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Dr Leon Poltawski
Research Fellow
5406
+44 (0) 1392 725406
Smeall building JS01
Smeall Building, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
Office hours: I work part-time, usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Overview
I am presently part of the the Primary Care Group (PCG) of the Exeter University Medical School. Currently I am working in two studies in which the PCG is collaborating: (1) helping to conduct the process evaluation in a large national multi-centre trial of a General Practice-based intervention to improve asthma management (ARRISA-UK); and (2) recruiting and interviewing GP patients about their experience and views of online appointment-booking services (OBoE).
Prior to this I was working with Professor Colin Greaves on the the development and evaluation of a behaviour change programme to support long term weight loss maintenance (the SkiM study), and with Sarah Dean (now Professor), on development and evaluation of a rehabilitation intervention for long-term stroke survivors.
My research career began at the University of Hertfordshire physiotherapy department, where I worked with Professor Tim Watson, investigating the use of electrotherapy to promote tissue healing. This included ultrasound treatment of cutaneous side effects of apomorphone in Parkinson's disease, and microcurrent therapy for tendinpathy in chronic tennis elbow, which was the subject of my doctoral work. I then moved into the study of complex interventions, conducting qualitative investiagtions of inter-professional working for older people with complex conditions, led by professor Clare Goodman.
Through my work I have developed an interest in the psychology of health behaviour change, and in research methodologies for complex interventions. In particular, I am interested in the use of multiple forms of evidence to inform the development of behaviour change interventions; and in the use of process evaluation to assess how and in what circumstances interventions may be effective.
Qualifications
- PhD (University of Hertfordshire)
- BSc - Physiotherapy (University of Hertfordshire)
- BA - Social Sciences (Open University)
- BSc - Physics & Astrophysics (London University)
Career
Previous employment
- Secondary school and sixth form physics and science teacher (UK and Zimbabwe)
- Adult education: training volunteers for life and work in developing countries, and teaching Anatomy & Physiology.
- Project & personnel management: emergency aid to Sudan; recruitment, training, placement and support of volunteers working in developing countries
- Physiotherapist.
Research group links
Research
Research interests
- Health behaviour change
- Developing complex interventions
- Qualitative and process evaluation of complex interventions
Research projects
Current
- process evaluation in a multi-centre cluster RCT of a GP practice-based intervention to improve management of Asthma (ARRISA-UK)
- Recruitment and interviewing of patients regarding their views and experience of online booking systems at General Practices (OBoE)
Recent
- Planing and conducting Focus Groups with GPs and with patients, regarding shared decision-making in the management of multimorbidity in older patients (INVOLVE)
- Comparison of GP training in the UK with that in several othewr countries, to help streamline processes of recruitment to the UK workforce (GMAP).
- Developing and feasibility-testing a behavioural intervention to support weight loss maintenance (SkiM)
- Synthesis of evidence regarding weight loss maintenance for those at risk of cardiovascular disease
- Safety and feasibility testing of a technique for stroke survivors to get up from the floor independently (IGO)
- Development work for a trial of an RCT of a functional exercise-based programme for long-term stroke survivors (ReTrain)
- Synthesis of evidence-based guidelines for exercise after stroke,
- Synthesis of qualitative studies on the impact of upper limb impairment following stroke
- Creating an intervention content analysis tool for fidelity assessment
Grants/Funding:
- 2015 The Stroke Association
£161,180 for Community-based Rehabilitation Training after Stroke (ReTrain): a pilot RCT (Co-applicant)
- 2012 Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital--
£10,000 for safety study in floor-to-stand technique
- 2011 Stroke Research Network
£2,600 to support stroke research proposal development
- 2005 Parkinson’s Disease Society
£5,500 to support pilot trial of therapeutic ultrasound for apomorphine nodules
- 2005 Brittania Pharmaceuticals
£2,000 to support pilot trial of therapeutic ultrasound for apomorphine nodules
Research networks
Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research
CHAIN - support network for health and social care
Research grants
- 2014 The Stroke Association
Fund pilot RCT of ReTrain exercise-based intervention for Long Term Stroke Survivors - 2011 Stroke Research Network
Stroke research proposal development - 2011 Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation Trust
Support pilot study of method to teach stroke survivors to stand from floor independently - 2005 Parkinsons Disease Society
Support of pilot trial of therapeutic ultrasound for Apomorphine nodules - 2005 Britannia Pharmaceuticals
Support of pilot trial of therapeutic ultrasound for Apomorphine nodules
Publications
Key publications | Publications by category | Publications by year
Publications by category
Journal articles
Dean S, Poltawski L, Forster A, Taylor R, Spencer A, James M, Allison R, Stevens S, Norris M, Shepherd A, et al (In Press). Community-based Rehabilitation Training after stroke: protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial (ReTrain). BMJ Open Full text.
