links individuals with chronic diseases to activities in their community such as exercise and arts-based activities, self-help and support programmes, volunteering activities, further education services and skills-development programmes. Social prescribing is usually provided by Link Workers who meet with individuals to establish their activity preferences and where required will accompany individuals to their chosen activity. This process can take up to four meetings over a six-week period. Social prescribing originally started in the UK with individuals with chronic mental health difficulties however, little is known if it is a suitable intervention for older adults with chronic diseases. A social prescribing service was established in a socially disadvantaged inner city area of Dublin. The service was established in 2017 and receives referrals from primary care teams in Dublin 8 for older adults with chronic diseases. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a social prescribing service on activity participation levels, mental health and quality of life of older adults living in Rialto; and to explore the acceptability of social prescribing to older adults with chronic diseases. This is a mixed methods study. The quantitative phase is a quasi-experimental (before and after) design to measure health outcomes of individuals participating in the social prescribing service. The qualitative phase explores individuals' perspectives of social prescribing through semi-structured interviews. Ethical approval has been received from the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee.
  Funding Agency

  Slaintecare
  Date From

  31.1.2020
  Date To

  31.1.2021
• Title

  PBL.doc
  Summary

  This project is an enquiry/problem based learning initiative, positioned at the intersection of teaching, learning and research. It has been designed with three distinct aims: 1. to explore writing dispositions among students and staff; 2. to design, implement and examine the effectiveness, of four discrete academic writing programmes with four separate cohorts; 3. to examine the underlying impact that large/small group teaching and on-line/in-class environments have on learner-centred support.
  Funding Agency

  NAIRTL
  Date From

  2011
  Date To

  2012

Education, Health services and systems, Cancer, Immunology, Public health, Clinical and health psychology,

• Provost Teaching Excellence Award 2009

• Editorial Board Member: Occupational Therapy International 2009
• Occupational Therapy Primary Care Advisory Group 2009
• Facilitate: All Ireland network of Enquiry and Problem-Based Learning. 2008
• Editorial Board Member:Annals of International Occupational Therapy 2017
• Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland. 1996
• AISHE: All Ireland Society of Higher Education 2007