Researcher profile for Linda Robertson
Linda Robertson
Dr Linda Robertson is an experienced lecturer who has taught at all levels of occupational therapy education but is now focusing on postgraduate courses. She has a PhD from Victoria University, a Master's in Education from Edinburgh University, and BA from Alderson Broaddus College (US). Her topics of research expertise are clinical reasoning, qualitative research methods, education, and care of older people. A major achievement from a long career in teaching is her book, Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy: Controversies in Practice, published in 2012. She is a registered occupational therapist and a member of the Age Concern Otago executive committee. Linda fosters the natural abilities and curiosity of postgraduate students, helping them to follow strong research methodologies.
Journal Issues
See a list of articles published in issues of: Scope: Contemporary Research Topics by this researcher.
Research Stories
Robertson, L., Reay, K., Jeffery, H. (2020) A Framework for Teaching Evidence-Based Practice. OT Insight: Magazine of Occupational Therapy New Zealand, April 2020, p. 19-20.
Researcher Profiles:
Helen Jeffery,
Kim Reay,
Linda Robertson
Robertson,L. (2019) Attaining and sustaining an evidence base to health practice: Informing curricula. Australia & New Zealand association for health professional educators. July 2019.
Robertson,L., Reay, K. & Jeffery,H. (2019) Equipping new graduates with skills to integrate multi-dimensional facets of evidence into their practice. Occupational Therapy Australia 28th National Conference and Exhibition 2019 to be held from 10-12 July 2019 at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.
Researcher Profiles:
Helen Jeffery,
Kim Reay,
Linda Robertson
Robertson, L. (2019) Knowledge translation: Bringing evidence into practice OTNZ-WNA Conference 2019, Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Auckland, 23 - 25 September.
Smellie, T., & Robertson, L. (2019) Relocating or Ageing in Place? A Story of Housing Modifications in Rural New Zealand. Scope Contemporary Research Topics, Health and Wellbeing 4, 45–57.
https://doi.org/doi no: 10.34074/scop.3004010
Robertson, L. (2018) The Power of Question for Evidence Based Practice. Poster presentation at the World Federation of Occupational Therapy Conference, 21-25 May, South Africa.
McKechnie,R., Jaye,C., Hale,B., Tordoff,J., Robertson,L., Simpson,J., & Butler, M. (2018) TRANSITION INTO CARE:EXPERIENCES OF THE ELDERLY AS THEY MOVE TO RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE sites: new series · vol 15 no 2 · 2018
Smith-Gabbai H, Robertson, L. (2018) Acute Care. In B.A Schell & J.W. Schell (Eds) Clinical and professional reasoning in occupational therapy (2nd ed., pp. 271-284). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Robertson, L & Hale, B (2017) Biculturalism: A Foot in Both Camps. SCOPE: Contemporary Research Topics, Health and Wellbeing, 2, Place, 93-102. www.thescope.org
Robertson,L. Andrew,A. & Gaffney, M. (2017) Anxiety and Oral Assessments. Joint symposium for Otago Polytechnic and Southern Institute of Technology. Goal: "To share and be inspired by research and teaching". Otago Polytechnic October 30th. 2017
Researcher Profiles:
Alexa Andrew,
Michael Gaffney,
Linda Robertson
Robertson, L (2017) Health Communication for Chinese Seniors in New Zealand: A Dunedin experience. Collaboration of Ageing Research Excellence Seminar, University of Otago, 15 February.
Robertson, L. & Hale, B. (2017) Chinese Seniors: communicating with health professionals. In the proceedings of the First Asia-Pacific Occupational Therapy Symposium 2017; Taiwan
Robertson, L. Hale, B (2017) Preparation for working in culturally diverse populations 1st Asia-Pacific Occupational Therapy Symposium Taoyuan, Taiwan
Andrew, A.M., Robertson, L. & Gaffney, M. (2017) The evaluation of oral assessment in undergraduate occupational therapy education Assessing Learning Conference, 29th - 30th November, 1st December 2017. Otago Polytechnic, NZQA, Ako Aotearoa National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence
Hale, B & Robertson, L (2017) Open to interpretation: the need for skilled interpreters in our health system Aged Care & Retirement INsite. July 14, 2017; 50 http://insitemagazine.co.nz/2017/07/14/open-to-interpretation-the-need-for-skilled-interpreters-in-our-health-system/
Butler, M. Robertson, L (2017) Share my Research: A revised format for the research and education column OT Insight. Magazine of Occupational Therapy NZ 38 (6) August 2017 p22
Robertson, L (2017) Why Biculturalism is Part of Occupational Therapy Practice OT Insight. Magazine of Occupational Therapy NZ. (2017) 38(4) p9
L. Robertson, A Andrews, M. Gaffney (2016) The value of oral assessment (viva) to determine student clinical reasoning competency and coursework integration Conference Tertiary Education Research in New Zealand (TERNZ) conference: 2016. Otago University
Researcher Profiles:
Alexa Andrew,
Michael Gaffney,
Linda Robertson
Jaye, C., Tordoff, J.M., Butler, M., Hale, B., McKechnie, R., Robertson, L. & Simpson, J. (2016) Quality in residential care: exploring residents’, family members', managers' and staff perspectives. Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 17:4 http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/QAOA-03-2016-0015
Researcher Profiles:
Mary Butler,
Linda Robertson
Robertson, L.J., Hale, B.A., & Waters D. (2016) Peer leaders as volunteers: Their role in sustainable community groups Gerontechnology 15(sup):58s. doi: 10.4017/gt.2016.15.s.651.00
Morrison, T & Robertson, L (2016) New Graduates' experience of evidence-based practice: An action research study British Journal of Occupational Therapy; 79(1) 42-48. DOI: 10.1177/0308022615591019
Robertson, L.J., Hale, B.A., & Waters D. (2016) Peer leaders as volunteers: Their role in sustainable community groups. Gerontechnology 15(sup):58s. doi: 10.4017/gt.2016.15.s.651.00 Gerontechnology conference in Nice, France.
Wurzer, B., Waters,D., Robertson,L. Hale, B. and Hale, L. (2016) Adding self-management of chronic conditions to fall prevention: A feasibility study Version of Record online: 12 OCT 2016 | DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12356
Azuela,G. & Robertson, L. (2016) The effectiveness of a sensory modulation workshop on health professional learning. The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice,11(5), pp.317-331 http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1108/JMHTEP-08-2015-0037
Robertson L., Hale, B (2016) Enabling Access to Health Care for Senior Chinese People. British Society of Gerontology; Stirling, Scotland. July 2016 file:///C:/Users/lindar/Downloads/24665_Conference%20brochure_Web%20.pdf
Morrison, T & Robertson, L (2015) New graduates experience of evidence-based practice: An action research study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 1–7. http://doi.org/10.1177/0308022615591019
Robertson, L., Hale, B., Johnson, B., Lin, N., & Ding, M. (2015) Accessing Health Resources:Care needs and knowledge of local health services among Dunedin’s senior Chinese community Aging in a Foreign Land: Adelaide, June 23-25, 2015
de Malmanche, J. & Robertson L. (2015) Key factors inherent to finding and sustaining employment. 6th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress, Rotorua, September.
Robertson, L & Wilson, S. (2015) Occupational Therapy in acute care: Helping clients to make connections with themselves. 6th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress, Rotorua, September.
Morrison, T., & Robertson, L. (2015) New graduates’ experience of evidence-based practice: An action research study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. doi: http://doi.org/10.1177/0308022615591019
Robertson, L., Hale, B., Lin, N., Ding, M., Johnston, B. Berthelsen, C. (2015) Access to Health Care: An Action Research Project with Chinese Seniors. Presented at the "Ageing in a Foreign Land" conference in Adelaide; June 2015.
Jaye, C., Hale, B., Butler, M., McKechnie, R., Robertson, L., Simpson, J., … Young, J. (2015) One of us: Stories from two New Zealand rest homes Journal of Aging Studies, 35, 135–143. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2015.08.010
Robertson,L., & Wilson, S. (2015) Occupational Therapy in Acute Care: Helping clients to make connections with themselves This was presented at the Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Conference at Rotorua (NZ)Sept 14-18.
van Bysterveldt, E., Davey, S., Douglas, N., Liu, R., Robertson, L., Conroy, J., . . . Hale, L. A (2014) A group exercise programme for people at risk from type II diabetes run as a physiotherapy student clinical placement is beneficial: a qualitative study. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 42(2), 81-88.
Robertson, L., Hale, B., Waters, D., Hale, L., & Andrew, A. (2014) Community peer-led exercise groups: Reasons for success. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, Retrieved from http://ijahsp.nova.edu/articles/Vol12Num2/Robertson.htm
Researcher Profiles:
Alexa Andrew,
Linda Robertson
Robertson, L., & Blaga, L. (2013) Occupational therapy assessments used in acute physical care settings. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 20: 127-135. Doi:10.3109/11038128.2012.737369
Graham, F, Robertson, L., Anderson J (2013) New Zealand Occupational Therapists' Perception of Evidence Based Practice. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 60(2), 120-128. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12000
Robertson, L., Graham, F., & Anderson, J. (2013) What actually informs practice: occupational therapists' views of evidence. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76(7), 317-324. doi: 0.4276/030802213X13729279114979
Robertson, L. (2012) Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy: Controversies in Practice. Oxford: Blackwell, 2012.
Robertson, L., & Blaga, L. (2012) Occupational therapy assessments used in acute physical care settings. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. DOI: 10.3109/11038128.2012.737369
Robertson, L. (2012) The Novice Therapist. In L. Robertson (2012) (Ed.), Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy: Controversies in practice (pp. 77-92). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Robertson, L. (2012) Reasoning that is difficult to articulate. In L. Robertson (2012) (Ed.), Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy: Controversies in practice (pp. 129-136). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Robertson, L. & Griffiths, S. (2012) Problem Solving in Occupational Therapy. In L. Robertson (2012) (Ed.), Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy: Controversies in practice (pp. 1-14). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
Morrison, T., Robertson L (2011) The influences on new graduates’ ability to implement evidence-based practice: A review of the literature New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58(2), 37 - 40.
Wilson, L., Penman, M., Robertson, L., Herkt, J., Robinson, R., and Pettigrew, N. (2011) Learning from our colleagues. Scope: Learning and Teaching, November, pp. 90-109 ISSN 1178-4180.
Waters, D. L., Hale, L. A., Robertson, L Hale B. A. (2011) Evaluation of a peer-led falls prevention program for older adults Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 92, 1581-1586.
Robertson, L., Hale, B., Waters, D., Hale, L. (2011) Peer-led Gait and Balance Classes: Perspectives of the leaders and participants. Falls Prevention Conference Otago Univesity Nov: 21-23; 2011.
Robertson, L & Blair, S (2011) Evidence in Occupational Therapy: Exploring Ideas Australian Occupational Therapy Conference June 28-20
Robertson, L., Smellie, T., Wilson, P., & Cox, L. (2011) Learning styles and fieldwork education: Student's perspectives. New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy 58(1), 36-40.
Morrison, T & Robertson, L (2011) The influences on new graduates ability to implement evidence-based practice:A review of the literature New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy; 58(2), 37 - 40.
Robertson, L., Hale B. (2011) Interviewing Older People; Relationships in Qualitative Research The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice ISSN 1540-580X July 2011 9 (3) 1-8
Robertson, L & Fitzgerald R. (2010) The conceptualisation of residential home environments: implications for occupational therapy British Journal of Occupational Therapy 73(4) 170-177.
Walters, D; Hale, L; Robertson, L; Hale, B, Davidson, S & Dando, M. (2010) The changing face of falls prevention in New Zealand: Effectiveness, social capital, cost, sustainability. International Federation of Aging Conference. Melbourne conference centre Conference programme - electronic abstracts. 3-6th May, 2010. 90-minute workshop.
Paterson, M., Robertson, L., Penman, M., & Lysaght, R. (2010) Reflective learning in cyberspace - an international learning opportunity WFOT - World Federation of Occupational Therapy Conference, Chile. May. 20 minutes
Walters,D., Robertson, L., Davidson, S., Hale,B., Hale, L. & Dando, M. (2010) The Dunedin Peer Lead Falls Prevention Programme: Its effectiveness, social capital, and sustainability. Otago Polytechnic Health Group Research Forum, 23 April. 1 hour presentation.
Andrew, A. & Robertson, L. (2010) Distance based education for activity staff in aged care residential settings. Focus on Health Professional Education: A Multi-disciplinary Journal, 11(3) 62-
Andrew, A. & Robertson, L. (2010) Engaging Support Staff in Education. New Zealand Assn of Occupational Therapy Conference; Nelson, 8-10 September. The workshop was 1 1/2 hours in length.
Robertson, L. (2010) Supporting new Graduates: New graduate, supervisor, fieldwork co-ordinator and educator perspectives. New Zealand Assoc Occupational Therapists Conference: Nelson 2010; Rutherford Hotel. 8-10 Septemember. 1 1/2 hour panel presentation and discussion http://www.nzaot.com/downloads/contribute/NZAOTConference2010Feedback_ADHBOTs.pdf. This document provides a critique of all abstracts for the NZAOT conference.
Robertson, L; Hale, B (2010) Various Mobilities. Moblities Symposium: Towards a movement-driven Social Science in Aotearoa/New Zealand. University of Otago. A list of the abstracts plus a podcast can be located on the Mobilites Wiki: https://mobilities.wiki.otago.ac.nz/Main_Page 15-16 November 2010. 20-minute presentation.
Robertson L, Hale B, Waters D, Hale L. (2010) Community Peer-led exercise groups. Strength and balance classes for older adults: wellbeing and social effects of exercise groups 4th Australian and NZ Falls Prevention Society Conference: Dunedin 21-23 Nov 2010. See p86 of the Abstract book.
Robertson L & Griffiths, S (2009) Graduates’ Reflections on their Preparation for Practice British Journal of Occupational Therapy 72(3) 125-132
Robertson,L; Hale, L; Waters, D; Hale, B (2009) Peer Led Gait and Balance Classes. Presented at the Speed Data Evening. Sponsored by Rata South Ltd: Assessment Team Aotearoa Rehabilitation, Dunedin. 16 April.
Robertson, L; Waters, D.,Hale, B. & Hale, L. (2009) Peer Led Gait/Balance Classes & Social Rehabilitation. NZAG Otago group meeting, Dunedin. 23rd September.
Robertson, L., Sheehan, D., & Ormond T. (2009) Interprofessional Supervision. The views of New Zealand Allied Health Professionals. ANZAME (Australia New Zealand Association of Health Professionals) Annual conference Launceston, Australia. 30 June. 2009
Blaga, L. & Robertson, L. (2009) Occupational Therapy students' perspective of the acute physical care environment. Ocupational Therapy Otago Area Meeting, Dunedin. 10th March.
Robertson L, Hale, B (2009) Unintended Narratives in Research Interviews with Older People. Rehabilitation and Disability Research Theme: 2009 Colloquium; School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, New Zealand. 23rd Nov 2009.
Robertson, L. Hale, B., Waters, D., & Hale, L (2009) Peer-led Gait / Balance Classes & Social Rehabilitation. New Zealand Association of Gerontology and Age Concern Conference. Convention Centre. Wellington, New Zealand. 7-9 October.
