Research | Baycrest

Dawson, Deirdre Dr.

Deirdre Dawson

Dr. Deirdre Dawson

Senior Scientist Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest

Member Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto

Associate Professor Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto

Research Focus

My research is concerned with optimizing occupational performance; that is, enabling persons to do the day-to-day activities they want to do. In general, my research focuses on adults and older adults with acquired brain injury (traumatic and stroke). My interests are in determining the factors that contribute to successful outcomes and in designing and testing rehabilitation programs that use these factors. My work flows from a biopsychosocial model of health and the interventions I am testing incorporate elements to address both cognitive and psychosocial factors. Currently I am involved with several intervention studies:

  • a psychosocial module that is part of a multi-faceted cognitive rehabilitation intervention for people with white matter disease
  • the refinement of a contextualized, meta-cogntive approach for adults with ABI
  • a community integration project partnering people with ABI with healthy volunteers to participate in community-based physical activity programs

Publications

Title Source (Journal/Book/Conference) Authors/Presenters Published On Type
Cognitive Behavior Therapy After Acquired Brain Injury: Maintenance of Therapeutic Benefits at 6 Months Posttreatment Journal of Head Trauma and Rehabilitation Arundine A, Bradbury CL, Dupuis K, Dawson DR, Ruttan LA, Green REA 1303704000 Journal Article
Rehabilitation outcomes after intentional traumatic brain injury: functional changes and discharge destinations CHRONIC DISEASES IN CANADA Kim H, Colantonio A, Bayley M, Dawson DR 1302667200 Abstract
Executive functions and real world performance: How good are we at distinguishing people with acquired brain injury from healthy controls? Occupational Therapy Journal of Research Bottari C, Dawson D 1301371200 Journal Article
Occupational Therapy: ADL's and community reintegration Management of traumatic brain injury Dawson D 1301371200 Book Chapter
The feasibility of meta-cognitive strategy training in acute inpatient stroke rehabilitation: Case report Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Skidmore ER, Holm MB, Whyte EM,Dew MA, Dawson DR, Becker JT 1301371200 Journal Article
Discharge against medical advice after traumatic brain injury: is intentional injury a predictor? Journal of Trauma Hwan K, Colantonio A, Bayley M, Dawson DR 1301371200 Journal Article
Discharge against medical advice after traumatic brain injury: Is intentional injury a predictor?-- CHRONIC DISEASES IN CANADA Kim H, Colantonio A, Bayley M, Dawson DR 1298955600 Abstract
An Integrated Review of the Processes and Factors Relevant to Vocational Evaluation Following Traumatic Brain Injury Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Stergiou-Kita M, Dawson DR, Rappolt SG 1295672400 Journal Article
Psychosocial Considerations in Occupational Therapy Treatment for Adults with Acquired Brain Injury: A Survey Informa Healthcare USA Dawson DR, Trueman M 1280980800 Journal Article
How good are we at distinguishing errors observed in a naturalistic test of executive functions? FRONTIERS OF NEUROSCIENCE Bottari C, Anderson ND, Stuss D, Dawson D 1277784000 Abstract
Real World Strategy Training for Adults with Executive Dysfunction Following Traumatic Brain Injury International Brain Injury Association Dawson DR, Hunt A, Lemsky C, Polatajko H 1268456400 Presentation
Predicting Case Management Service Use Following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A Critical Appraisal of the Caregiver Information and Support Link (CISL) Database International Brain Injury Association Baptiste B, Boschen K, Gibbs L, Dawson DR, Colantonio A, Streiner D 1268370000 Presentation
Discharge against medical advice after traumatic brain injury: Is intentional injury a predictor? International Brain Injury Association Kim H, Colantonio A, Bayley M, Dawson DR 1268283600 Presentation
Further development of the multiple errands test: standardized scoring, reliability and ecological validity for the Baycrest version Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Dawson DR, Anderson ND, Burgess P, Cooper E, Krpan KM, Stuss DT 1257051600 Journal Article
From margins to mainstream: What do we know about work integration for persons with brain injury, mental illness and intellectual disability? Work Kirsh B, Stergiou-Kita M, Gewurtz R, Dawson D, Krupa T, Lysaght R, Shaw L 1254196800 Journal Article
Using the Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) with adults with executive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy Dawson DR, Gaya A, Hunt A, Lemsky C, Levine B, Lo A, Polatjko H 1238558400 Journal Article
