Ms Karen Adams-leask
School of Allied Health and Human Performance
College of Health
My Research
Karen Adams-Leask has a strong interests in clinical research especially in regards to building on evidence and translating theory into mental health. This is evident in her recent research project focusing on the use of sensory modulation in managing mental health distress. Karen Adams-Leask is committed to multi-disciplinary approaches to improving health care and promoting least restrictive practices (ie the reliance on seclusion and restrain, and medication, to manage mental health distress). Her clinical experience extends into the UK where Karen Adams-Leask worked in a high secure forensic hospital while undertaken her Masters Thesis on exploring the use of meaningful time in a forensic addictive behaviour unit. This resulted in subsequent conference presentations and publications. She has been recognised for her developments in occupational therapy mental health and was rewarded with a Significant Contribution to the Profession Award by the professional association Occupational Therapy Australia in 2015.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 - ongoing | Lecturer Occupational Therapy | University of Adelaide |
| 2015 - 2020 | Visiting Lecturer, workshop facilitator & assessor | University of South Australia |
| 2010 - ongoing | Principal Occupational Therapist (AHP4) | Central Adelaide Local Health Network |
| 2005 - 2009 | Principal Occupational Therapist/Team Leader (PO4) | Central Northern Adelaide Health Service |
| 2003 - 2005 | Practice Development Occupational Therapist (Head 3) | BROADMOOR HOSPITAL |
| 2002 - 2003 | Acting Head 3 Occupational Therapist | Broadmoor Hospital |
| 2000 - 2002 | Senior 1 Occupational Therapist | Farnham Hospital |
| 2000 - 2000 | Senior Occupational Therapist | Farnham Hospital |
| 1999 - 1999 | Senior Occupational Therapist | Westways Resource Centre |
| 1997 - 1999 | Senior Occupational Therapist | Royal Adelaide Hospital |
| 1995 - 1997 | Occupational Therapist / Case Manager | Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service |
| 1995 - 1995 | Occupational Therapist / Case Manager | Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Award | 2015 OT Aus Back Centre Significant Contribution to the Profession Award. | OT Aus Back Centre | Australia | - |
| 2008 | Award | 2008 SA Health Contribution to the Workforce Health and Well-being. Allied Health Graduate Program. | SA Health | Australia | - |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 - 2003 | Brunel University London | United Kingdom | Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (with distinction) |
| 1991 - 1994 | University of South Australia | Australia | Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Adams-Leask, K., Varona, L., Dua, C., Baldock, M., Gerace, A., & Muir-Cochrane, E. (2018). The benefits of sensory modulation on levels of distress for consumers in a mental health emergency setting. Australasian Psychiatry, 26(5), 514-519. Scopus12 WoS12 Europe PMC9 |
| 2003 | Helbig, K., & McKay, E. (2003). An Exploration of Addictive Behaviours from an Occupational Perspective. Journal of Occupational Science, 10(3), 140-145. |
Research and Grants
2019 QI Briefing. Office of the Chief Psychiatrist. $40,000. Development of a blended training package on Sensory Approaches (MDT) and Sensory Modulation (OT).
2015 Business Case & RAH Ethics Committee. CALHN funded 1FTE OT for 12 months. Pilot Study of the benefits of sensory modulation in the reduction of seclusion and restraint and challenging behaviours within a mental health assessment unit.
2003 Research grant AOTMH, UK (800 pounds). Broadmoor Hospital Ethics Committee. The relationship between participation in activities, quality of life and health amongst male patients in a high secure forensic addictive behaviours unit.
| Date | Role | Membership | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 - ongoing | Member | Australian Association of Occupational Therapists | Australia |
| 2010 - ongoing | Member | Australian Association of Occupational Therapists | Australia |
Connect With Me
