Dr Rachel Dennett

In my role I am involved in teaching and supporting the learning of students undertaking pre registration and post graduate programmes of study within the School of Health Professions (SoHP). I am actively involved in research with a specific interest in supporting people living with a long term condition to manage their condition well. My work has focused on understanding more about how to support people to become and remain as active as possible throughout their lives. An aspect of this formed the focus of my recently completed PhD, titled Supporting Adherence to Physical Activity in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

Whilst working at the SoHP and School of Medicine as a researcher I have been involved in a number of research studies:

• A feasibility RCT of peer coaching for adults with long term conditions (PEER CONNECT)
• A multi-centre RCT and cost-effectiveness analysis comparing customised with booklet based vestibular rehabilitation for vestibulopathy in people with multiple sclerosis (VeRMiS Trial)
• A multi-centre RCT investigating the clinical and cost effectiveness of a standing frame programme in people with multiple sclerosis (SUMS Trial)
• A multi-centre feasibility RCT to investigate use of web-based technology for exercises in people with multiple sclerosis (WEBPaMS trial).

Qualifications

2021 PhD by prior published works in health professions. 

1998 BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy. University of Wales College of Medicine

Professional membership

Health and Care Professions Council

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology (ACPIN) 

Therapists in Multiple Sclerosis (TiMS) 

Roles on external bodies

Member of the international MoXFo (moving exercise research forward in MS) initiative trial design group

Teaching interests

I have experience of planning for, and teaching on, the Undergraduate Physiotherapy Programme at University of Plymouth which has included; 

• tutorials; multiple sclerosis module; stroke module; evidence based practice
• supervision of final year students during data collection for their research project
• visiting students on clinical placement. 
• VNG assessment as part of a Masters module teaching session on vestibular system assessment.