Researcher biography
Dr Aplin's research focuses on the home environment in a range of health and social service contexts. This includes home modifications, occupational therapy community practice, home care and housing. Within these practice contexts her research fits within three themes, understanding, application and evaluation. 1) Understanding the experience of home or life at home and how it is impacted by services and social structures. 2) Applying findings to develop practice including assessment, interventions, practice models and training and 3) Evaluating current and developed practices within services.
A key area of research for Dr Aplin is home modification practice. Her PhD sought to understand the experience of home and how this influenced and is impacted by home modifications. Applying these findings, she developed two measurement instruments to inform decision making, and evaluate home modification practice. She has continued research into home modification practice along with other projects exploring the relationships between home and health and evaluating and developing services provided in the home including community OT practice and home care. Additionally, Tammy has research interests in assistive technology, including best practice in their provision.
Book Chapters
Aplin, Tammy, Serrata-Malfitano, Ana Paula and Barlott, Tim (2025). Evolving and pluralistic: understanding the environment in occupational therapy. Human occupation: contemporary concepts and lifespan perspectives. (pp. 431-449) edited by Ted Brown, Stephen Isbel, Louise Gustafsson, Sharon Gutman, Diane Powers Dirette, Bethan Collins and Tim Barlott. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003504610-27
Aplin, Tammy, Crawford, Emma and De Jonge, Desleigh (2021). Fundamentals of occupational therapy: understanding the environment. Occupational therapy in Australia: professional and practice issues. (pp. 229-243) edited by Ted Brown, Helen M. Bourke-Taylor, Stephen Isbel, Reinie Cordier and Louise Gustafsson. Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.
Ainsworth, Elizabeth, Aplin, Tammy, Gustafsson, Louise and de Jonge, Desleigh (2019). Literature review: home modification outcomes for older adults and adults with disabilities. An occupational therapist's guide to home modification practice. (pp. 313-335) edited by Ainsworth, Elizabeth and de Jonge, Desleigh. Thorofare, NJ United States: SLACK. doi: 10.4324/9781003525264-14
Aplin, Tammy and Tanner, Bronwyn (2019). The home environment. An occupational therapist's guide to home modification practice. (pp. 1-15) edited by Elizabeth Ainsworth and Desleigh de Jonge. Thorofare, NJ, United States: SLACK Incorporated.
Tanner, Bronwyn, de Jonge, Desleigh and Aplin, Tammy (2012). Meanings of home for older people. The international encyclopaedia of housing and home. (pp. 246-250) edited by Susan J. Smith, Lorna Fox O'Mahony, Suzanne Fitzpatrick and Robyn Dowling. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-047163-1.00368-4
Journal Articles
Aplin, Tammy, Gustafsson, Louise, Hogan, Christy, Owens, Michelle, Hayden Boyd, , Hodson, Tenelle, Shirota, Camila and Bissett, Michelle (2025). Codesigning Solutions for Assistive Technology Service Provision in Queensland, Australia. Health Expectations, 28 (3) e70322, 3. doi: 10.1111/hex.70322
Norwood, Michael, Aplin, Tammy and Gustafsson, Louise (2025). Nature-based interventions and nature interaction for people with acquired brain injury: A systematic scoping review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 104 102612, 102612-104. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102612
Aplin, Tammy, Godfrey, Maureen, De Michele, Liana, Hoffman, Amelia, Palmer, Claire, Mccormack, Christine, Halin, Courtney, King, Michelle, Nix, Jacqueline, Eldridge, Amy and Eames, Sally (2025). Supporting Occupational Therapists in Predischarge Home Visit Decision-Making: Development and Evaluation of a Decision-Making Support Tool. Occupational Therapy International, 2025 (1) 2296340, 2296340. doi: 10.1155/oti/2296340
Caine, Anne-Maree, Gustafsson, Louise, Molineux, Matthew and Aplin, Tammy (2024). Seeking residents' views regarding Australian residential aged care: a scoping review. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 43 (3), 442-453. doi: 10.1111/ajag.13344
Tan, Hwei Lan, Aplin, Tammy, McAuliffe, Tomomi, Siow, Ai Sun and Gullo, Hannah (2024). Training and learning support for people with vision impairment in the use of smartphones and applications (apps): an exploratory Australasian survey. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 71 (5), 756-770. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12972
Bryant, Chloe, Aplin, Tammy, Piantedosi, Diana K. and Setchell, Jenny (2024). “It’s not, can you do this? It’s… how do you feel about doing this?” A critical discourse analysis of sexuality support after spinal cord injury. Sexuality and Disability, 42 (2), 259-275. doi: 10.1007/s11195-024-09837-y
Rooney, Donna, Aplin, Tammy, Bennett, Sally, Gui, Dorcas Simin and Scott, Theresa (2024). Exploring occupational therapy practice in Australian residential aged care facilities: a cross‐sectional survey. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 71 (4), 578-592. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12943