Early identification and incidence of mild TBI in Ontario. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences Ryu WH, Feinstein A, Colantonio A, Streiner DL, Dawson DR 1230786000 Journal Article
Regional variability in the use of CT for patients with suspected mild traumatic brain injury Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences Ryu WHA, Feinstein A, Colantonio A, Streiner DL, Dawson D 1230786000 Journal Article
Psychosocial considerations in cognitive rehabilitation Cognitive Neurorehabilitation: Evidence and Application Dawson D, Winocur G 1224561600 Book Chapter
Predictors of CT use for patients with MHI Festival of international conferences on caregiving, disability, aging and technology Ryu WHA, Feinstein A, Dawson D 1181966400 Abstract
Community participation with executive dysfunction Festival of international conferences on caregiving, disability, aging and technology Dawson D 1181966400 Abstract
Return to productivity following traumatic brain injury: Cognitive, psychological, physical, spiritual and environmental correlates Disability & Rehabilitation Dawson DR, Schwartz ML, Winocur G, Stuss DT 1172638800 Journal Article
Cognitive rehabilitation in the elderly: A randomized trial to evaluate a new protocol Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society Stuss DT, Robertson IH, Craik FIM, Levine B, Alexander MP, Black SE, Dawson D, Binns MA, Palmer H, Downey-Lamb M, Winocur G 1167627600 Journal Article
Cognitive rehabilitation in the elderly: Overview and future directions Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society Winocur G, Craik FIM, Levine B, Robertson IH, Binns MA, Alexander M, Black SE, Dawson D, Palmer H, McHugh T, Stuss DT 1167627600 Journal Article
Cognitive rehabilitation in the elderly: an evaluation of psychosocial factors Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society Winocur G, Palmer H, Dawson D, Binns MA, Bridges K, Stuss DT 1167627600 Journal Article
Executive function and coping at one-year post traumatic brain injury Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology Krpan KM, Levine B, Stuss DT, Dawson DR 1167627600 Journal Article
Naturalistic rehabilitation for executive dysfunction INS Meeting 2007 Dawson D, Polatajko H, Levine B 1167627600 Presentation
Naturalistic rehabilitation for executive dysfunction GTA Rehab Network Best Practices Day 2007 Dawson D, Polatajko HJ, Levine B, Gaya A, Hunt A, Lo A 1167627600 Presentation
Validation of a Canadian return to work model for adults with traumatic brain injury Vocational Outcomes In Traumatic Brain Injury Conference 2007 Bassilious-Samy M, Feldman M, Shumway E, Dawson D 1167627600 Presentation
Validation of a Canadian return to work model for adults with traumatic brain injury CAOT 2007 Bassilious-Samy M, Feldman M, Shumway E, Dawson D 1167627600 Presentation
Cognitive rehabilitation in the elderly: The importance of psychosocial factors CAOT 2007 Dawson D, Winocur G, Palmer H, Binns M, Bridges K, Stuss D 1167627600 Presentation
Examining cognitive orientation to occupational performance in adults with executive dysfunction CAOT 2007 Dawson D, Levine B, Gaya A, Lo A, Polatajko H 1167627600 Presentation
Recovery after stroke: Emerging theory grounded in survivors' perspectives CAOT 2007 Holmes J, Damianakis T, Flogen B, Ween J, Dawson D 1167627600 Presentation
The Functional Neglect Scale: Description and utility CAOT 2007 Tenenbaum S, Black S, Ebert P, Dawson D 1167627600 Presentation
Measuring difficult to measure constructs RRTC on TBI Interventions: State of the Science Conference Dawson D 1167627600 Presentation
Reliability and validity of the power-mobility community driving assessment Assistive Technology Letts L, Dawson DR, Bretholz I, Kaiserman-Goldenstei E, Gleason J, McLellan E, Norton L, Roth C 1157083200 Journal Article
The case for the development and use of "ecologically valid" measures of executive function in experimental and clinical neuropsychology Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society Burgess PW, Alderman N, Forbes C, Costello A, Coates LM, Dawson DR, Anderson ND, Gilbert SJ, Dumontheil I, Channon S 1141189200 Journal Article
Prediction of long-term occupational performance outcomes for adults after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury Disability & Rehabilitation Devitt R, Colantonio A, Dawson DR, Teare G, Ratcliff G, Chase S 1136091600 Journal Article
Neurological deficit rather than obliteration determines quality of life in patients treated with radiosurgery for AVMs Radiosurgery Ramani M, Andrade-Souza Y, Dawson DR, Scora D, Tsao M, Schwartz MP 1136091600 Book Chapter
Changes in coping style following traumatic brain injury and their relationship to productivity status. BRAIN AND COGNITION Dawson DR, Cantanzaro AM, Firestone J, Schwartz M, Stuss DT 1136091600 Abstract
