Michelle Heward

Dr Michelle Heward

  • Lecturer in Psychology
  • BGB
UN SDGs:
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Biography

Michelle Heward is Lecturer in Psychology and Deputy Co-Lead in the Ageing and Dementia Research Centre at Bournemouth University. Her research focuses on health and social care and support for older people and people with dementia and includes the evaluation of interventions. She is particularly interested in digital technologies and innovation, workforce development and service delivery, inclusive and engaging environments, and co-production and user involvement. She is a social scientist interested in inclusive approaches for research using qualitative and mixed methodologies and the delivery of training using innovative methodologies. She regularly teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate level and facilitates training sessions for care providers, public engagement events, seminars and workshops.

Michelle is passionate about user involvement in research and has experience of involving older people, people with dementia, family carers and other key stakeholders in research. Michelle established the ADRC Research Participation Group and Virtual Research Coffee Morning Series in 2021...

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Research

Digital technologies and innovation

She is currently a National Institute for Health and care Research School for Social Care ‘Individual Research Career Development Award’ holder leading a project focused on digital innovation in care homes, working with colleagues across BU as well as other external collaborators. During this project she is developing a national network of contacts to help understand the research gaps, exchange ideas and co-produce a list of priority areas of focus. The aim is to develop further opportunities for collaboration and grant applications with colleagues within and outside of BU – please get in touch if you are interested in this topic area and would like to find out more.

Her interest in digital technology stems from her Doctoral study which examined the role of information and communication technology in supporting mobility and independence in later life funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Her thesis argues that through the facilitation of virtual mobility, technology can offer older people an important alternative to physical mobility and should be explored in policies aimed at supporting older people’s well-being and social inclusion.

Workforce development and service delivery

Bournemouth University were commissioned by Health Education England (HEE) to develop and evaluate the ‘Dementia Education And Learning Through Simulation 2’ (DEALTS 2) programme. Michelle is taking a leading role in the evaluation of impact of DEALTS2 on clinical practice and has published the findings in academic journals...

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Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person's work contributes towards the following SDGs:

Good health and well-being

"Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages"

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Quality education

"Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all"

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Industry, innovation and infrastructure

"Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation"

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Reduced inequalities

"Reduce inequality within and among countries"

