Professor Lesley Collier

Curriculum Consultant for Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy

About

Professor Lesley Collier is an HCPC registered Occupational Therapist with extensive experience in creating, leading and teaching occupational therapy and other allied health subjects.

Lesley has a clinical and research interest in sensory integration and cognitive impairment in individuals across the life span. She has led and participated in national and international research programmes related to sensory processing and sensory stimulation for people with cognitive impairment. Outcomes from this work are widely published, and she leads collaborative partnerships with charities, industry and the NHS to improve the translation of research into practice. She is also an experienced educator, having taught health care professionals at pre- and post-registration levels for over 24 years, both nationally and internationally.

Before moving to academia, Lesley worked as an occupational therapist in Dorset, specialising in neurology and dementia care. She particularly enjoyed working with those with severe cognitive impairment and perceptual disorders and developed an interest in using sensory approaches to address these problems. Lesley has furthered this work through collaborations with Ministries of Health in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, and recently presented her work at TEDx.

Professional

Lesley is a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist and a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapy. She holds Principal Teaching Fellow status with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and serves as a mentor, supporting individuals in their applications for HEA status.

Lesley currently works as a curriculum consultant advising on programme design and evidence-based education delivery strategies.

Publications

Allan, L., O’Connell, A., Raghuraman, S., Collier, L. et al. A rehabilitation intervention to improve recovery after an episode of delirium in adults over 65 years (RecoverED): study protocol for a multi-centre, single-arm feasibility study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 9, 162 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-023-01387-y

Du Toit, S. Cheung, G. Peri, K. Collier, L. Etherton-Beer, C. Lovarini, M. Embracing cultural diversity – engaging leadership to voice what meaningful engagement signifies for residents with advanced dementia. J Cross Cult Gerontol 35, 49–67 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-019-09387-3

Jakob, A. Collier, L. and Ivanova, N. Implementing sensory design for care-home residents in London In: Niedderer, Kristina, Ludden, Geke, Cain, Rebecca and Wolfel, Christian, (eds.) Designing with and for People with Dementia: Wellbeing, Empowerment and Happiness. TUDpress, Dresden, Germany, 2019 pp. 109-122. ISBN 9783959081832

Collier, L Tai Chi, Wii Fit and rope skipping exercise interventions are particularly effective in improving balance for your people with intellectual disabilities – Commentary. Evidence Based Nursing. 2019 DOI:ebnurs-2018-103024.

Collier, L. Staal, J. The use of multisensory stimulation to reduce stress and burnout in nurses; a randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Complementary Medicine. 2018, 11(1): 00346.

Gallant, N. Green, S. Collier, L. Improving meal times for people with dementia in acute hospitals: A mixed methods study. Alzheimer’s and Dementia. 2018, 14(7): 1643.

Jakob, A. Collier, L. Sensory design for dementia care – the benefits of textiles. Journal of Textile Design Research and Practice, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1080/20511787.2018.1449078

Evans, N. Collier, L. An exploration of the experience of using calendar reminders for people with dementia and family carers. Dementia: the international journal of social research and practice, 2017, doi.org/10.1177/1471301217734916.

Bowser, A. Link, W. Collier, L. Donovan –Hall, M. A Qualitative Study Exploring the Causes of Boredom for Men with a Psychosis in a Forensic Setting. OT in Mental Health, 2017, doi.org/10.1080/0164212X.2017.1331151.

Jakob, A. Collier, L. Sensory enrichment for people living with dementia: increasing the benefits of multisensory environments in dementia care through design. Design for Health, 2017, 1, 115-133.

Collier, L. Jakob, A. The multi-sensory environment (MSE) in dementia care: examining its role and quality from a design perspective. Health Environments Research and Design Journal. 2017, 1-13.

Collier, L. & Pool, J. Special Issue: Dimensions of dementia. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2016, 79(2), 63-64.

Jakob, A. Collier, L. How to make a sensory room for people living with dementia. Proceedings of the 3rd European Conference on Design4Health, 2015: ISBN 978-1-84387-385-3.

Haji Ali, M. Koh, D. Collier, L. Gobbi, M. Community stroke rehabilitation nursing and its relevance in Brunei: A literature review. Brunei Darussalam Journal of Health. 2014: 5(1), pp.80-87.

