Kirsten Prest
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, East London NHS Foundation Trust, University of Oxford, City, University of London
Research areas: Psychology · Clinical Psychology · Family and Disability Support Research · Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders · Nursing care and research
0000-0002-1531-0285
About
Clinical academic occupational therapist and research fellow in early childhood development and disability, specialising in community-based interventions and family-centred care for children with complex neurodisability.
Originally from South Africa and now based in London, my work focuses on supporting caregivers of children with disabilities through participatory and co-designed approaches. I am particularly interested in caregiver wellbeing, peer support, inclusive research with underserved communities, and adapting complex interventions across contexts.
My current work includes the UK adaptation and evaluation of the Baby Ubuntu caregiver support programme (“Encompass”).
Employment
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London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Research Fellow in Early Child Development and Disability2025 - Present
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East London NHS Foundation Trust Highly Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist2023 - Present
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City, University of London HARP Doctoral Research Fellow2022 - 2025
Education
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University of Oxford MSc Evidence-Based Healthcare2018 - 2020
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City, University of London
Projects & Funding
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ENCOMPASS: Adaptation and pilot testing of a group programme for caregivers of children with complex neurodisability HARP PhD Programme
Publications (11)
- Feasibility of an Adapted Participatory Group Programme for Caregivers of Children With Complex Neurodisability in the United Kingdom: Results From the Encompass‐2 Study Save
- A coadapted community-based participatory group programme for parents/carers of children with complex neurodisability (Encompass-2): a pilot and feasibility study protocol Save
- ‘There was nothing, just absolute darkness’: Understanding the needs of those caring for children and young people with complex neurodisability in a diverse UK context: A qualitative exploration in the ENCOMPASS study Save
- A co-adapted community-based participatory group programme for parents/carers of children with complex neurodisability (ENCOMPASS-2): A pilot and feasibility study protocol Save
- What are the priority needs for those caring for children and young people with complex neurodisability within an ethnically diverse UK context? - The feasibility phase of the ENCOMPASS study Save
- Understanding the facilitators and barriers of stroke survivors' adherence to recovery-oriented self-practice: a thematic synthesis. Save
- Play-based groups for children with cerebral palsy and their parents: A qualitative interview study about the impact on mothers' well-being. Save
- Adapting a Participatory Group Programme for Caregivers of Children with Complex Neurodisability from Low-, Middle-Income Countries to a High-Income Setting: Moving from “Baby Ubuntu” to “Encompass” Save
- Adapting a participatory intervention for caregivers of children with complex neurodisability from low resource to high income settings: Moving from “Baby Ubuntu” to “Encompass” Save
- Forging pathways and strengthening the AHP community in research: Sharing stories from three early career Clinical Academics Save
- Group Programmes to Improve the Skills, Confidence and Wellbeing of Caregivers of Children with Neurodisability: a Systematic Review of Effects Save