Norris M, Poltawski L, Calitri RA, Shepherd A, Dean S (In Press). Hope and despair: a qualitative exploration of the experiences and impact of trial processes in a rehabilitation trial. Trials Full text.
Shepherd A, Pulsford R, Poltawski L, Forster A, Taylor R, Spencer A, Hollands L, James M, Allison R, Norris M, et al (In Press). Physical activity, sleep, and fatigue in community dwelling Stroke Survivors. Scientific Reports Full text.
Norris M, Poltawski L, Calitri RA, Shepherd A, Dean S (In Press). The acceptability and experience of a functional training programme (ReTrain) in community dwelling stroke survivors in South West England: a qualitative study. BMJ Open Full text.
Poltawski L, Van Beurden S, Morgan-Trimmer S, Greaves C (In Press). The dynamics of decision-making in weight loss and maintenance: a qualitative enquiry. BMC Public Health Full text.
Dean S, Poltawski L, Warmoth K, Goodwin V, Stiles V, Taylor R (2019). Independently Getting Off the floor (IGO): a feasibility study of teaching people with stroke to get up after a fall. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 26 Full text.
Dean S, Poltawski L, Forster A, Taylor RS, Spencer A, James M, Allison R, Stevens S, Norris M, Shepherd AI, et al (2018). Community-based Rehabilitation Training after stroke: Results of a pilot randomised controlled trial (ReTrain) investigating acceptability and feasibility. BMJ Open Full text.
Greaves C, Poltawski L, Garside R, Briscoe S (2017). Understanding the challenge of weight loss maintenance: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research on weight loss maintenance. Health Psychol Rev, 11(2), 145-163. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.
Poltawski L, Allison R, Briscoe S, Freeman J, Kilbride C, Neal D, Turton AJ, Dean S (2016). Assessing the impact of upper limb disability following stroke: a qualitative enquiry using internet-based personal accounts of stroke survivors. DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION, 38(10), 945-951. Author URL. Full text.
Poltawski L, Boddy K, Forster A, Goodwin VA, Pavey AC, Dean S (2015). Motivators for uptake and maintenance of exercise: perceptions of long-term stroke survivors and implications for design of exercise programmes. Disabil Rehabil, 37(9), 795-801. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.
Poltawski L, Norris M, Dean S (2014). Intervention fidelity: developing an experience-based model for rehabilitation research. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 46, 609-615. Abstract. Full text.
Poltawski L, Briggs J, Forster A, Goodwin VA, James M, Taylor RS, Dean S (2013). Informing the design of a randomised controlled trial of an exercise-based programme for long term stroke survivors: lessons from a before-and-after case series study. BMC Res Notes, 6 Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Abraham C, Forster A, Goodwin VA, Kilbride C, Taylor RS, Dean S (2013). Synthesising practice guidelines for the development of community-based exercise programmes after stroke. Implement Sci, 8 Abstract. Author URL. Full text.
Abraham C, Britten N, Dean S, Greaves C, Lloyd J, Poltawski L, Wyatt KM (2012). Creating Change that Counts: Evidence-led Co-creation as a Pathway to Impact. European Health Psychologist, 14(3), 64-69.