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Journal Articles

Conferences

  • Heward, M., Miller, P., Bradley, L., Amenyah, S., Yinusa, G., Members of ADRC Research Participation Group, 2025. Perceptions of ageing in a digital world: A co-created photovoice study. In: British Society of Gerontology Annual Conference 25/06/2025 University of Surrey.
  • Heward, M., Murphy, J., Fenge, L.-A., 2023. Engagement of people with dementia in care homes with digital technologies: A mixed methods study. In: Dementia Congress 07/11/2023 Birmingham.
  • Brittain, G., Heward, M., 2023. Experiential learning: An evaluation of a dementia training approach in a national care organisation. In: Dementia Congress 07/11/2023 Birmingham.
  • Heward, M., Fenge, L., Murphy, J., 2023. Engagement of people with dementia in care homes using digital technologies: Reflections on involving experts by experience. In: British Society of Gerontology 05/07/2023 University of East Anglia.
  • Heward, M., Adams, A., Hicks, B., Wiener, J., 2020. Manager’s experiences of supporting residents to navigate care homes. In: 15th United Kingdom Dementia Congress 10/11/2020 virtual.
  • Heward, M., Board, M., Spriggs, A., Murphy, J., 2020. Implementation and impact of ‘DEALTS2’ dementia education in acute care. In: 15th United Kindgom Dementia Congress 10/11/2020 Virtual.
  • Murphy, J., Board, M., Heward, M., 2020. Symposium: Innovative training approaches to improve care for people with dementia. In: 15th United Kingdom Dementia Congress 10/11/2020 Virtual.
  • Heward, M., Board, M., Spriggs, A., Blagden, D., Murphy, J., 2018. ‘Walking in someone else’s shoes’: humanising dementia care through simulated learning. In: Humanising Caring, Health and Wellbeing Conference 21/06/2018 Bournemouth.
  • Heward, M., Ingram, W.M., Sanders, J.L., Raftery, J., Nyman, S.R., 2018. Effective strategies to recruit people with dementia and their informal carers into a Tai Chi trial to improve balance and prevent falls. In: 19th International Conference on Falls and Postural Stability 14/09/2018 Leeds, UK.
  • Barrado-Martín, Y., Heward, M., Polman, R., Nyman, S., 2018. How is Tai Chi received by people living with dementia and their informal carers? In: 47th Annual Conference of the British Society of Gerontology (BSG2018) 04/07/2018 Manchester.
  • Board, M., Heward, M., Murphy, J., Spriggs, A., phipps, L., 2018. Getting the message across – seeing the person not the diagnosis in dementia care education. In: NetNep 2018 05/05/2018 Banff Canada.
  • Barrado-Martín, Y., Nyman, S.R., Heward, M., Polman, R., 2017. Acceptability of a tai chi intervention for people living with dementia and their informal carers. In: European Health Psychology Society 29/08/2017 Padova, Italy.
  • Heward, M., 2017. ‘Nothing about us without us’: The value of involving older people, including those with dementia, when developing technological innovations to support their health and well-being. In: British Council/Newton Fund Employing Information and Communications Technologies in Homes and Cities for the Health and Well-Being of Older People (ICT4HOP '17) 14/08/2017 Bradford.
  • Heward, M., Murphy, J., Board, M., Spriggs, A., Emerson, L., 2017. Integrating humanisation into practice: a dementia education and learning case study. In: Humanising Caring, Health and Wellbeing Conference 29/06/2017 Bournemouth.
  • Heward, M., kelly, F., 2016. Promoting excellence in hospital care for people with dementia: a UK case study. In: 26th Annual Conference of Alzheimer Europe 31/10/2016 Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Kelly, F., Heward, M., 2016. Improving the experience and outcomes of people with dementia in acute hospital. In: British Society of Gerontology Annual Conference 06/07/2016 Striling Scotland.
  • Heward, M., kelly, F., 2016. Unintended consequences: a dichotomy between ethics and practice for practitioners and professionals. In: Everyday Ethical Dilemmas in Healthcare: Power, Politics and Practices Conference 10/05/2016 London.
  • Heward, M., kelly, F., 2016. Fire safety in the home: local lessons - global reach. In: 31st International Conference of Alzheimer's Disease International 21/04/2016 Budapest, Hungary.
  • Heward, M., Kelly, F., 2015. Fire risks and safety strategies in the homes of people with dementia. In: 25th Alzheimer Europe Conference 02/09/2015 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
  • Heward, M., Cutler, C., Innes, A., Hambidge, S., 2015. Making a difference: Can ‘Dementia Friendly Communities’ increase awareness of dementia and help people affected by the condition to feel supported and valued within their community? In: 25th Alzheimer Europe Conference 02/09/2015 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
  • Heward, M., 2014. Museums and dementia: Current research and approaches to evaluating work with people affected by dementia. In: Arts and Health South West 9th Annual Conference 20/11/2014 Taunton.
  • Bray, J., Heward, M., Evans, S., Nyman, S., Innes, A., 2014. The social care and support needs of adults with concurrent dementia and visual impairment. In: UK Dementia Congress 10/11/2014 Brighton.
  • Heward, M., Cutler, C., Innes, A., Hambidge, S., 2014. What makes a Dementia-Friendly Community? Findings from the Dorset Dementia-Friendly Community (DDFC) project evaluation. In: United Kingdom Dementia Congress 10/11/2014 Brighton.
  • Nyman, S., Evans, S., Innes, A., Bray, J., Heward, M., 2014. The Social Care and Support Needs of adults with concurrent Dementia and Sight Loss. In: Alzheimer’s Europe 20/10/2014 Glasgow.
  • Heward, M., Palfreman-Kay, J., Innes, A., Hambidge, S., 2014. Exploring the use of video within social media as a method to raise awareness and challenge gaps in perceptions and understanding of dementia. In: British Society of Gerontology Annual conference, 01/09/2014 Southampton.
  • Nyman, S., Innes, A., Heward, M., 2014. Developing best practice in social care and support for adults with concurrent sight loss and dementia within different housing settings. In: North Sea European Dementia Conference 01/05/2014 France.
  • Heward, M., 2014. Dementia Friendly Environments. In: South Health Care Expo 24/04/2014 Cardiff.

Reports

  • Heward, M., Bradley, L., Yinusa, G., Board, M., Murphy, J., Wiener, J., 2023. Evaluation of the Four Seasons Health Care Group Training Strategy "Our Approach to Dementia Care". Bournemouth University.
  • Heward, M., Bradley, L., Yinusa, G., Board, M., Murphy, J., Wiener, J., 2023. Evaluation of the Four Seasons Health Care Group Training Strategy "Our Approach to Dementia Care". Bournemouth University.
  • Heward, M., Bradley, L., Ellis-Hill, C., 2023. Evaluation of Drumming for Dementia online course. Bournemouth University.
  • Heward, M., Kelly, F., 2017. Fire Safety Innovations for People Affected by Dementia - Evaluation Report. Bournemouth Univeristy.
  • Heward, M., Kelly, F., 2016. Evaluation of Acute Care Development Programme - Detailed Report. Bournemouth University.
  • Heward, M., Kelly, F., Innes, A., Reynolds, L., Cutts, W., 2016. Stepping into Nature: Evaluation Report on Focus Group findings. Bournemouth University.
  • Heward, M., kelly, F., 2015. Fire Safety Innovations for People Affected by Dementia – Report on the focus group and survey findings. Bournemouth University.
  • Heward, M., Kelly, F., Innes, A., 2015. Strategic Clinical Network: Dementia Pathway Redesign - Report on the Focus Group Findings. Bournemouth University.
  • Heward, M., kelly, F., innes, A., 2014. Strategic Clinical Network: Dementia Pathway Redesign – Literature Review. Bournemouth University.
  • Innes, A., Cutler, C., Heward, M., Hambidge, S., 2014. Dorset Dementia Friendly Communities Project: Final Evaluation Report. Bournemouth University.
  • Innes, A., Nyman, S., Heward, M., 2014. Developing best practice in social care and support for adults with concurrent sight loss and dementia within different housing settings: Report of the analysis of interviews with people with dementia and concurrent sight loss. Bournemouth University.