Experiences of spirituality and self-transcendence in caregivers coping with dementia The Transforming Power of Spirituality: Breaking Barriers and Creating Common Ground - The First North American Conference on Spirituality and Social Work Damianakis T, McCleary L, Dawson D, Marziali E 1136091600 Presentation
Spirituality and self-transcendence in caregivers of persons with Frontotemporal dementia 25th Annual Ontario Gerontology Association Conference Damianakis T, McCleary L, Dawson D, Marziali E 1136091600 Presentation
Rehabilitation for people with mild-moderate brain injury Sunnybrook Women's College Traumatic Brain Injury Update Dawson D 1136091600 Presentation
Naturalistic assessment of executive function Lunch-n-Learn, Stroke Cognition Clinic, Baycrest Dawson D 1136091600 Presentation
Ecological validity of bedside tests of neglect Annual Thelma Cardwell OT Research Day University of Toronto Tenenbaum S, Black S, Ebert PL, Dawson D 1136091600 Presentation
Rehabilitation for people with mild to moderate brain injury Sunnybrook & Women's College Traumatic Brain Injury Update Dawson D 1136091600 Presentation
Power mobility driving training for seniors: a pilot study Assistive Technology Hall K, Partnoy J, Tenenbaum S, Dawson DR 1109653200 Journal Article
Community integration status 4 years after traumatic brain injury: participant-proxy agreement Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation Dawson DR, Markowitz M, Stuss DT 1104555600 Journal Article
Naturalistic Assessment of Executive Function: The Multiple Errands Test American Congress of Rehabilitation and American Society of Neurorehabilitation Meetings Dawson DR, Anderson N, Burgess P, Levine B, Rewilak D, Cooper E, Farrow S, Krpan K, Peer M, Stuss DT 1104555600 Presentation
The Ecological Validity of the Multiple Errands Test – Hospital Version: Preliminary Findings International Neuropsychological Society Dawson D, Anderson ND, Burgess P, Levine B, Rewilak D, Cooper E, Farrow S, Krpan K, Peer M, Stuss DT 1104555600 Presentation
Describing needs among caregivers of people with frontal temporal dementia 5th Annual Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit Conference Groll L, McCleary L, Marziali E, Damianakis T, Dawson D 1104555600 Presentation
Handwriting and Parkinson's: The outcome of occupational therapy intervention 5th Annual Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit Conference Burchmore S, Morrow T, Colquhoun H, Kang J, Dunal L, Dawson D 1104555600 Presentation
Handwriting and Parkinson's: The outcome of occupational therapy intervention OTA/PTA Annual Conference, Humber College Morrow T, Burchmore S, Colquhoun H, Kang J, Dunal L, Dawson D 1104555600 Presentation
From dressing to quality of life: Measuring recovery in the real-world 14th Annual Rotman Research Institute Conference: Traumatic Brain Injury - From Molecule to Family Systems Dawson D 1079240400 Presentation
Acute predictors of real-world outcomes following traumatic brain injury: A prospective study Brain Injury Dawson DR, Levine B, Schwartz ML, Stuss DT 1078117200 Journal Article
Customized Heel Pads and Soft Orthotics to Treat Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis GTA Rehab Network, Best Practices Day Seligman DR, Dawson DR 1072933200 Presentation
Changes in life attitude following traumatic brain injury and their relationship to community integration 4th Annual Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit Conference Dawson DR, Catanzaro AM, Chan M, Haley M, Nguyen TA, Schwartz M, Williams N, Winocur G, Stuss DT 1072933200 Presentation
Changes in coping style following traumatic brain injury and productivity status 4th Annual Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit Conference Dawson DR, Catanzaro AM, Firestone J, Schwartz M, Stuss DT 1072933200 Presentation
Customized heel pads and soft orthotics to treat heel pain and plantar fasciitis Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Seligman DA, Dawson DR 1064980800 Journal Article
Building bridges: Involving survivors of TBI in the research process ONF Inaugural Provincial Conference on SCI and TBI Research Dawson DR, Catanzaro AM, Dergal J Krpan K 1041397200 Presentation
The Effect of Age and Duration of Injury on Long-term Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury ONF Inaugural Provincial Conference on SCI and TBI Research Devitt R, Colantonio A, Dawson DR, Teare G, Chase S, Ratcliffe G 1041397200 Presentation
The Effect of Age and Duration of Injury on Long-term Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury 3rd Annual Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit Annual Conference Devitt R, Colantonio A, Dawson DR, Teare G, Chase S, Ratcliffe G 1041397200 Presentation