Goodwin V, Poltawski L, Kilbride C, Abraham C, Taylor RS, Forster A, Dean SG (2012). Exercise for Stroke survivors: a synthesis of evidence-based guidelines. JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, 20, S245-S245. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Johnson M, Watson T (2012). Microcurrent therapy in the management of chronic tennis elbow: pilot studies to optimize parameters. Physiother Res Int, 17(3), 157-166. Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Ali S, Jayaram V, Watson T (2012). Reliability of sonographic assessment of tendinopathy in tennis elbow. Skeletal Radiol, 41(1), 83-89. Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Goodman C, Iliffe S, Manthorpe J, Gage H, Shah D, Drennan V (2011). Frailty scales--their potential in interprofessional working with older people: a discussion paper. J Interprof Care, 25(4), 280-286. Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Watson T (2011). Measuring clinically important change with the Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. Hand Therapy, 16(3), 52-57. Abstract.
Poltawski L, Jayaram V, Watson T (2010). Measurement issues in the sonographic assessment of tennis elbow. J Clin Ultrasound, 38(4), 196-204. Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Watson T (2009). Bioelectricity and microcurrent therapy for tissue healing: a narrative review. Physical Therapy Reviews, 14(2), 104-114.
Poltawski L, Watson T (2009). Bioelectricity and microcurrent therapy for tissue healing–a narrative review. Physical Therapy Reviews, 14(2), 104-114. Abstract.
Poltawski L, Edwards H, Todd A, Watson T, Lees A, James CA (2009). Ultrasound treatment of cutaneous side-effects of infused apomorphine: a randomized controlled pilot study. Mov Disord, 24(1), 115-118. Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Watson T, Byrne G (2008). Clinicians should enter research arena. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 15(11).
Poltawski L, Edwards H, Todd A, Watson T, James C-A, Lees A (2008). Cutaneous side effects of infused apomorphine: the patient and carer experience. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 4(12), 576-580.
Poltawski L, Watson T, Byrne G (2008). Physiotherapists' Perceptions of Problematic Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Disorders. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 437-444(10). Abstract.
Edwards H, Poltawski L, Todd A (2008). Sonographic characterisation of tissue changes associated with infused apomorphine hydrochloride: a case series. Ultrasound, 16(3), 155-159. Abstract.
Poltawski L, Watson T (2007). Relative transmissivity of ultrasound coupling agents commonly used by therapists in the UK. Ultrasound Med Biol, 33(1), 120-128. Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Watson T (2007). Transmission of therapeutic ultrasound by wound dressings (vol 19, pg 1, 2007). WOUNDS-A COMPENDIUM OF CLINICAL RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, 19(2), A8-A8. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Brayton J, Cole M (2002). Accreditation of prior learning (Multiple letters). Physiotherapy, 88(7).
POLTAWSKI L (1985). SCHOOL PHYSICS - ITS TIME FOR REVISION. NEW SCIENTIST, 107(1464), 63-64. Author URL.
Conferences
Dean S, Calitri R, Shepherd A, Hollands L, Poltawski L, James M, Allison R, Stevens S, Norris M, Spencer A, et al (2016). Community-based Rehabilitation Training after Stroke (ReTrain): Results of a pilot randomised control trial (RCT). Author URL.
Hollands H, Calitri R, Shepherd A, Poltawski L, Norris M, Taylor R, Dean S (2016). The ReTrain trial: Evaluating intervention fidelity via video analysis of the independently getting up off the floor (IGO) technique. Author URL.
Dean S, Goodwin VA, Poltawski L, Stiles VH, Taylor R (2013). The IGO study: a 'before and after' case series to assess the safety and teaching of a technique designed for people with stroke to Independently Get up Off the floor. Author URL.
Reports
Goodman C, Drennan V, Manthorpe J, Gage H, Trivedi D, Shah D, Schiebl F, Poltawski L, Handley M, Nash A, et al (2012). A study of the effectiveness of inter professional working for community dwelling older people: Final report. NIHR Service Delivery and Organisation programme, Southampton, NIHR Service Delivery and Organisation programme.