Posters

  • Heward, M., Board, M., Spriggs, A., Murphy, J., 2021. Implementation and impact of Dementia Education And Learning Through Simulation 2 (DEALTS2) programme. In: Health Education England South West Digital and Workforce Showcase.
  • Heward, M., Board, M., Spriggs, A., Blagden, D., Murphy, J., 2019. Implementation and evaluation of Dementia Education And Learning Through Simulation 2 (DEALTS2) Programme. In: Alzheimer's Society Annual Conference.
  • Heward, M., Board, M., Spriggs, A., Blagden, D., Murphy, J., 2018. Implementation and evaluation of Dementia Education and Learning Through Simulation 2 (DEALTS 2) programme. In: 13th UK Dementia Congress 2018.
  • Barrado-Martin, Y., Heward, M., Polman, R., Nyman, S.R., 2018. What are the views of people living with dementia and their informal carers getting involved in Tai Chi practice? In: Alzheimer Europe conference.
  • Barrado-Martín, Y., Heward, M., Polman, R., Nyman, S.R., 2018. How is Tai Chi received by people living with dementia and their informal carers? In: European Falls Festival.
  • Heward, M., Cutler, C., Innes, A., Hambidge, S., 2014. Making a difference: Can ‘Dementia Friendly Communities’ increase awareness of dementia and help people affected by the condition to feel supported and valued within their community? In: Dementia: Improving quality through collaboration across Wessex.

Others

  • Heward, M., Moore, S., 2016. Fire safety in the homes of people with dementia. Emergency Services Times. Published.
  • Heward, M., Nyman, S., Innes, A., 2015. Care and support needs of people with dementia and sight loss. Innov-Age. Published.

PhD Students

  • Abiodun Adedeji, 2028. Effectiveness of Digital Interventions for Managing Dementia in Older Adults in Nigeria: Perspectives Regarding Design of Integrated Care Systems, (In progress)
  • Yolanda Barrado-Martín, 2020. Process evaluation of a Tai Chi exercise intervention to prevent falls among older people with dementia, (Completed)

Grants

  • Perceptions of ageing in a digital world: A project co-produced with older people (British Society of Gerontology Averil Osborn Award for Participatory Research, 01 May 2024). In Progress
  • Digital Futures in Dementia Care: Identifying innovation and priorities for research in care homes (NIHR SSCR Individual Research Career Development Award, 01 Nov 2022). In Progress
  • Healthy Brain Healthy Life (Alzheimer's Research UK, 01 May 2022). Completed
  • Evaluation of Drumming for Dementia course (Nature Therapy Community Interest Company, 01 Oct 2021). In Progress
  • Improving dementia diagnosis through older adult’s navigation experiences (Alzheimer's Research UK, 01 Jun 2021). In Progress
  • Minimising disorientation in care homes: Experiences of care home staff (ACORN Early Carer Researcher Development Fund, Bournemouth University, 10 May 2018). Completed
  • Employing Information and Communications Technologies in Homes and Cities for the Health and Well-Being of Older People (ICT4HOP '17) (British Council/Newton Fund Researcher Links Workshop, 14 Nov 2017). Completed
  • Dementia Education And Learning Through Simulation 2 (DEALTS 2) Programme (Health Education England, 01 Dec 2016). In Progress
  • Evaluation of Acute Care Development Programme (Wessex Academic Health Sciences Network, 01 Sep 2015). Completed
  • Fire Safety Innovations for People Affected by Dementia (Inspired by 2012: Health and Wellbeing Legacy Fund, 01 Mar 2015). Completed
  • Living Well with Dementia Video Project (BU, Healthwatch Dorset, 05 Jan 2014). Completed
  • Living Well with Dementia Video Project (BU, Healthwatch Dorset, 05 Jan 2014). Completed

Internal Responsibilities

  • Co-Chair, Bournemouth University Research Staff Association
  • Research Staff Representative, Research Concordat Steering Group (RCSG)
  • Research Staff Representative, University Research and Professional Practice Committee (URPPC).

Attended Training

  • Public and Patient Involvement Training: Skills-based sessions for researchers, 02 Jul 2020

Memberships

The data on this page was last updated at 22:00 on February 13, 2026.