Biography

Building sustainable communities of practice in health and social care is the overarching theme which drives my education and research philosophy to advocate for appropriate person-centred service provision as a responsibility of the whole community. My principle research interest is to investigate health and social care system infrastructures through participatory and inclusive methodologies, towards the development of sustainable health and social care policy, implementation and service provision. My work is underpinned by equality, human rights and sustainable development perspectives.

I joined the University of Limerick in 2003 as part of the MSc Occupational Therapy (Professional Qualification) development team and have been commended for innovative approaches to teaching and learning by programme accrediting bodies. I have held a number of administrative roles in co-ordination, course directorships and course board memberships. I am also involved in the development of departmental, interfaculty and post-graduate education and research. Working in partnership with Enable Ireland, I designed and developed the first post-graduate certificate in Postural Seating and Wheelchair Mobility Across the Life Course available in the Republic of Ireland.

In 2008, I was award a Health Research Board Fellowship to complete my doctoral studies, ‘Building a Sustainable Wheelchair and Seating Provision Community – Meeting Peoples' Primary Needs Now and in the Future' (2012). The has resulted in continual research impact at both academic and societal levels, gaining national and international media coverage and recognition for research, education, political and advocacy partnership developments.

I have developed and published a sustainable community of practice (SCOP) model which acts a framework to facilitate stakeholder centred action research approaches within health and social care systems towards actionable policies to ensure best practice. Utilising SCOP, I was awarded Clinical Research Associate of the Year 2013 by Irish Medical Times Irish Healthcare Awards for a novel stakeholder-centred approach to develop sustainable healthcare support services for the rare genetic skin condition, EB (epidermolysis bullosa), in partnership with DEBRA Ireland.

I am part of the development team for SOLA Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Quality in the Community & Voluntary Sector in partnership with the Disability Federation of Ireland and Johnson & Johnson, launched November 2015, which is committed to building sustainable communities of practice and service provision with appropriate governance and sustainable quality systems within the changing social, economic and political context.

I serve as an invited member of the, Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE), World Health Organisation: Research Group; International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP): Universities and training sub-committee; European Seating Symposium (ESS) 2016 Scientific Committee and Board of Directors of Mid-West Spina Bifida Association (2015-16) and Association of Irish Powerchair Football (AIPF) (Nov 2016 - present)

Research Interests

Building sustainable healthcare communities by developing sustainable infrastructures in health and social care provision underpinned by human rights, sustainable development and occupational science perspectives.

The key is to develop sustainable support service strategies the meet peoples needs now and in the future, through community engagement and decision making.

I utilise mixed methods, organisational ethnography, soft systems methodology, participatory and inclusive methodologies, engaging key stakeholders for example in surveys, participant observation, interviews and workshops.

I have developed a Sustainable Community of Practice Model (SCOP). a framework which can be utilised when developing sustainable infrastructures.

My specialist research interest in the development of sustainable wheelchair and seating assistive technology provision nationally and internationally to ensure appropriate access to services, assessments, wheelchairs, maintenance and repair, education and research.
A wheelchair is a primary need and a basic human right.

Professional Activities

Consultancy

Committee

  • 2016 Association of Irish Powerchair Football (AIPF) ,
  • 2015 Midwest Spina Bifida Association,
  • 2004 Education in Sustainable Development Group, Environmental Committee, University of Limerick,

    Environmental Committee Subgroup Education for Sustainability: I am part of the interdisciplinary initiative for Education for Sustainable Development module, a development supported by the HEA Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). This involves Interdisciplinary teaching delivered by 10 different lecturers with expertise in varying fields across all faculties within the University of Limerick. It is now part of the broadening initiative.

  • Irish Posture and Mobility Network,

Award

  • 2013 - Clinical Research Associate of the Year Irish Healthcare Awards 2013
  • 2008 - Building a Sustainable Wheelchair and Seating Provision Community – Meeting Peoples' Primary Needs Now and in the Future

Education

  • 2012 University of Limerick - Doctor of Philosophy
  • 2000 Trinity College Dublin - M.Sc.
  • 1995 Brunel University - B.Sc. (Hon.)
  • 1988 Dublin Institute of Technology - Certificate

Association

  • Member, Association of Occupational Therapist of Ireland
  • Member, Irish Posture and Mobility Network
  • Sub committee member, International Society of Wheelchair Professionals
  • Research Group member, Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE), World Health Organisation
  • Scientific Committee 2016, European Seating Symposium (ESS) 2016
  • Member, World Federation of Occupational Therapy.