Jacob, A. Collier, L. Multi-sensory environments in dementia care: the role of design – An interdisciplinary research collaboration between design and health care. Proceedings of the 2nd European Conference on Design 4 Health, 2013. ISBN:978-1-84387-373-0

Montesantos, S. Caillibotte, G. Katz, M. Majoral, C. Pichelin, M. Texerau, J. Collier, L. Tossici-Bolt, L. Fleming, J. Conway, J. A preliminary structural analysis of the upper airways of healthy and moderate persistent asthmatic patients. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 185,2012. A6416.

Conway, J. Fleming, J. Majoral, C. Collier, L. Katz, I. Perchet, D. Peebles, C. Tossici-Bolt, L Caillibotte, G. Pichelin, M. Sauret, V. Martonen, T. Apiou-Sbirlea, G. Meullinger, B. Kroneberg, P. Gleske, J. Scheuch, G. Texereau, J. Martin, A. Montesantos, S. Bennett, M. Controlled, parametric, individualised, 2-D and 3-D imaging measurements of aerosol deposition in the respiratory tract of healthy human subjects for model validation. Journal of Aerosol Science,52, 2012, pp. 1- 17.

Collier, L. McPherson, K. Ellis-Hill, C. Bucks, R. The use of multi-sensory environments to improve functional performance in older people with dementia: a randomised controlled trial. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias. 25(8), 2010, 698-703.

Collier, L. McPherson, K. Ellis-Hill, C. Bucks, R. The use of multi-sensory stimulation to improve functional performance in older people with dementia. Clinical Rehabilitation, 22, 2008, pp.853 – 856.

Collier, L. The use of multi-sensory stimulation. British Journal Occupational Therapy, 71(8), Supplement 1, 2008, pp. 113-114.

Collier, L. Truman, J. Exploring the multi-sensory environment as a leisure resource for people with complex neurological disabilities. Neurorehabilitation, 23(4), 2008, pp.361-367.

Jason A. Staal, Amanda Sacks, Robert Matheis, Lesley Collier, Tina Calia, Henry Hanif, Eugene S. Kofman. The Effects of Snoezelen (Multi-Sensory Behavior Therapy) and Psychiatric Care on Agitation, Apathy, and Activities of Daily Living in Dementia Patients on a Short Term Geriatric Psychiatric Inpatient Unit. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 37(4), 2007, pp.357-370.

Staal J, Sacks A, Calia T, Moore J, Pinkney L, Hanif H, Beilfus R. The effect of snoezelen (Multi-Sensory Behavior Therapy- MSBT) to increase independence in activities of daily living and reduce agitation and apathy of patients with dementia on a short term geriatric psychiatric unit. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 1(1). (Supplement), 2005, pp.61.

Staal, J. Pinkney, L. Roane, D. Assessment of stimulus preferences in multi-sensory environment therapy for older people with dementia. British Journal Occupational Therapy, 66(12), 2003, pp.542-550.

Pinkney, L. Multi-sensory environments in psychiatric care. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment l 8, 2002, pp.451 – 452.

Pinkney, L. Assessment and the multi-sensory environment. British Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 7(4), 2000, pp.158-162.

Pinkney, L. Exploring the myth of multi-sensory environments. British Journal Occupational Therapy, 61(8), 1998, pp.365-366.

Pinkney, L. A comparison of the Snoezelen environment and a music relaxation group on the mood and behaviour of patients with senile dementia. British Journal Occupational Therapy, 60(5), 1997, pp.209-212.

Chapter in Book - Authored

Manni, B. Gitlin, L. Garzetta, G. Collier, L. Fabbo A. Occupational Therapy in Nursing Home. In Occupational Therapy for Older People, (2020). Springer, ISBN: 978-3-030-35730-6.

Collier, L & Collier, R. Biomedical Sciences. Occupational Therapy for People Experiencing Illness, Injury or Impairment: Promoting Occupation and Participation, 7th Ed. (2017). Elsevier, ISBN: 978-0702054464.

Fenech, A. Collier, L. Leisure as a route to social and occupational justice for individuals with profound levels of disability. Occupational Therapies without Borders: integrating justice with practice, 2nd Ed (2016). Elsevier, ISBN: 978-0702050209.