Building bridges: Involving survivors of TBI in the research process 3rd Annual Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit Annual Conference Dawson DR, Catanzaro AM, Dergal J Krpan K 1041397200 Presentation
Customized Heel Pads and Soft Orthotics to Treat Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis 3rd Annual Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit Annual Conference Seligman DR, Dawson DR 1041397200 Presentation
A comparison of independent living outcomes following traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury International Journal of Rehabilitation Research Harker-Fox W, Dawson DR, Boschen K, Stuss DT 1009861200 Journal Article
A multidisciplinary community based rehabilitation programme improved social functioning in severe traumatic brain injury. Evidence-Based Mental Health Dawson DR 1009861200 Journal Article
A multidisciplinary community-based rehabilitation program improved social functioning in severe traumatic brain injury. ACP Journal Club Dawson DR 1009861200 Journal Article
Travelling together: One experience of involving survivors of TBI in the research process Toronto Acquired Brain Injury Network Conference Dawson DR, Catanzaro AM, Dergal J Krpan K 1009861200 Presentation
Assessment in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation: Who should we ask? Toronto Acquired Brain Injury Network Conference Markowitz M, Dawson DR, Stuss DT 1009861200 Presentation
Predictors of real-word outcomes following traumatic brain injury Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Researcher's Network Dawson DR 1009861200 Presentation
Function after motor vehicle accidents: a prospective study of mild head injury and posttraumatic stress Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease Friedland JF, Dawson DR 993960000 Journal Article
Developing awareness of spirituality in occupational therapy students: are our curricula up to the task? Occupational Therapy International Kirsh B, Dawson DR, Antolikova S, Reynolds L 978325200 Journal Article
Measurement of quality of life following traumatic brain injury 3rd Inter-Urban Brain Injury Conference Dawson DR, Schwartz M, Pasternak S, Stuss DT 978325200 Presentation
Demystifying research Occupational Therapy Lunch-n-Learn, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care Dawson DR 978325200 Presentation
Assessment of strategic self-regulation in traumatic brain injury: Its relationship to injury severity and psychosocial outcome Neuropsychology Levine B, Dawson D, Boutet I, Schwartz ML, Stuss DT 970372800 Journal Article
Quality of life following traumatic brain injury: A prospective study Brain and Cognition Dawson DR, Levine B, Schwartz M, Stuss DT 970372800 Journal Article
Quality of life following traumatic brain injury: A prospective study BRAIN AND COGNITION Dawson DR, Levine B, Schwartz M, Stuss DT 953874000 Abstract
The relationship between perceptual impairment and self-care status in a sample of elderly persons Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics Boyd A, Dawson DR 946702800 Journal Article
Mild traumatic brain injury from motor vehicle accidents: Factors associated with return to work Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Ruffolo CF, Friedland JF, Dawson DR, Colantonio A, Lindsay PH 922942800 Journal Article
Ventral frontal contribution to self-regulation: Convergence of episodic memory and inhibition Neurocase Levine B, Freedman M, Dawson D, Black S, Stuss DT 915166800 Journal Article
The psychosocial environment and cognitive rehabilitation in the elderly Cognitive Rehabilitation Dawson D, Winocur G, Moscovitch M 915166800 Book Chapter
Head injury in young adults: long-term outcome Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Colantonio A, Dawson DR, McLellelan B 893995200 Journal Article
Development of the power-mobility Community Driving Assessment Canadian Journal of Rehabilitation Letts L, Dawson D, Kaiserman-Goldstein E 883630800 Journal Article
Visual scanning patterns in an adult Chinese population: Preliminary normative data Occupational Therapy Journal of Research Dawson DR, TannerCohen C 881902800 Journal Article
Outcomes after head injury: level of agreement between subjects and their informants Occupational Therapy International Ocampo S, Dawson DR, Colantonio A 852094800 Journal Article
The disablement experienced by traumatically brain-injured adults living in the community. Brain Injury Dawson DR, Chipman M 788936400 Journal Article
Development of the Power-Mobility Indoor Driving Assessment for residents of long-term care facilities Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy Dawson DR, Chan R, Kaiserman E 757400400 Journal Article
An empirical approach to setting priorities within a department of rehabilitation Occupational Therapy in Health Care McColl M, Constantine G, Cornwall JE, Dawson DR, Hyatt SJ, Wester I 504939600 Journal Article