Other

Peer Reviewed Journals

2014

Outcome Measures for Wheelchair and Seating Provision: A Critical Appraisal

Kenny Siobhan, Gowran Rosemary Joan (2014) Outcome Measures for Wheelchair and Seating Provision: A Critical Appraisal. British Journal Of Occupational Therapy :67-77

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2014

Adopting a Sustainable Community of Practice Model when Developing a Service to Support Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB): A Stakeholder-Centered Approach

Gowran, RJ,Kennan, A,Marshall, S,Mulcahy, I,Mhaille, SN,Beasley, S,Devlin, M (2014) Adopting a Sustainable Community of Practice Model when Developing a Service to Support Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB): A Stakeholder-Centered Approach. Patient-Patient Centered Outcomes Research :51-63

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2014

Sustainable solutions for wheelchair and seating assistive technology provision: Presenting a cosmopolitan narrative with rich pictures.

Gowran, Rosemary Joan, McKay, Elizabeth Anne, O'Regan, Bernadette (2014) Sustainable solutions for wheelchair and seating assistive technology provision: Presenting a cosmopolitan narrative with rich pictures.. Technology And Disability :137-152

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2012

Guest Editorial, Special Edition Wheelchair and Seating Provision

Gowran Rosemary Joan (2012) Guest Editorial, Special Edition Wheelchair and Seating Provision. The Irish Journal Of Occupational Therapy :2-

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2012

Wheelchair and Seating Service Provision: Exploring Users' Perspectives

Gowran Rosemary Joan, McCabe Martina, Murphy Nuala, McGarry Adain, Murray Elaine. (2012) Wheelchair and Seating Service Provision: Exploring Users' Perspectives. The Irish Journal Of Occupational Therapy :3-14

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2009

European Seating Symposium-Incorporating Assistive Technology 14th-17th September 2009 - Creating a shared forum for research education and training involving key stakeholder providers.

Gowran Rosemary Joan (2009) European Seating Symposium-Incorporating Assistive Technology 14th-17th September 2009 - Creating a shared forum for research education and training involving key stakeholder providers.. The Irish Journal Of Occupational Therapy :43-44

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2009

Well elderly- waiting - the lived experience of elderly persons waiting for discharge (for non medical reasons) from a 'care of the elderly' ward

Moloney L, Gowran RJ. (2009) Well elderly- waiting - the lived experience of elderly persons waiting for discharge (for non medical reasons) from a 'care of the elderly' ward. Irish Journal Of Occupational Therapy :5-15

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2007

Occupational Therapy for Chronic Pain: An Evaluation of Changes in Occupational Performance among Individuals, following Participation in a Pain Management Programme.

Deegan D, Gowran RJ, Kelly V. (2007) Occupational Therapy for Chronic Pain: An Evaluation of Changes in Occupational Performance among Individuals, following Participation in a Pain Management Programme.. Irish Journal Of Occupational Therapy :12-20

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2007

Therapeutic Use of Humour in Irish Mental Health Occupational Therapy Setting

Shirley Wendy, Gowran Rosemary Joan (2007) Therapeutic Use of Humour in Irish Mental Health Occupational Therapy Setting. The Irish Journal Of Occupational Therapy :4-11

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2005

Weaving Creative Occupation and Activity Analysis into the Fabric of the Curriculum

Deegan, D; Gowran, RJ (2005) Weaving Creative Occupation and Activity Analysis into the Fabric of the Curriculum. The Irish Journal Of Occupational Therapy :25-33

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2002

The Ibis sustainable wheelchair: moving people with the times

Gowran Rosemary Joan (2002) The Ibis sustainable wheelchair: moving people with the times. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation :446-452

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2000

A Descriptive Overview of Wheelchair Service Delivery in the Republic of Ireland: Exploring Wheelchair Users' Perspective and Level of Satisfaction with the Service.

Kane, RJ (now Gowran, RJ) (2000) A Descriptive Overview of Wheelchair Service Delivery in the Republic of Ireland: Exploring Wheelchair Users' Perspective and Level of Satisfaction with the Service.. The Irish Journal Of Occupational Therapy :2-11

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Books

This author has not written any publications of this type yet.

