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Chair - Lili Liu

Lili Liu, PhD, MSc, BSc (OT)

Professor and Chair
Department of Occupational Therapy
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

Research Affiliate, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
Research Associate, CapitalCare



Contact Information:
Phone: 492-5108
Fax: 492-4628 
E-mail: lili.liu@ualberta.ca

  

 

Education:

McGill University          B.Sc. Occupational Therapy          1984
McGill University          M.Sc. Rehabilitation Science          1988
McGill University          Ph.D. Rehabilitation Science          1993


Research interests:

  • Technologies and aging
  • Telerehabilitation
  • Universal/Inclusive Design and aging
  • Dementia and cognitive impairment
  • Outcome measures in rehabilitation for older adults


Biosketch:
My research focuses on three themes: technologies and aging (including telerehabilitation and virtual reality), Universal design and aging and rehabilitation outcome measures and interventions for older adults with cognitive impairment. Currently, I am leading a study with a team to examine how continuing care centres can provide efficient care while maintaining homelike environments for elderly residents. I am also collaborating with the Division of Industrial Design, and the Departments of Computing Science, Pharmacy and Mechanical Engineering to design the "Smart Condo", a project supported by the Health Sciences Education and Research Common (HSERC) at the University of Alberta.

Clinical or policy implications of research:
As technologies become more affordable and accessible to consumers, rehabilitation service providers are beginning to incorporate commercially available products in their interventions. Rehabilitation professionals have a role in the development of products that are user-friendly for as many people as possible regardless of physical and cognitive limitations.

Inspiration/Vision Statement:
My family teaches me to be mindful of each moment because it never comes back. My students teach me to be humble because as they will surpass my abilities. And my colleagues teach me the value of teamwork and achieving our personal best.

Recent publications:    

1.       Barlow, I., Liu, L., Sekulic, A. (in press). Wheelchair seating assessment and intervention: A comparison between Telerehabilitation and face-to-face service. International Journal of Telerehabilitation.

2.       Liu, L. & Lederer, R. (2009). Aging and Ergonomics. In S. Kumar. Rehabilitation and Ergonomics. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, pp.103-133.
 
3.       Sharlin, E., Watson, B., Sutphen, S., Liu, L., Lederer, R., Frazer, J. (2009). A tangible user interface for assessing cognitive mapping ability. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 67, 269-278.
 
4.       Miyazaki, M., Ohyanagi, T., Liu, L., Dobbs, B., Rowe, M., Sutphen, S., Miller, J., & Cook, A. (2009). Mobile ICT support for the continuum of care. Studies in Health Technology and Infomatics. In J.G. McDaniel (Ed.), Technologies and Communications in Health, Vol. 143, February. Amsterdam: ISO Press.ISBN 978-1-58603-979-0
 
5.       Klassen, B., Liu, L., & Warren, S. (2009). Pain management best practices with older adults. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 27(3), 173-196.
 
6.       Chard, G., Liu, L., Mulholland, S. (2009). Verbal cueing and environmental modifications: Strategies to increase engagement in occupations in persons with Alzheimer disease. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 27(3), 197-211.
 
7.       Douglas, A., Letts, L., & Liu, L. (2007).Review ofcognitive assessments for older adults. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 26(4),13-43.
 
8.       Douglas, A., Liu, L., Warren, S., & Hopper, T. (2007). Cognitive assessments for older adults: Which ones are used by Canadian occupational therapists and why. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 5(74), 370-381.
 
9.       Liu, L., Barnfather, A., & Stewart, M., (2007). Support for caregivers of older adults with chronic conditions: A Canadian perspective. Geriatrics & Aging, 10(6), 397-401.
 
10.   Liu, L., Triscott, J., Dobbs, B., Strain, L., Burwash, S., Cleary, S., Hopper, T., & Warren, S. (2006). Distance delivery of geriatric consultation to family physicians in rural Alberta: Preliminary results. Proceedings of the Second IASTED International Conference on Telehealth, July 3-5, 2006, Banff, AB, pp. 34-37.
 
11.   Poulin de Courval, L., Gelinas, Is, Gauthier, S., Gayton, D., Liu, L., Rossignol, M., Sampalis, J., Dastoor, D. (2006). The reliability and validity of the Safety Assessment Scale for people with dementia living at home. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 73(2), 67-75.
 
12.   Pui, V., Liu, L., & Warren (2005). Continuing Professional Education and the Internet: views of Alberta occupational therapists. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(4), 234-244.
 
13.   Liu, L., Cook, A., Varnhagen, S., Miyazaki, M. (2004). Rehabilitation Professionals’ satisfaction with continuing education delivered at a distance using different technologies. Assistive Technology, 16.2, 104-115.

 

Research Group Profile:
The Special Interest Group on Aging (SIGA) is an interdisciplinary group that creates and fosters opportunities for collaboration in research on aging within the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine which consists of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech and Language Pathology. For more information, visit: http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/rehabmed/

The Alberta Centre for Telerehabilitation (ACT) is a collaborative partnership to promote and advance telerehabilitation between the University of Alberta health sciences faculties and Capital Health, Edmonton.  The Centre provides support, information and service to facilitate telerehabilitation research and education initiatives, and to develop best practices in telerehabilitation.  The Centre brings together clients, clinicians, educators and researchers from urban, rural and remote areas to work together to advance telerehabilitation practice and evidence. For more information, visit: http://www.telerehab.ca