Aplin, Tammy, Russi, Mark, Bryant, Emma, Frost, Dennis, Sam, Maureen Ah, Lund, Charles, Ong, Emily, Listopad, Laura and Liddle, Jacki (2024). A commitment to partnering with people with lived experience: Beginning conversations by exploring preferred language. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 71 (1), 1-3. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12934
Aplin, Tammy and Petersen, Maree (2023). Relationships between housing and health for older private renters: evidence from a pilot study in Australia. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 38 (3), 1869-1888. doi: 10.1007/s10901-022-10007-9
Tan, Hwei Lan, Aplin, Tammy, Gullo, Hannah and McAuliffe, Tomomi (2023). Training and learning support to use smartphones and apps for people with vision impairment (PVI): a multi-site qualitative study on trainers’ perspectives from Australia, Canada, and Singapore. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 42 (3), 754-768. doi: 10.1177/02646196231183891
Aplin, Tammy and Gustafsson, Louise (2023). Assistive technology funding and policy in Australia: Moving towards a healthier assistive technology ecosystem. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 70 (4), 417-419. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12895
Adalja, Bhavya, Aplin, Tammy, Sterling, Michele and Johnston, Venerina (2023). Implementation of the “clinical framework for the delivery of health services” by treating healthcare professionals: perspectives of regulators and insurers. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46 (3), 1-9. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2171496
Lee, Su Vin, Aplin, Tammy, Sefidani Forough, Aida and Steadman, Kathryn J. (2023). Perceived usability of tablet crushers: comparison of devices by people with and without limited hand functions. Pharmaceutics, 15 (2) 517, 1-13. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020517
Abedi, Masoumeh, Aplin, Tammy, Gane, Elise and Johnston, Venerina (2022). “No Man’s Land”: the experiences of persons injured in a road traffic crash wanting to return to work in Queensland, Australia. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46 (1), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2153178
Ainsworth, Elizabeth, Aplin, Tammy, de Jonge, Desleigh and Bennett, Sally (2022). Understanding home modification outcomes from the perspective of older people and people with a disability: informing home modification evaluation. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45 (24), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2146765
Aplin, Tammy and Liddle, Jacki (2022). Partnering with consumers: Do occupational therapists genuinely partner? Can we do more?. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 69 (6), 649-652. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12848
Aplin, Tammy, Lowies, Braam and McGreal, Stanley (2022). The home environment: influences on the health of young-old and old-old adults in Australia. Ageing and Society, 44 (6) PII S0144686X22000757, 1-19. doi: 10.1017/s0144686x22000757
Bryant, Chloe, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2022). Sexuality support after spinal cord injury: what is provided in Australian practice settings?. Sexuality and Disability, 40 (3), 409-423. doi: 10.1007/s11195-022-09756-w
Gustafsson, Louise, McKinstry, Carol, Buchanan, Angus, Laver, Kate, Pepin, Genevieve, Aplin, Tammy, Hyett, Nerida, Isbel, Stephen, Liddle, Jacki and Murray, Carolyn (2022). Doing, being, becoming, and belonging—A diversity, equity, and inclusion commitment. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 69 (4), 375-378. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12831
Tan, Hwei Lan, Aplin, Tammy, McAuliffe, Tomomi and Gullo, Hannah (2022). An exploration of smartphone use by, and support for people with vision impairment: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 19 (2), 1-26. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2092223
Abedi, Masoumeh, Aplin, Tammy, Gane, Elise and Johnston, Venerina (2022). Exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders in returning to work after minor to serious road traffic injuries: a qualitative study. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 33 (1), 1-14. doi: 10.1007/s10926-022-10051-w
Gane, Elise M., Plinsinga, Melanie L., Brakenridge, Charlotte L., Smits, Esther J., Aplin, Tammy and Johnston, Venerina (2021). The impact of musculoskeletal injuries sustained in road traffic crashes on work-related outcomes: a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (21) 11504, 11504. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182111504
Petersen, Maree and Aplin, Tammy (2021). Exploring older tenants’ healthy ageing in privately rented homes. Australian Social Work, 76 (1), 1-13. doi: 10.1080/0312407x.2021.1970783
Bryant, Chloe, Gustafsson, Louise, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2021). Supporting sexuality after spinal cord injury: a scoping review of non-medical approaches. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44 (19), 1-14. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1937339
Abedi, Masoumeh, Gane, Elise, Aplin, Tammy, Zerguine, Haroun and Johnston, Venerina (2021). Barriers and facilitators associated with return to work following minor to serious road traffic musculoskeletal injuries: a systematic review. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 32 (1), 13-26. doi: 10.1007/s10926-021-09994-3
Aplin, Tammy, Hoyle, Melanie, Fiechtner, Emma, Bailey, Adelle and Ainsworth, Elizabeth (2020). Home Modification Service Delivery in Australia. Journal of Aging and Environment, 34 (2), 1-20. doi: 10.1080/26892618.2020.1743512
Aplin, Tammy, Canagasuriam, Shari, Petersen, Maree and Gustafsson, Louise (2020). The experience of home for social housing tenants with a disability: security and connection but limited control. Housing and Society, 47 (63), 79-79. doi: 10.1080/08882746.2019.1697606
Coghlan, Nicole, Copley, Jodie, Aplin, Tammy and Strong, Jenny (2019). The experience of wearing compression garments after burn injury: “On the inside it is still me”. Burns, 45 (6), 1438-1446. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2018.08.014
Coghlan, Nicole, Copley, Jodie, Aplin, Tammy and Strong, Jenny (2019). How to improve compression garment wear after burns: patient and therapist perspectives. Burns, 45 (6), 1447-1455. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2019.04.018
Barlott, T., Aplin, Tammy, Catchpole, Emma, Kranz, Rebecca, Le Goullon, Damien, Toivanen, Amanda and Hutchens, Sarah (2019). Connectedness and ICT: opening the door to possibilities for people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 24 (4), 174462951983156-521. doi: 10.1177/1744629519831566
Aplin, Tammy and Ainsworth, Elizabeth (2018). Clinical utility of the In-Home Occupational Performance Evaluation (I-HOPE) for major home modification practice in Australia. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 65 (5), 431-438. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12510
Coghlan, Nicole, Copley, Jodie, Aplin, Tammy and Strong, Jenny (2017). Patient experience of wearing compression garments post burn injury: a review of the literature. Journal of Burn Care and Research, 38 (4), 260-268. doi: 10.1097/BCR.0000000000000506
Aplin, Tammy, Thornton, Heloise and Gustafsson, Louise (2017). The unique experience of home for parents and carers of children with disabilities. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 25 (4), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/11038128.2017.1280079
Williamson, Britany, Aplin, Tammy, de Jonge, Desleigh and Goyne, Matthew (2017). Tracking down a solution: exploring the acceptability and value of wearable GPS devices for older persons, individuals with a disability and their support persons. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 12 (8), 1-13. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2016.1272140
de Jonge, Desleigh, Aplin, Tammy, Larkin, Stephen and Ainsworth, Elizabeth (2016). The aesthetic appeal of assistive technology and the economic value baby boomers place on it: a pilot study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 63 (6), 415-423. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12286
Crawford, Emma, Aplin, Tammy and Rodger, Sylvia (2016). Human rights in occupational therapy education: a step towards a more occupationally just global society. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 64 (2), 129-136. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12321
Aplin, Tammy, Chien, Chi-Wen and Gustafsson, Louise (2016). Initial validation of the dimensions of home measure. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 63 (1), 47-56. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12270
Hodson, Tenelle, Aplin, Tammy and Gustafsson, Louise (2016). Understanding the dimensions of home for people returning home post stroke rehabilitation. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79 (7), 427-433. doi: 10.1177/0308022615619420
Liddle, Jacki, Liu, Xinyu, Aplin, Tammy and Gustafsson, Louise (2015). The experiences of peer leaders in a driving cessation programme. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78 (6), 383-390. doi: 10.1177/0308022614562403
Aplin, Tammy, de Jonge, Desleigh and Gustafsson, Louise (2014). Understanding home modifications impact on clients and their family's experience of home: a qualitative study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 62 (2), 123-131. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12156
Aplin, Tammy, de Jonge, Desleigh and Gustafsson, Louise (2013). Understanding the dimensions of home that impact on home modification decision making. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 60 (2), 101-109. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12022
Hoffmann, Tammy and Cochrane, Tammy (2009). What education do stroke patients receive in Australian hospitals?. Patient Education and Counselling, 77 (2), 187-191. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2009.03.009
Conference Papers
Guegan, Camilla, Bryant, Chloe, Decastro, Mikayla, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2023). Perspectives of people with lived experience of spinal cord injury on the support received for
sexuality. ANZSCoS Annual Scientific Meeting 2023, Adelaide, SA Australia, 22-24 November 2023.