Book Chapters

2017

Utilising a Sustainable Community of Practice Model to build best practice in Wheelchair provision on the Island of Ireland

Rosemary Joan Gowran, Jackie Casey, Jean M. Daly (2017) Utilising a Sustainable Community of Practice Model to build best practice in Wheelchair provision on the Island of Ireland. Canada : Elsevier Occupational Therapy Without Borders: integrating justice with practice

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2014

Sustainable Solutions for Wheelchair and Seating Assistive Technology Provision: Presenting a Cosmopolitan Narrative with Rich Pictures

Gowran Rosemary Joan (2014) Sustainable Solutions for Wheelchair and Seating Assistive Technology Provision: Presenting a Cosmopolitan Narrative with Rich Pictures. The Netherlands : ISO Press Assistive Technology: From Research to Practice :290-297

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2011

Sustainable Wheelchair Provision

Gowran RJ, Murray E, Sund T, Steel E, McKay EA and ORegan B (2011) Sustainable Wheelchair Provision. Amsterdam : IOS Press Everyday Technology for Independence and Care - AAATE 2011 :1241-1250

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Edited Books

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Other Journals

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Conference Publications

2017

Oceania Seating Symposium

Solomon, D; Verdonck, M; Gowran, RJ (2017) Oceania Seating Symposium .

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2017

Oceania Seating Symposium

Mc Sweeney, E; Gowran, RJ (2017) Oceania Seating Symposium .

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2017

Oceania Seating Symposium

Gowran, RJ; Casey, J; Daly, J (2017) Oceania Seating Symposium .

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2016

Australian Assistive Technology Conference (AATC2016),

Gowran, RJ et al (2016) Australian Assistive Technology Conference (AATC2016), .

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2016

Australian Assistive Technology Conference (AATC2016)

Gowran, RJ (2016) Australian Assistive Technology Conference (AATC2016).

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2016

Australian Assistive Technology Conference (AATC2016)

Gowran, RJ (2016) Australian Assistive Technology Conference (AATC2016).

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2016

7th Living Knowledge Conference

Gowran, RJ; Daly, E; Bolger, F (2016) 7th Living Knowledge Conference.

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2016

5th European Seating Symposium

Gowran, RJ; Layton, N (2016) 5th European Seating Symposium .

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2016

5th European Seating Symposium

Casey, J; Gowran, RJ; Rushton, P; McDonald, R; Giesbrecht, E; Best, K; Smith, C (2016) 5th European Seating Symposium.

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2016

COTEC-ENOTHE

Casey J, Gowran RJ, McDonald R (2016) COTEC-ENOTHE.

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2015

5th International Workshop on Infrastructures in Healthcare

Gowran, RJ (2015) 5th International Workshop on Infrastructures in Healthcare .

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2015

The 15th Educational Technology Conference of the Irish Learning Technology Association EdTech2015 Beyond the Horizon: Policy, Practice and Possibilities

Reale, J; Gowran, RJ (2015) The 15th Educational Technology Conference of the Irish Learning Technology Association EdTech2015 Beyond the Horizon: Policy, Practice and Possibilities.

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2014

Irish Gerontological Society, 62nd Annual and Scientific Meeting

O'Gorman, E; Gowran, RJ (2014) Irish Gerontological Society, 62nd Annual and Scientific Meeting.

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2014

Irish Occupational Therapy Conference

Gowran, RJ; Marshall, S; Mulcahy, I; Beasley, S (2014) Irish Occupational Therapy Conference.

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2014

Irish Occupational Therapy Conference

Brownlee, S; Gowran, RJ; Long, S (2014) Irish Occupational Therapy Conference .

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2013

Occupation Awakening to the Everyday Occupational Science Conference

Gowran, RJ (2013) Occupation Awakening to the Everyday Occupational Science Conference .

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2013

RTRS2013

Gowran, RJ (2013) RTRS2013.

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2013

Irish Occupational Therapy Conference

Gowran, RJ; Casey, J (2013) Irish Occupational Therapy Conference.

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2013

Irish Occupational Therapy Conference

Mulcahy, I; Gowran, RJ (2013) Irish Occupational Therapy Conference.

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2013

Irish Conference of Occupational Therapy

Marshall, S; Gowran, RJ (2013) Irish Conference of Occupational Therapy.

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2013

University Hospital Limerick (UHL) Research Symposium

Lenihan, EL; Gowran, RJ (2013) University Hospital Limerick (UHL) Research Symposium .

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2013

Irish Occupational Therapy Conference

Roe, S; Gowran, RJ (2013) Irish Occupational Therapy Conference.

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2013

Irish Gerontological Society Annual and Scientific Conference

Lenihan, EL; Gowran, RJ (2013) Irish Gerontological Society Annual and Scientific Conference.

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2013

Irish Occupational Therapy Conference

Davie, R; Gowran, RJ (2013) Irish Occupational Therapy Conference.

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2013

European seating symposium

Gowran, RJ (2013) European seating symposium.