Education

  • 1999: Ph.D., Psychology, Brain & Behaviour, University of Toronto (Supervisor: Dr. Donald T. Stuss)
  • 1993: M.Sc., Epidemiology, University of Toronto (Supervisor: Prof. Mary Chipman)
  • 1979: B.S.R, Rehablitation, University of British Columbia

Academic Appointments

  • 2006–2010: Adjunct Scientist, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto
  • 2004–2010: Associate Member, Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery
  • 2002–2010: Member, Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Toronto
  • 2011–Present: Senior Scientist, Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, Toronto
  • 2000–Present: Member, Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto, Toronto
  • 1999–Present: Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto

Research Projects

External

  • 2002–2008: McDonnell 21st Century Collaborative Activity Award: Brain recovery: Return of cognitive and social function
    Collaborators: D. T. Stuss (PI) & multiple co-investigators including D.R. Dawson.

    Sponsors: McDonnell Foundation, 2,000,000 (USD)

    Role: PI on Multiple Errands Test Validation and clinical utility studies; Co-designer of psychosocial intervention to improve real-world outcomes in persons with white-matter disease.
  • 2004–2009: Rehabilitation in the real world for executive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury
    Collaborators: Dawson, D. R., Polatajko, H., & Levine, B.
    Institutions: Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

    Sponsors: Dean’s Fund, New Staff Grant, 10,000

  • 2006–2007: A real-world intervention for improving quality of life for adults with executive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury
    Collaborators: Dawson, D. R., Polatajko, H., Lemsky, C., Levine, B. & Streiner, D

    Sponsors: Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, 75,000

  • 2007–2008: Partners in Fitness: A pilot program to enhance community integration in adults with brain injury
    Collaborators: Dawson, D.R., Anderson, A., Brooks, D., Bayley, M., Bridges, L., Kumpf, J., & Marziali, E.

    Sponsors: Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, 75,000

  • 2007: Role of occupational therapists in enabling participation in valued activities and roles for adults following ABI
    Collaborators: Dawson, D.

    Sponsors: Neurotrauma Summer Student Exchange Program, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation & REPAR, Post-doctoral Fellowship Grant, 12,000

Internal

  • 2007–2008: Innovative Approaches to Enhancing Participation for Persons with Disabilities over the Lifespan
    Collaborators: Kirsh, B., Cameron, D., Cameron, J., Campbell, K., Dawson, D., Duncan, A., Mihailidis, A., Rappolt, S., Reid, D., Rigby, P., & Rappolt, S.
    Institutions: University of Toronto

    Sponsors: Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, 50,000

    internal grant

Selected Publications

  1. Dawson, D. R., Levine, B., Schwartz, M, & Stuss, D. (2004). Acute predictors of real-world outcomes following traumatic brain injury: A prospective study. Brain Injury, 18, 221-238.
  2. Dawson, D.R., *Markowitz, M., Stuss, D.T. (2005). Community integration status four years post-TBI: Participant-proxy agreement. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 20, 436-445.
  3. Burgess, P. W, Alderman, N., Forbes, C., Costello, A., Coates, L. M-A., Dawson, D. R., Anderson, N. D., Gilbert, S. J., Dumontheil, I., & Channon, S. (2006). The case for the development and use of “ecologically valid” measures of executive function in experimental and clinical neuropsychology. Journal of the International Neurospsychological Society, 12, 194-209.
  4. Ramani, M., Andrade-Souza, Y., Dawson, D., Scora, D., Tsao, M., & Schwartz, M. (2006). Neurological deficit rather obliteration determines quality of life in patients treated with radiosurgery for AVMs. Radiosurgery, 6, 231-240.
  5. *Krpan, K., Levine, B., Stuss, D., & Dawson, D.R. (2007). Executive function and coping at one-year post traumatic brain injury. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 29, 36-46.
  6. Winocur, G., Palmer, H., Dawson, D., Binns, M., Bridges, K., & Stuss, D. T. (2007). Cognitive rehabilitation in the elderly: An evaluation of psychosocial factors. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 13, 153-165.
  7. Dawson, D.R., Schwartz, M.L., Winocur, G., & Stuss, D. T. (2007). Return to Productivity following traumatic brain injury: Cognitive, psychological, physical, spiritual and environmental correlates. Disability & Rehabilitation, 29, 301-313.

View more Teaching

Curriculum Vitae

Contact

Rotman Research Institute
Baycrest, 3560 Bathurst Street, Room 756
Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1
Phone: (416)785-2500, x 2136 Email: ddawson@rotman-baycrest.on.ca

Contact Us:

3560 Bathurst Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M6A 2E1
Phone: (416) 785-2500

Baycrest is an academic health sciences centre fully affiliated with the University of Toronto

Privacy Statement | Disclaimer | © 2012 Baycrest. All Rights Reserved.