Publications by year
In Press
Dean S, Poltawski L, Forster A, Taylor R, Spencer A, James M, Allison R, Stevens S, Norris M, Shepherd A, et al (In Press). Community-based Rehabilitation Training after stroke: protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial (ReTrain). BMJ Open Full text.
Norris M, Poltawski L, Calitri RA, Shepherd A, Dean S (In Press). Hope and despair: a qualitative exploration of the experiences and impact of trial processes in a rehabilitation trial. Trials Full text.
Shepherd A, Pulsford R, Poltawski L, Forster A, Taylor R, Spencer A, Hollands L, James M, Allison R, Norris M, et al (In Press). Physical activity, sleep, and fatigue in community dwelling Stroke Survivors. Scientific Reports Full text.
Norris M, Poltawski L, Calitri RA, Shepherd A, Dean S (In Press). The acceptability and experience of a functional training programme (ReTrain) in community dwelling stroke survivors in South West England: a qualitative study. BMJ Open Full text.
Poltawski L, Van Beurden S, Morgan-Trimmer S, Greaves C (In Press). The dynamics of decision-making in weight loss and maintenance: a qualitative enquiry. BMC Public Health Full text.
2019
Dean S, Poltawski L, Warmoth K, Goodwin V, Stiles V, Taylor R (2019). Independently Getting Off the floor (IGO): a feasibility study of teaching people with stroke to get up after a fall. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 26 Full text.
2018
Dean S, Poltawski L, Forster A, Taylor RS, Spencer A, James M, Allison R, Stevens S, Norris M, Shepherd AI, et al (2018). Community-based Rehabilitation Training after stroke: Results of a pilot randomised controlled trial (ReTrain) investigating acceptability and feasibility. BMJ Open Full text.
2017
Greaves C, Poltawski L, Garside R, Briscoe S (2017). Understanding the challenge of weight loss maintenance: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research on weight loss maintenance. Health Psychol Rev, 11(2), 145-163. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.
2016
Poltawski L, Allison R, Briscoe S, Freeman J, Kilbride C, Neal D, Turton AJ, Dean S (2016). Assessing the impact of upper limb disability following stroke: a qualitative enquiry using internet-based personal accounts of stroke survivors. DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION, 38(10), 945-951. Author URL. Full text.
Dean S, Calitri R, Shepherd A, Hollands L, Poltawski L, James M, Allison R, Stevens S, Norris M, Spencer A, et al (2016). Community-based Rehabilitation Training after Stroke (ReTrain): Results of a pilot randomised control trial (RCT). Author URL.
Hollands H, Calitri R, Shepherd A, Poltawski L, Norris M, Taylor R, Dean S (2016). The ReTrain trial: Evaluating intervention fidelity via video analysis of the independently getting up off the floor (IGO) technique. Author URL.
2015
Poltawski L, Boddy K, Forster A, Goodwin VA, Pavey AC, Dean S (2015). Motivators for uptake and maintenance of exercise: perceptions of long-term stroke survivors and implications for design of exercise programmes. Disabil Rehabil, 37(9), 795-801. Abstract. Author URL. Full text.
2014
Poltawski L, Norris M, Dean S (2014). Intervention fidelity: developing an experience-based model for rehabilitation research. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 46, 609-615. Abstract. Full text.
2013
Poltawski L, Briggs J, Forster A, Goodwin VA, James M, Taylor RS, Dean S (2013). Informing the design of a randomised controlled trial of an exercise-based programme for long term stroke survivors: lessons from a before-and-after case series study. BMC Res Notes, 6 Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Abraham C, Forster A, Goodwin VA, Kilbride C, Taylor RS, Dean S (2013). Synthesising practice guidelines for the development of community-based exercise programmes after stroke. Implement Sci, 8 Abstract. Author URL. Full text.