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2013

University Hospital Limerick (UHL) Research Symposium

Gowran, RJ; McKay, E; ORegan, B (2013) University Hospital Limerick (UHL) Research Symposium.

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2013

Irish Occupational Therapy Conference

Kenny, S; Gowran, RJ (2013) Irish Occupational Therapy Conference.

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2013

European seating symposium

Brownlee, S; Gowran, RJ; Long, S (2013) European seating symposium.

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2013

AUDGPI Annual Scientific Meeting

Gowran, RJ; McKay, E; ORegan, B (2013) AUDGPI Annual Scientific Meeting.

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2013

Irish Occupational Therapy Conference

Roe, S; Davie, R; Kenny, S; Gowran, RJ (2013) Irish Occupational Therapy Conference .

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2013

European seating symposium

Roe, S; Davie, R; Kenny, S; Gowran, RJ; McGarry, A (2013) European seating symposium.

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2013

Association of Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe 12th European AAATE2013 Conference

Gowran, RJ (2013) Association of Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe 12th European AAATE2013 Conference .

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2012

RAatE (Recent Advances in Assistive Technology & Engineering)

Gowran,RJ; McKay, EA; ORegan, B (2012) RAatE (Recent Advances in Assistive Technology & Engineering).

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2012

Regulating Emotions Conference

Gowran, RJ (2012) Regulating Emotions Conference .

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2012

Irish Conference Occupational Therapy

Gowran, RJ; McKay, EA; ORegan, B (2012) Irish Conference Occupational Therapy .

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2012

Irish Conference Occupational Therapy

Gowran, RJ; Verdonck, M; McGrath, T (2012) Irish Conference Occupational Therapy.

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2011

All Ireland Occupational Therapy Conference

Gowran,RJ; Flynn, A; McKay,EA; ORegan, B (2011) All Ireland Occupational Therapy Conference.

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2011

European Seating Symposium (ESS)

Gowran, RJ; McCabe, M; Murphy, N; McGarry, A; Murray, E (2011) European Seating Symposium (ESS).

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2011

All Ireland Occupational Therapy Conference

Gowran, RJ; McCabe, M; Murphy, N; McGarry, A; Murray, E (2011) All Ireland Occupational Therapy Conference .

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2011

EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGY FOR INDEPENDENCE AND CARE Association of Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe AAATE 2011

Gowran, RJ;Murray, E;Sund, T;Steel, E;Mckay, E; O'Regan, B; Gelderblom, GJ;Soede, M;Adriaens, L;Miesenberger, K (2011) EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGY FOR INDEPENDENCE AND CARE Association of Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe AAATE 2011. :1241-1250

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2010

Engineering Education for Sustainable Development

McMahon, M; Fitzpatrick, C; Fowler, E; Moles, R; ORegan, B; Gowran, RJ (2010) Engineering Education for Sustainable Development.

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2010

Posture and Mobility Conference

Gowran, RJ; McKay, EA; ORegan, B; SeatTech Enable Ireland (2010) Posture and Mobility Conference .

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2010

International Seating Symposium

Kaneswaren, K; Gowran, RJ; McNeela, A (2010) International Seating Symposium .

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2010

26th International Seating Symposium

Gowran, R; McKay, EA; ORegan, B (2010) 26th International Seating Symposium.

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2009

International Seating Symposium

Kaneswaran, K; Gowran, RJ (2009) International Seating Symposium. :247-247

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2009

European Seating Symposium

Gowran, RJ; Purcell, H (2009) European Seating Symposium. :152-154

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2009

European Seating Symposium

Jackson, I; Gowran, RJ (2009) European Seating Symposium. :160-163

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2009

Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Conference

Alyward, R; Gowran, RJ (2009) Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Conference.

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2009

Assoicaition of Occupational Therapist of Ireland Conference

Cunnife, L; Gowran, RJ (2009) Assoicaition of Occupational Therapist of Ireland Conference.

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2009

European Seating Symposium

Gowran, RJ; McKay, EA; ORegan, B (2009) European Seating Symposium. :90-92

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2009

Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Conference

McFeely, G; Gowran RJ (2009) Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Conference.

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2009

International Seating Symposium

Gowran, RJ; McKay, EA; ORegan, B (2009) International Seating Symposium. :71-72

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2009

Association of Occupational Therapist Conference

Barry, K; Gowran, RJ (2009) Association of Occupational Therapist Conference.

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2009

Interantional Seating Symposium

Gowran, RJ; McKay, EA; ORegan, B (2009) Interantional Seating Symposium.