Decastro, Mikayla, Bryant, Chloe, Aplin, Tammy, Guegan, Camilla and Setchell, Jenny (2023). A critical approach to exploring sexual and intimate occupations after spinal cord injury. Occupational Therapy Australia 30th National Conference and Exhibition, Cairns, QLD Australia, 21-23 June 2023. Richmond, VIC Australia: John Wiley & Sons.
Bryant, Chloe, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2021). Sexuality and intimacy support for consumers after spinal cord injury: Mixed-methods survey of health professionals. 27th Australian and New Zealand Spinal Cord Society Annual Scientific Meeting, Online, 27-29 October 2021.
Bryant, Chloe, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2021). Consumer perspectives on sexuality support after spinal cord injury: A qualitative study. 27th Australian and New Zealand Spinal Cord Society Annual Scientific Meeting, Online, 27-29 October 2021.
Bryant, Chloe, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2021). Let's talk about sex after a spinal cord injury. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Unconference, Online, 25 August 2021.
Bryant, Chloe, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2021). Provision of support for sexuality and intimacy following spinal cord injury: Qualitative investigation. ISCHP 2021, Online/Brisbane, QLD Australia, 23-25 August 2021.
Bryant, Chloe, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2021). Support for sexuality and intimacy after spinal cord injury: Perceptions on practice. Occupational Therapy Australia 29th National Conference and Exhibition, Online, 23-25 June 2021. Richmond, VIC Australia: John Wiley & Sons.
Setchell, Jenny, Bryant, Chloe and Aplin, Tammy (2021). Rethinking support for sexuality and intimacy following spinal cord injury: A theory-driven qualitative interview study. World Physiotherapy Congress, Online, 9-11 April 2021.
Bryant, Chloe, Gustafsson, Louise, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2020). Non-medical approaches to supporting sexuality after spinal cord injury: Scoping review. The Virtual OT Exchange 2020, Online, 14-15 September 2020.
Bryant, Chloe, Gustafsson, Louise, Aplin, Tammy and Setchell, Jenny (2020). Supporting sexuality after spinal cord injury: A scoping review of non-medical approaches. The 59th International Spinal Cord Society Annual Scientific Meeting, Online, 1-5 September 2020.
Aplin, Tammy, Bryant, Chloe and Gustafsson, Louise (2018). Older adult’s experience of consumer directed care: A qualitative study. The 4th International Conference of Long-Term Care Directors and Administrators, Sydney, NSW Australia, 1-3 August 2018.
Gullo, Hannah, Aplin, Tammy, Lim, Jessica and Bara, Javier (2018). Factors influencing the use of Smartwatch technology for symptom self-management. 41st Annual Brain Impairment Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 3-5 May 2018. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Gullo, Hannah, Aplin, Tammy, Lim, Jessica and Bara, Javier (2017). Factors influencing the use of smartwatch technology for symptom self-management in people with multiple sclerosis. Progress in MS Research Conference, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 11 - 13 October 2017. London, United Kingdom: Sage Publications.