Robertson, L. (2009) An international perspective: Learning from our colleagues. Staff Development Conference, Otago Polytechnic. 21 April.
Blaga, L. & Robertson, L. (2008) The nature of occupational therapy practice in acute physical care settings. New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(2), 11-18.
Blaga, L. & Robertson, L. (2008) Occupational Therapy Practice in Acute Physical Health Settings. New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapy Conference, Palmerston North. ‘Inspiration-Energy-Action’. September 4-6th. p29.
Robertson, L. & Hale, B . (2008) Interviewing Older People. British Society of Gerontology. Bristol: ‘Sustainable Futures in an Ageing World’. 4th -6th September. P181.
Robertson L. & Fitzgerald R. (2008) Conceptualisation of Residential Homes. British Society of Gerontology. Bristol: ‘Sustainable Futures in an Ageing World’. 4th -6th September. p.103.
Robertson, L. & Hale, B. (2008) Interviewing Older People. Research Seminar, School of Health and Social Care, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland. 8/10/2008.
Robertson L. (2008) Clinical Reasoning: An overview. Presentation to the Masters students at the School of Occupational Therapy, Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, Scotland. 12/12/08. 1 hour.
Robertson L. (2008) Clinical Reasoning: An update. Presentation to clinicians and staff of the occupational therapy school at Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland. 18/12/08 i hour.
Robertson L. (2008) Empathic and Procedural Reasoning: differences between students and therapists. Research Seminar, School of Health and Social Care, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland. 17/12/2008.
Robertson, L. & Blaga, L. (2008) Draft Position Statement: The role of occupational therapy in acute care practice (physical). OT Insight, 29(7), 1, 4-5.
Robertson, L. & Blaga, L. (2008) Draft Position Statement: The role of occupational therapy in acute care practice (physical). OT Insight 29(7) 4-5
Robertson, L & Cheetham, K. (2008) Creating communities of support for students on fieldwork placement. Action Research and Professional Practice Conference Charles Sturt University, Research Institiute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education (RIPPLE), Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia. Feb 7-8.
Sheehan, D, Robertson, L., Ormond, T. (2007) Comparison of language used and patterns of communication in Interprofessional and multidisciplinary teams Journal of Interprofessional Care 21(1) 17-30
Blaga, L. & Robertson, L (2007) Assessing Assessments. New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists Clinical Workshops. "Innovate, Motivate". 10th October - 13th October. 90-minute session. Alexandra, Central Otago, NZ.
Robertson, L; Sheehan, D; Ormond, T (2007) Interdisciplinary Reasoning Presented at a local seminar for those working in interdisciplinary teams. "Speed Data Evening" Southern Cross Hotel 27th September. 15 minute presentation (including discussion) Southern Cross Hotel. Dunedin.
Robertson, L (2007) Reasoning in Interprofessional Teams School of Occupational Therapy: Showcasing our Research 1/11/07 15 minute presentation and discussion
Patterson, M., Robertson, L., Penman, M. & Lysaght, R. (2007) International Teaching Using Blackboard. Health Research Forum: Otago Polytechnic. Nov 1st.
Robertson, L; & Hale, B (2007) Interviewing Older People. NZAG Conference 14-16 Nov; Hamilton, University of Waikato
Hale, B & Robertson L (2007) Handling Sensitive Data. International Conference on Ageing. Two conferences: Growing Older with a Disability, and Family Carers. Toronto, 2007.
Sheehan D., Robertson L., & Ormond T (2007) Comparison of Language Used and Patterns of Communication in Interprofessional and Multidisciplinary Teams. Journal of Interprofessional Care 21(1) 17-30.