Collier, L. Chapter 9: Planning and implementing sensory interventions. In. The Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument for Occupational Profiling: A Practical Resource for Carers of People with Cognitive Impairment. 4th Ed (2011). Jessica Kingsley, ISBN: 978-1849052214.

Conference Presentations

Collier, L. The use of sensory diet for people with dementia. Danish Occupational Therapy Association Conference. March 2019.

Collier, L. The role of sensory approaches in communication with people with dementia. Assistive Technology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication Conference. Oct 2018 (Key note)

Collier, L. Sensory Tools for People with Dementia. European Congress of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine. May 2018 (Key note)

Collier, L. Jakob, A. How to make a sensory room for people living with dementia. Design 4 Health. Sheffield. July 2015 (paper presentation)

Collier, L. Jakob, A. The role of Design in sensory approaches. ISNA Finland. October 2014 (paper presentation)

Jakob, A. Collier, L. Designing the Multi-Sensory Environment. ISNA. Argentina. Sept 2013 (Paper presentation)

Jakob, A. Collier, L. Multi Sensory Environments (MSE) in dementia care: the role of design. Design 4 Health. Sheffield. Aug 2013 (Paper presentation)

Majoral, C. Katz, I. Fleming, J. Conway, J. Collier, L. – Aerosol deposition in asthmatic subjects breathing helium-oxygen vs. air. ERS. Vienna. September 2012. (Thematic poster)

Majoral, C. Katz,I. Fleming, J. Conway, J. Collier, L. – Comparison of aerosol deposition pattern in healthy vs. asthmatic subjects. ERS. Vienna. September 2012. (Oral presentation)

Montesantos, S. Caillibotte, G. Katz, M. Majoral, C. Pichelin, M. Texerau, J. Collier, L. Tossici-Bolt, L. Fleming, J. Conway, J. A preliminary structural analysis of the upper airways of healthy and moderate persistent asthmatic patients. American Thoracic Society. San Francisco. May 2012 (Oral presentation)

Allen, R. Collier, R. Collier, L. Low back pain – the problem, methods of diagnosis and functional assessment: condition monitoring of the spine. British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing & Applied Systems Health Management Conference. Cardiff. June 2011.

Collier, L. Allen, R. Collier, R. The use of the AMPS in measuring function following muscle fatigue. Information Technology Applications in Biomedicine. IASTED. Innsbruck, Austria. February 2011. (Oral presentation)

Collier, L. The use of sensory activity in improving mood and behaviour in people with severe dementia (Key note speaker). International Snoezelen Symposium. Birmingham, USA. September 2010.

Collier, L. McPherson, K. Ellis-Hill, C. Bucks, R. Staal, J. The use of multisensory environments to improve mood and behaviour in people with severe dementia. World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Santiago, Chile. June 2010. (Poster presentation)

Collier, L. Pool, J. The Pool Activity Level Instrument for Occupational Profiling. World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Santiago, Chile. June 2010. (Poster presentation)

Collier, L. Sensory profiles in defining activity in people with dementia (Key note speaker). International Snoezelen Symposium. Denmark. November 2009.

Collier, L. A fresh approach to multi-sensory environments (Paper). College of Occupational Therapy Annual Conference. Brighton. 24 – 26 June 2009.

Collier, L. McPherson, K. Ellis-Hill, C. Bucks, R. The use of sensory stimulation to improve functional performance in older people with dementia (poster). University of Southampton / Southampton University Hospital Trust Clinical Research Conference. Southampton, UK. 12 November 2008.

Collier, R. Zheng, Y. Collier, L. Simpson, D. Allen, R. An evaluation of three clinical procedures measuring muscle fatigue within the lumbar spine using multi-channel surface EMG and electronic goniometry (poster). Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting. Bath, UK. 2 – 4 September 2008.

Collier, L. Using multi-sensory environments with older people with dementia workshop. College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference. Harrogate, UK. 13 June 2008.

Collier, L. McPherson, K. Ellis-Hill, C. Bucks, R. The use of multi-sensory stimulation to improve functional performance in older people with dementia (paper). Society of Research in Rehabilitation. Oxford Brooks University, UK. 15th January 2008.