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2009

International Seating Symposium

McFeely, G; Gowran, RJ (2009) International Seating Symposium. :249-249

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2009

Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Conference

Molony, L; Gowran, RJ (2009) Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Conference.

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2009

ESS conference

Gowran, RJ; McKay, EA; ORegan, B (2009) ESS conference.

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2009

International Seating Symposium

Barry, K; Cunniffe, L; McFeely, G; Gowran, RJ (2009) International Seating Symposium. :251-252

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2009

Irish Aid Conference Sustainable Global Development

Gowran, RJ; McKay, EA; ORegan, B (2009) Irish Aid Conference Sustainable Global Development.

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2008

Association of Occupational Therapist of Ireland Annual Conference

Gowran, RJ (2008) Association of Occupational Therapist of Ireland Annual Conference.

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2008

Qualitative Research Conference

Gowran, RJ; McKay, EA; ORegan,B (2008) Qualitative Research Conference.

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2007

31st Annual conference College of Occupational Therapists

McKay, EA ; Gowran,R; Coleman, C; Ryan, F (2007) 31st Annual conference College of Occupational Therapists.

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2005

Activity Participation Occupation College of Occupational Therapy 29th Annual Conference

Gowran, RJ (2005) Activity Participation Occupation College of Occupational Therapy 29th Annual Conference. :47-47

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2005

Activity Participation Occupation College of Occupational Therapist 29th Annual Conference

Gowran, RJ (2005) Activity Participation Occupation College of Occupational Therapist 29th Annual Conference. :92-92

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2005

Adapting to Reform - Future Trends Association of Occupation Therapists of Ireland Annual Conference

Gowran, RJ (2005) Adapting to Reform - Future Trends Association of Occupation Therapists of Ireland Annual Conference. :19-19

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2005

Adapting to Reform - Future Trends Association of Occupational Therapist of Ireland Annual Conference

Gowran; RJ; Bryant, W (2005) Adapting to Reform - Future Trends Association of Occupational Therapist of Ireland Annual Conference. :11-11

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2004

Building the Future, 7th Eurpoean Congress of Occupational Therapy

Gowran R.J. (2004) Building the Future, 7th Eurpoean Congress of Occupational Therapy. :*-*

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2004

Irish Occupational Therapy Conference

Gallagher, MB; McKay, E; Gowran, R (2004) Irish Occupational Therapy Conference. :*-*

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2004

Mobility Road Show, Cork 2004

Gowran R.J. (2004) Mobility Road Show, Cork 2004. :*-*

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2004

Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Annual Conference

Gowran R.J. (2004) Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland Annual Conference. :*-*

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1999

Association of Occupational Therapist of Ireland

Kane (now Gowran), RJ; Ryan, J; Daly, E (1999) Association of Occupational Therapist of Ireland. :18-18

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Conference Contributions

2016

Australian Assistive Technology Conference

Gowran, R.J. (2016) Australian Assistive Technology Conference.

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2016

EnRRich programme

Gowran, RJ. (2016) EnRRich programme.

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2016

Limerick Leaders 100 Common Purpose Programme

Gowran, RJ. (2016) Limerick Leaders 100 Common Purpose Programme.

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2015

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland Annual General Meeting

Gowran, RJ. (2015) Muscular Dystrophy Ireland Annual General Meeting.

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2014

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland Annual Conference

Gowran, RJ (2014) Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland Annual Conference.

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2014

Occupational Therapy Lecture Undergarduate teaching University College Cork 2014

Gowran, RJ. (2014) Occupational Therapy Lecture Undergarduate teaching University College Cork 2014.

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2013

Irish Posture and Mobility Network Education Day

Gowran, RJ. (2013) Irish Posture and Mobility Network Education Day.

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2013

Public Policy, Enterprise, Governance and SUstainability Seminar Series Kemmy Business School University of Limerick

Gowran, RJ. (2013) Public Policy, Enterprise, Governance and SUstainability Seminar Series Kemmy Business School University of Limerick.

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2013

DEBRA International Conference

Gowran, RJ (2013) DEBRA International Conference .

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2010

SeatTech Enable Ireland Seating Evaluation Day

Gowran RJ (2010) SeatTech Enable Ireland Seating Evaluation Day.

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Published Reports

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Editorials

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Book Reviews

This author has not written any publications of this type yet.

Other Publications

2014

Communication interaction between doctors and persons with aphasia after stroke: The use of conversation analysis in an acute stroke unit setting

Flanagan, B,Franklin, S,Gowran, R (2014) Communication interaction between doctors and persons with aphasia after stroke: The use of conversation analysis in an acute stroke unit setting. International Journal Of Stroke :39-39

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