Sheehan D, Ormond T, Robertson L (2007) Comparison of language used and patterns of communication in interprofessional teams and multidisciplinary teams Website for abstract book http://workshops.med.monash.edu.au/clinicalskills2007/ Second International Skills Conference; Prato Tuscany; 1-4 July 2007
Robertson, L., & Hale, B. (2006) Interviewing Older People. Poster presentation at Aging in New Zealand: Reporting Research Progress Conference. 13 November. 45
Fitzgerald, R., & Robertson, L. (2006) Inhabiting the places and non-places of a residential home: a case study from New Zealand. Sites (A Journal of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies) ISSN 01125990 New Series (3)1 48-71.
Robertson, L. (2006) Perspectives on Residential Care: An exploration of differences in the fundamental nature of a residential home as reported by those who live and work in them. Paper presented at the Ageing in New Zealand Conference: Reporting Research Progress, Te Papa, Wellington. http://www.gerontology.org.nz/conference_downloads/Ageing-in-NZ-Programme.pdf 13 November. p37 of handbook.
Robertson, L. (2006) Team Communication (in assessment and rehabilitation wards): Differences between interprofessional and multi-disciplinary team communication. Research and Aging special interest group (sub group of the Christchurch NZ Gerontological Assn), presented at Otago Polytechnic. 7 March. 45 minute presentation.
Robertson, L. (2006) Graduates' Reflections on their Preparation for Practice. NZ Assoctiation of Occupational Therapy Confernece, Wellington, 31 August - 2 September.
Robertson, L. (2006) Reasoning in Multidisciplinary Teams. Presentation to a group of 40 health professionals in New Plymouth.
Robertson, L (2005) Multidisciplinary team reasoning in 2 Elder Care Wards Research and Aging special interest group (Dunedin sub group of the Christchurch NZ Gerontological Assn.) April 12th 45 minute presentation Presented at Otago Polytechnic
Sheehan D., Robertson L., & Ormond T. (2005) An exploration of the impact of professional experience and background on clinical reasoning Focus On Health Professional Education: A Multi-Disciplinary Journal 7(2) 99-113
Blair S & Robertson, L (2005) Hard complexities – soft complexities: An exploration Of philosophical positions related to evidence in occupational therapy British Journal of Occupational Therapy 68(6) 269-276
Sheehan D., Robertson L., & Ormond T. (2004) Reasoning in Multidisciplinary teams ANZAME (Aus, NZ Assn of Medical / Health professional Education) Conference Presentation at Adelaide, Australia June 25-27th. In the abstracts of the conference programme.
Robertson L. & Mackersy A. (2004) Fieldwork Education: The preparation of occupational therapy students for the current health care climate NZAOT (NZ Assn of Occupational Therapists) conference Christchurch September 2-4th
Fitzgerald, R. & Robertson, L. (2004) Inhabiting the places and non-places of a residential home Assn of Social Anthropologists Conference, Auckland 22-24 November
Craig, G & Robertson, L (2004) Occupational therapy practice in acute physical health care settings – a pilot study. New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy. 51(1) 5-13
Sheehan D., Robertson L., & Ormond T. (2004) Reasoning in Multidisciplinary teams. Presentation at the NZAOT conference. Christchurch. September 2-4th
MacKersey, A. Robertson, L. & McKay, W (2003) Implications of the health reforms for Occupational Therapy fieldwork education New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy 50 (2) 28-33
Robertson, L Fitzgerald, R (2002) Is a Residential Home a Home? New Zealand Association of Gerontology Conference Christchurch April 14-15th
Robertson, L & Griffith, S (2002) Valuing Knowledge gained from experience NZAOT (NZ Assn of Occupational Therapists) conference Auckland 26th –28th Sept p24 of conference handbook. 30mins.presentation Conference was titled "Refine, refresh, renew" and was held in the Carlton Hotel
Robertson L & Griffith S. (2001) Does the who affect the where and the how? ANZAME (Aus NZ Assn Medical & Health professional Education) conference, Wellington, NZ June 7th-9th
Robertson L. & Penman M. (2001) Do they understand what they see? Australian Conference of Occupational Therapists. Brisbane April 1st – 4th