Collier, L. Sensory processing in action (poster). World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Sydney, NSW. Australia. 25 – 28 July 2006.

Collier, L. McPherson, K. Ellis-Hill, C. Bucks, R. The influence of individual characteristics on Sensory Processing and activity selection in older people with dementia (poster). PSIGE Conference. University of Sussex, UK. 5 – 6 July 2006.

Collier, L. The use of multi-sensory stimulation to improve functional performance of older people with dementia: A randomised single-blind trial (paper). Postgraduate Conference. University of Southampton, UK. 6 June 2006.

Pinkney, L. Sensory Profiling with Older people with Dementia (poster). Postgraduate Conference. University of Southampton, UK. 7 June 2005.

Pinkney, L. The Effect of Multi-Sensory Behaviour Therapy to increase independence in Activities of Daily Living and Reduce Agitation and Apathy of Patients with Dementia on a Short Term Geriatric Psychiatric Unit. Alzheimers Association International Conference on the Prevention of Dementia (poster), Washington, USA. 18 – 21 June 2005.

Pinkney, L. Evaluating the suitability of the Adult Sensory Profile as an assessment tool for Multi-sensory Environments (paper). 3rd Asian Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress. Singapore. September 15-19 2003.

Pinkney, L. Staal, J. Establishing a baseline for anxiety management using multi-sensory environments (Paper). The third Pan – Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation. Hong Kong. August 23 – 25 2002.

Pinkney, L. Staal, J. Action for Health: Snoezelen therapy for job stress reduction in health professionals (paper). World Federation of Occupational Therapy. Stockholm. 23 – 28 July 2002.

Pinkney, L. How do therapists assess and measure sensory ability or potential prior to using multi-sensory environments and equipment? (paper) Ergotherapy Conference. Paris, France. 27 – 29 Sept 2000.

Pinkney, L Maximising sensory potential (paper). Dementia care conference. Bournemouth, UK. 12-13 May 1999.

Hitchcock, R. Pinkney, L Interdisciplinary learning: exploring neurology together (poster). International Physiotherapy Conference. Japan 23 May 1998.

Pinkney, L. Assessing sensory potential in the elderly with dementia (paper) International Snoezelen Conference. Nurnburg, Germany. 22-24 October 1998.

Pinkney, L. Snoezelen in elderly care (paper). International Snoezelen Conference. Nurnburg, Germany. 22-24 October 1998.

Pinkney, L. Psychological adjustment to disability, its effect on wheelchair use (paper). WFOT conference. London, UK. 1-5 June 1998.

Pinkney, L. Turning the tables on student performance review (paper). College of Occupational Therapist Conference. Southampton, UK. 1-5 June 1998.

Pinkney, L. Key note speech. Nordisk Snoezelen Konference. Oslo, Norway. 20-21 April 1998.

Pinkney, L. Baldwin, H. Snoezelen workshop. RCN European Conference. Belfast, Ireland. 17-22 February 1998.

Pinkney, L. Collier, R. Shared learning in Biological Sciences: can it work (paper). COT 21st Annual Conference. Southampton, UK. 25-27 June 1997.

Pinkney, L. Snoezelen with the elderly (paper). World Snoezelen Congress. Derby, UK. 4-6 June 1997.

Pinkney, L. A comparison of the Snoezelen environment and a music relaxation group on mood and behaviour of patients with senile dementia (paper). International Occupational Therapy Congress. Hong Kong. 22-26 March 1997.

Pinkney, L. Snoezelen: a philosophy of care with the elderly (paper). RCN conference. Bournemouth, UK. April 1996.

Pinkney, L. Snoezelen: an experience for people with dementia (paper). 11th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Hong Kong. 17-22 April 1994.

Research

Lesley has held a number of research grants exploring the use of sensory approaches with people with cognitive impairment and works in partnership with Sensory Integration Network UK & Ireland, members of the TAG European Consortium, and alongside a number of UK-based charities. She is committed to supporting and developing therapists for the future. Lesley is a mentor for the National Institute for Health Research to support clinical academic careers, Occupational Therapists working in emerging areas of practice and supervises a number of occupational therapists and other clinical staff undertaking PhDs.

Research interests: