Miranda Thew

Teaching

I have a passion for teaching in all areas related to occupational therapy! But I am particularly keen on teaching the philosophical underpinning of the profession (occupational science). I also have tended to work in supporting students in developing their entrepreneurial acumen in potential roles and innovative practice and this reflects my research in Role Emerging Placements. I lead on one of the first modules (of the BSc programme), in terms of developing the professional skills for practice. I then lead on one of the last modules of the BSc programme which explores and develop skills for entry into the profession. I also support the research modules of both programmes and supervise students in their own research projects.

With my extensive knowledge in occupational lifestyle management (having written and edited a book on Lifestyle Management in Health and Social Care), I do like to encourage students to understand how people lead their lives and help them develop skills to take control of symptoms in order for them to enhance their wellbeing. I use scenarios and problem based learning strategies to structure my teaching to demonstrate the skills that are needed to enable people to follow their occupational potential and life path. So some of my teaching engages students to consider peoples' assets in life and their ability to build on these.

Research

My research concerns the impact of Role Emerging Placements on student learning and future practice. I devised an innovative model for Role Emerging Placements, the first in England for a full cohort of occupational therapy students, and I am a lead editor of an international book on role emerging practice, as well as having over an 18 year history of published peer reviewed research regarding scoping potential roles for occupational therapy practice and applying business and entrepreneurial skills to the occupational therapists skills portfolio.

I am lead editor on a book concerning lifestyle management and presented at local, national and international conferences as well as facilitating CPD workshops for occupational therapists. I was awarded a Merit Award in 2016 from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in recognition of my outstanding contribution to the profession. I was also a member of the Learning and Development Board at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists until June 2019.

Publications

Thew, M., & Henshall, S (2025) Lifestyle and Self-Management In: Curtin, M.,   Egan, M., Prior, Y.,  Parnell, R., Galvaan, R., Sauvé-Schenk, K., Cezar Da Cruz, D. Eds. Occupational Therapy for People Experiencing Illness, Injury or Impairment 8th edition Elsevier pp. 321-336,  ISBN: 9780323882927

Thew, M., Cruz, D. C., & Thomas, Y. (2023). Comparing and measuring the practice-based performance and competence of occupational therapy students between traditional and role emerging placements: a retrospective cohort study. Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional, 31, e3467. https://doi.org/10.1590/2526-8910.ctoAO265734672 

Moore, E.J., Thew, M. (2023) Exploring the perspectives of 'young adults' (18–24) who have been in formal care and their experiences of attending a socially prescribed community allotment gardening group. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 86(1):26-32. doi:10.1177/03080226221117447

Yam, N., Murphy, A.`M., & Thew, M , (2020) Occupational Therapy for South Asian Older Adults in the United Kingdom: Cross-Cultural Issues. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. ISSN 03080226 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022620933207 

Thew, M., Thomas., Y, Briggs, M. (2018) Impact and influence of Role Emerging Placements on Occupational Therapists employability and career path. Australian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(3), pp.198-207.

Thew, M. & Harkness D. (2018) Predictors of practice placement and academic outcomes in master’s-level pre-registration occupational therapy students. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81(4), pp. 234-242.

Thew, M., Bell, F. & Flanagan, E. (2017) Social Prescribing an Emerging area for occupational therapy? British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 80(9), pp.523-524.

Thew, M. & Cox, D. (2017) A pre-post evaluation of an occupational therapist led group lifestyle and resilience course for well employees in a public-sector workplace. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(2 supplement), p.63.

Thew M., (2014) Be Savvy to get that job! The impact of role emerging placements on employability. Occupational Therapy News 13 (10) 10-13.

Thew, M., (2014) Health risks to a nomadic worker. Occupational Health, 66(10), pp. 23-25.

Thew, M, (2016) Occupational Therapists as Dragons: A Special feature on Education. Occupational Therapy News, 24 (12), pp.43-44.

