Emer Barrett

Biography

Dr Emer Barrett holds a BSc Honours Degree in Physiotherapy from Kings College London and a PhD from Trinity College Dublin. Her primary research interest investigates the role of physical activity in the prevention and management of chronic disease in primary care. She has gained extensive experience as a clinical physiotherapist specialising in the rehabilitation of patients with both neurological and musculoskeletal conditions whilst working in health services in Ireland, the UK and Australia. Since 2007 she has held a full-time teaching post in Trinity College Dublin delivering lectures in health promotion and neurology as well as supporting students on clinical placement. In 2009 she introduced an interprofessional course across the Faculty of Health Sciences facilitating over 500 students from seven different health disciplines to work together in small interdisciplinary groups, modelling those seen in modern health care.

Research Interest

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that physical activity promotes health and prevents a wide range of chronic diseases. My primary research focus is on the use of epidemiological and surveillance data to advance our understanding of the individual and environmental determinants of physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Having come from a background of extensive clinical practice I am also very interested in how this data can be used to plan, design and evaluate successful physical activity interventions particularly in the primary care sector. I am also interested in medical education particularly in relation to interprofessional learning and peer learning models in practice education.