Aplin, T. (2017). Beyond independence and falls: Home modification outcomes: A pilot study. Home Modifications Australia National Conference, Sydney Olympic Park, 14-15th August.
Aplin, T. (2016). Evaluating home modifications: developing an outcome measure focused on the experience of home. ARATA and Occupational Therapy Australia, Assistive Technology Conference, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 27-29 July 2016.
Aplin, T. (2016). Perspectives in home modifications: service delivery panel. NT/QLD Division Occupational Therapy Conference: Practitioners for the Future, Brisbane, Australia, 28-29 October 2016.
Aplin, T. and Ainsworth, E. (2015). Clinical utility of the in home occupational performance evaluation tool for use with people requiring environmental modifications. Occupational Therapy Australia 26th National Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne, Australia, 1-3 July 2015. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.
Canagasuriam, S., Aplin, T. and Gustafsson, L. (2015). The experience of home for adults with a disability and their families living in social housing. Occupational Therapy Australia 26th National Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 1-3 July 2015. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.
Aplin, T. (2015). What makes a place home - Exploring the dimensions of home and ageing. Occupational Therapy Australia, Occupational Therapists and Psychologists Symposium: Latest Practice in Supporting Older Australians, Brisbane, Queensland, 31st July 2015.
Aplin, T. and Gustafsson, L. (2015). Aspects of home modification service delivery impacting consumer satisfaction. Occupational Therapy Australia 26th National Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne Convention Centre, Melbourne, Australia, 1-3 July 2015. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.
Hodson, T., Gustafsson, L. and Aplin, T. (2015). How do people with stroke experience the dimensions of home after inpatient rehabilitation?. Occupational Therapy Australia 26th National Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne Convention Centre, Melbourne, Australia, 1-3 July 2015. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.
Adam, K. and Aplin, T. (2015). Enhancing contemporary curriculum content for work-related practice through educator and practitioner dialogue. Occupational Therapy Australia 26th National Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne Convention Centre, Melbourne, Australia, 1-3 July 2015. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal.
Campbell, Emma, Aplin, Tammy and Rodger, Sylvia (2015). Effectiveness of a final year occupational therapy course at fostering global citizenship through human rights education. Occupational Therapy Australia 26th National Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne, Australia, 1-3 July 2015. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12212_2
Hodson, T., Aplin, T. and Gustafsson, L. (2014). The experience of the dimensions of home after discharge from hospital rehabilitation. SMART STROKES 2014 Conference, Sydney, NSW Australia, 28-29 August 2014. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/ijs.12334
Gustafsson, Louise, Liddle, Jacki, Liang, Phyllis, Hoyle, Melanie and Aplin, Tammy (2014). The impact of UQDRIVE groups for older people on personal transport and lifestyle issues after driving cessation. WFOT 2014: 16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Yokohama, Japan, 18-21 June, 2014. Yokohama, Japan: World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Liu, Xinyu, Gustafsson, Louise, Aplin, Tammy and Liddle, Jacki (2014). Drawing on their wisdom: the experiences of peer leaders in a driving cessation program. WFOT 2014: 16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Yokohama, Japan, 18-21 June, 2014. Yokohama, Japan: World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Aplin, Tammy, Gustafsson, Louise, Chien, Chi-Wen and de Jonge, Desleigh (2014). Understanding and measuring the home environment for home modification practice: developing the Dimensions of Home Measure (DOHM). WFOT 2014: 16th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists Conference, Yokohama, Japan, 18-21 June, 2014. Yokohama, Japan: World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Aplin, Tammy, Gustafsson, Louise, Jonge, Desleighde and Chien, Chi-Wen (2013). Development and construct validity of the Dimensions of Home Measure. Occupational Therapy Australia 25th National Conference and Exhibition, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 24-26 July, 2013. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12061
Aplin, Tammy, Gustafsson, Louise, Chien, Chi-Wen and de Jonge, Desleigh (2012). Construct validity of the Dimensions of Home Measure. Occupational Therapy Australia Queensland 2012 9th State Conference, Cairns, QLD, Australia, 13-15 September, 2012.
Thesis
Aplin, Tammy Leigh (2013). Development and psychometric analysis of the Dimensions of Home Measure (DOHM): a measure of the home environment for home modification practice. PhD Thesis, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland.