Faculty of Science

Profile

Having obtained a BSc (Hons) in Psychology (2:1), Amy Drahota went on to gain an MSc in Psychological Research Methods (Distinction) with a focus on the cross-modal communication of facial expressions (e.g. the ability to hear others smile). Amy’s first two theses were graded at 85% and she additionally was awarded The John Dennis Prize for best honours project.

Amy moved to SHSSW in 2004 where she was awarded her PhD in 2007 on the influence of healthcare environments on patient health-related outcomes. Using a mixed-methods approach, this project included a randomised controlled trial of nature sights and sounds to reduce pain and worry during minor surgery, one-to-one interviews with clinical staff, and focus groups with patients.

Amy was seconded part-time to the UK Cochrane Centre for four years, where she developed and delivered face-to-face and online training for Cochrane review authors. Amy has a keen interest in the evidence-based design of healthcare environments. Recent research includes ‘The HIP-HOP Flooring Study: Helping Injury Prevention in Hospitalised Older People’. This national pilot cluster randomised controlled trial, funded by The Dunhill Medical Trust, explored the effectiveness of shock-absorbing flooring for reducing injuries from falls in elderly care wards. Amy now facilitates the University of Portsmouth Ageing Network, working across faculties and departments to help grow projects in the field of ageing.

Recent Publications

More recent publications