Thew, M., Edwards, M., Baptiste., Molineux, M (eds) (2011) Role Emerging Occupational Therapy - maximising occupation-focused practice. Wiley-Blackwell. Oxford.

Edwards, M., Thew, M., (2011) Models of Role Emerging Placements: In: Thew, M., Edwards, M., Baptiste., Molineux, M (eds) (2011) Role Emerging Occupational Therapy - maximising occupation-focused practice. Wiley-Blackwell. Oxford. pp: 15-35.

Thew, M., (2011) Promoting well-being in a large organsiation: challenges and opportuities: Thew, M., Edwards, M., Baptiste., Molineux, M (eds) (2011) Role Emerging Occupational Therapy - maximising occupation-focused practice. Wiley-Blackwell. Oxford. pp: 15-35.

Thew, M., & McKenna, J. (Eds.). (2008). Lifestyle Management in Health and Social Care. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.

Thew, M. (2008). Portable Relaxation. In Thew, M & McKenna, J. (Eds) (2008) Lifestyle Management in Health and Social Care. Oxford: Blackwell/ Wiley Publishing.

Thew, M. (2008). Good Sleep - The Life Enhancer. In Thew, M & McKenna, J. (Eds) (2008) Lifestyle Management in Health and Social Care. Oxford: Blackwell/ Wiley Publishing.

Thew, M & Pemberton, S. (2008) Energy for life. In Thew, M & McKenna, J. (Eds) (2008) Lifestyle Management in Health and Social Care. Oxford: Blackwell/ Wiley Publishing

McKenna, J  & Thew, M.  (2008) Getting the Balance Right: Managing Work-Home Conflict. In Thew, M & McKenna, J. (Eds) (2008) Lifestyle Management in Health and Social Care. Oxford: Blackwell/ Wiley Publishing.

Thew, M., Hargreaves, A., & Cronin-Davis, J. (2008) An evaluation of role-emerging practice placement model for a full cohort of occupational therapy students. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(8), pp. 348-353.  

Thew, M. (2008). Occupational profile – Professor Gary Craig. Journal of Occupational Science. 15 (3) pp;181-185.

Thew, M. (2006). Role emerging placements. Occupational Therapy News, 14 (6), 26.  

Thew, M., Tromans, S., Maskill, L. & Haywood, A. (2006). Continuing Professional Development of Occupational Therapists in Leeds. Leeds: Occupational Therapists Leeds CPD Subgroup.

Thew M (1999) 'A preliminary study to investigate whether a relaxation regime which incorporated progressive relaxation, abdominal breathing relaxation and education of anxiety on the digestive process, would have benefits to patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome' Research Dissertation completed as part of MSc Health Professional Education, University of Huddersfield.

Conferences

Polatajko, H, Creek, H., Davis, J., Thew, M., Cameron, D., Sinclair, Kit., (2018) The Debate: Is it time to reconsider framing our work as therapy? WFOT Congress, Cape Town, South Africa.

Thew, M., Thomas., Y., Lim. H., Richards, G, (2017) Debate Session: This House Believes that Diverse Roles are a Vital Tool for the Profession, Royal College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference, Birmingham. https://www.rcot.co.uk/news/debate-session-rcot-conference

Thew, M., (2013) The influence of role emerging placements on employability and career path. College of Occupational Therapists 38th Annual conference, Glasgow NEC (June 2013).  

Thew, M., (2013) Portable relaxation: a lifestyle strategy to enhance occupational participation. College of Occupational Therapists 38th Annual conference, Glasgow NEC (June 2013)  

Thew, M., (2013) Selling Our Skills in Emerging Markets. AHP Conference. Leeds and York Partnerships NHS Trust. Leeds Metropolitan University.  

Thew M., (2012). Tackling Stress at Christmas. Wes Butters Show: BBC Radio Leeds  

Thew, M., (2012). Role emerging Vs traditional placements; students' performance in occupational therapy competencies. College of Occupational Therapists 37th Annual Conference, Glasgow NEC.

Thew, M., (2012) Why keep the best kept secret, secret? WYCOTE Student Conference, Leeds Metropolitan University.  

Thew M, (2012) Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy; Valuing occupation - a Networking and study day; SWYPT, http://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/staff-focus-issue20.pdf 

Thew, M., (2011) Outcome Measures for Occupational Therapists. Preceptorship Training Programme, Leeds Partnerships NHS Trust, St James University Hospital Leeds.

Thew, M., (2011) Occupation focussed Models and assessments. Occupational Therapists Leeds CPD Group. Leeds Metropolitan University  

Thew, M., Tromans, S., Maskill, L. & Haywood, A. (2006) Continuing Professional Development Professional Therapist or Professional Occupational Therapist?. In: College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference, July 2006, Cardiff.

Molineux, M., Cronin-Davis, J. Slade, A & Thew, M (2006). Enacting an Occupational Perspective in Entry Level Education. Paper Presentation at 14th World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Sydney, Australia

Thew, M. (2004) Leeds Mind and Body Conference 'Therapeutic interventions for CFS Sufferers'. Invited conference workshop presenter. 2nd National Mind and Body Conference. Leeds Metropolitan Hotel.

Thew, M. (2002), The Management of CFS in Primary Care: Invited Speaker presented at The Continuing Medical Education Week for General Practitioners (accredited) York District Hospital

Thew, M. (2001) Leeds Mind and Body Conference (Leeds) 'Psychological Interventions for IBS Sufferers – a case study'. Invited speaker. Leeds Metropolitan University.

Thew, M. (2001) 'The management of the CFS Sufferer' Leeds Mind and Body Conference  Workshop Presenter. Leeds Metropolitan University.

Thew, M. (2001) The Management of CFS in Primary Care: Invited Speaker presented at The Continuing Medical Education Week for General Practitioners (accredited Leeds University) Leeds

Thew, M., & Pemberton, S. (2001) Chronic fatigue Management 'A Therapists Perspective' Annual Conference of the Association of Occupational Therapists in Mental Health: Workshop presenter. Brighton.

Thew, M & Heatley, V. (2000) 'A preliminary study to investigate whether a relaxation regime which incorporated progressive relaxation, abdominal breathing relaxation and education of anxiety on the digestive process, would have benefits to patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome' (Poster Presentation) Digestive Diseases Week - The International Annual Meeting of Gastroenterology in San Diego USA  . 

Thew, M. (2000) 'Relaxation therapy for IBS Sufferers' Paper presentation New innovations in Gastroenterology -Surgeons and Medicine in Gastroenterology –Weetwood Hall Leeds

Thew, M. (2004) 'The Management of Fatigue in Adolescents'. Child and Family Unit, (NHS) The Mount Leeds. Professional Forum.

Thew, M. (2003) ‘The CFS Sufferer’ for Assessors for benefits DHSS benefits: Leeds DBC Government Buildings Leeds

Thew, M. (2002) 'Relaxation and IBS - a study' GP-GI Professional Forum Leeds Medical and Surgical education unit.

Thew, M (2000-2004) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Occupational Therapy. Department of Liaison Psychiatry Multi-disciplinary training programme, (Leeds Mental Health Services NHS Trust)

Thew, M, & Pemberton, S (1998) 'Managing Anxiety and Fatigue' Hepatitis and Haemophilia Annual Conference. British Liver Trust. Workshop presenter; London

Professional activities

I am an External Examiner to another pre-registration occupational therapy programme within the UK. I am a state registered occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), and regularly provide professional supervision to other registered occupational therapists. I also liaise regularly with the professions' national organisation (Royal College of Occupational Therapists) especially in terms of re-accreditation of the MSc and BSc occupational Therapy programmes.

I am also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.