Dean S, Goodwin VA, Poltawski L, Stiles VH, Taylor R (2013). The IGO study: a 'before and after' case series to assess the safety and teaching of a technique designed for people with stroke to Independently Get up Off the floor. Author URL.
2012
Goodman C, Drennan V, Manthorpe J, Gage H, Trivedi D, Shah D, Schiebl F, Poltawski L, Handley M, Nash A, et al (2012). A study of the effectiveness of inter professional working for community dwelling older people: Final report. NIHR Service Delivery and Organisation programme, Southampton, NIHR Service Delivery and Organisation programme.
Abraham C, Britten N, Dean S, Greaves C, Lloyd J, Poltawski L, Wyatt KM (2012). Creating Change that Counts: Evidence-led Co-creation as a Pathway to Impact. European Health Psychologist, 14(3), 64-69.
Goodwin V, Poltawski L, Kilbride C, Abraham C, Taylor RS, Forster A, Dean SG (2012). Exercise for Stroke survivors: a synthesis of evidence-based guidelines. JOURNAL OF AGING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, 20, S245-S245. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Johnson M, Watson T (2012). Microcurrent therapy in the management of chronic tennis elbow: pilot studies to optimize parameters. Physiother Res Int, 17(3), 157-166. Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Ali S, Jayaram V, Watson T (2012). Reliability of sonographic assessment of tendinopathy in tennis elbow. Skeletal Radiol, 41(1), 83-89. Abstract. Author URL.
2011
Poltawski L, Goodman C, Iliffe S, Manthorpe J, Gage H, Shah D, Drennan V (2011). Frailty scales--their potential in interprofessional working with older people: a discussion paper. J Interprof Care, 25(4), 280-286. Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Watson T (2011). Measuring clinically important change with the Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. Hand Therapy, 16(3), 52-57. Abstract.
2010
Poltawski L, Jayaram V, Watson T (2010). Measurement issues in the sonographic assessment of tennis elbow. J Clin Ultrasound, 38(4), 196-204. Abstract. Author URL.
2009
Poltawski L, Watson T (2009). Bioelectricity and microcurrent therapy for tissue healing: a narrative review. Physical Therapy Reviews, 14(2), 104-114.
Poltawski L, Watson T (2009). Bioelectricity and microcurrent therapy for tissue healing–a narrative review. Physical Therapy Reviews, 14(2), 104-114. Abstract.
Poltawski L, Edwards H, Todd A, Watson T, Lees A, James CA (2009). Ultrasound treatment of cutaneous side-effects of infused apomorphine: a randomized controlled pilot study. Mov Disord, 24(1), 115-118. Abstract. Author URL.
2008
Poltawski L, Watson T, Byrne G (2008). Clinicians should enter research arena. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 15(11).
Poltawski L, Edwards H, Todd A, Watson T, James C-A, Lees A (2008). Cutaneous side effects of infused apomorphine: the patient and carer experience. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 4(12), 576-580.
Poltawski L, Watson T, Byrne G (2008). Physiotherapists' Perceptions of Problematic Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Disorders. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 437-444(10). Abstract.
Edwards H, Poltawski L, Todd A (2008). Sonographic characterisation of tissue changes associated with infused apomorphine hydrochloride: a case series. Ultrasound, 16(3), 155-159. Abstract.
2007
Poltawski L, Watson T (2007). Relative transmissivity of ultrasound coupling agents commonly used by therapists in the UK. Ultrasound Med Biol, 33(1), 120-128. Abstract. Author URL.
Poltawski L, Watson T (2007). Transmission of therapeutic ultrasound by wound dressings (vol 19, pg 1, 2007). WOUNDS-A COMPENDIUM OF CLINICAL RESEARCH AND PRACTICE, 19(2), A8-A8. Author URL.
2002
Poltawski L, Brayton J, Cole M (2002). Accreditation of prior learning (Multiple letters). Physiotherapy, 88(7).
1985
POLTAWSKI L (1985). SCHOOL PHYSICS - ITS TIME FOR REVISION. NEW SCIENTIST, 107(1464), 63-64. Author URL.