Susan RappoltAssociate Professor and Chair

Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
(416) 978-5936
s.rappolt@utoronto.ca

Cross Appointments

Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science
Department of Public Health Sciences
Investigator, Knowledge Translation Program, Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Senior Scientist, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
Adjunct Scientist, Institute for Work and Health

School of Graduate Studies

Member

Biosketch

Susan Rappolt is an associate professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on methods for effective knowledge translation and research utilization, and the effects of the social and policy contexts on professional practices in occupational therapy.

Selected Recent Publications

Janes, N., Sidani, S., Cott, C. and Rappolt S. (in press). Figuring it out in the moment: a theory of unregulated care providers’ knowledge utilization in dementia care settings. Worldviews on evidence-based nursing.
Lowe, M., Rappolt, S., Jaglal, S. and MacDonald, G. (2007). The role of reflection in implementing learning from continuing education in to practice. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 23, 143-148.
Cameron, J., Rappolt, S., Lewis, M, Lyons, R., Warner, G. and Silver, F. (2007). Development and implementation of the Ontario Stroke System: the use of evidence. International Journal of Integrated Care, 7, 1-10.
Craik, J. and Rappolt, S. (2006). Enhancing research utilization capacity through multifaceted professional development. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 60, 155-164.
Rappolt, S., Pearce, K., McEwen, S. and Polatajko, H. (2005). Organizational characteristics associated with self-reported practice changes following a mentored online educational module. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 25(2), 116-124.

Recent Thesis/Projects Supervised

"Clinical decision-making in home modification recommendations for children and their caregivers". T. Eimantas (MSc), in progress.
"Therapeutic relationships in private practice in the auto sector". L. Rutledge (MSc), in progress.
" Building a shared understanding: How occupational therapists evaluate a client’s readiness to return to work following acquired brain injury". M. Stergiou-Kita (MSc), 2007.
"The role of reflection in the integration of research into clinical occupational therapy". M. Lowe (MSc), 2004.
"Enhancing research utilization in occupational therapy". J. Craik (MSc), 2002.

Research Interests

Knowledge translation
Research utilization
Effect of practice contexts on professional practices
Occupation and health
Health and rehabilitation policy
Professionalism
Professional regulation
Client-centred evidence based practices
Return to work

Current Courses

OCT 1131H: Occupational Therapy Practice I

Special Lectures / Keynote Speeches

Rappolt, S. Application of knowledge translation to clinical trials. RRTC on TBI Interventions: State of the Science Conference – Clinical Trials in Rehabilitation Research: Learning from Experience. Washington D.C., October 3rd, 2007.
Rappolt, S. Enabling knowledge translation: shortening the journey from evidence to practice. Victorian Fieldwork Forum, Melbourne, July 20th 2006.
Rappolt. S. Clinical practice guidelines: Linking research to practice. OT Practice Network, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Annual Meeting, Montreal, June 1 2006.
Rappolt, S. Translating research into practice: when do care programs make sense? Keynote. Best Evidence to Best Practice Conference. Insurance Bureau of Canada, Toronto, June 16th 2006.
Rappolt, S. Conceptualizing Knowledge Translation in Rehabilitation Research. Keynote. Ontario Rehabilitation Research Network Annual Workshop, Toronto, February, 2005.