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Professor Sanetta Du Toit

Professor of Occupational Therapy

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 3436
Mobile: 0487 725 240
Email: s.dutoit@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
Room: JO19.260  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1348-6313

Sanetta is the Professor and Discipline Lead for Occupational Therapy within the School of Medical and Health Sciences. She also holds the role of Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours program.

Background

Sanetta is a research affiliate with The University of Sydney, a senior fellow with the UK Higher Education Academy and held clinical positions in the UK, USA and South Africa. Previous roles at The University of Sydney, as Master of Occupational Therapy Program Director (2020 – 2023), Faculty of Medicine and Health Student Life Academic Director (2021 – 2023), Discipline of Occupational Therapy Student Liaison Academic for International Students (2024 - 2025) and co-chair of the University’s Mosaic Network (specially in leading the Say My Name Campaign, 2023 - 2025), reflect her active leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Research Areas and Interests

  • Aged care
  • Social approach to ageing well
  • Meaningful engagement
  • Whole environment assessments
  • Frail and vulnerable groups
  • Older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
  • Transnational caregiving
  • Qualitative research methods
  • Nominal Group Technique
  • Appreciative Inquiry

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, South Africa, 2008.
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, United Kingdom, 2001.
  • Master of Occupational Therapy, South Africa, 1998.
  • Bachelor in Occupational Therapy, South Africa, 1992.

Research Outputs

2025

Journal Articles

  • Pitout, H., Barnard-Ashton, P., Adams, F., Du Toit, S. (2025). Work Smarter Not Harder: Mapping Interprofessional Education Collaboration Core Competencies Across Curricula. Medical Science Educator, 2025(article in press), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40670-025-02337-4.

2024

Journal Articles

  • To'mah, V., Du Toit, S. (2024). Potential of virtual reality to meaningfully engage adults living with dementia in care settings: A scoping review. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 71(2), 313-339. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12916.
  • Monro, C., Mackenzie, L., Du Toit, S. (2024). The quality of residential aged care in the context of the Australian aged care reforms: A scoping review. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 43(3), 454-462. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13349.
  • Du Toit, S., Jessup, G. (2024). JAVA Memory Care program: Facilitating social and occupational engagement for older adults living with advanced dementia. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 71(1), 64-75. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12911.
  • Kilian, M., Van, dM., Du Toit, S. (2024). Evidence-Based Practice: Implementing REIS Findings in South African Aged Care Facilities. OTJR: Occupation, Participation, and Health, 44(1), 106-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492231164948.
  • Mackenzie, L., Du Toit, S., McGrath, M., Fang, Y., Loton, C. (2024). An Online, Self-Report Version of the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOME FAST-SR) to Identify Fall-Related Hazards in the Homes of Older People. Home Health Care Management and Practice, 36(2), 112-119. https://doi.org/10.1177/10848223231208025.

2023

Journal Articles

  • Angelou, K., McDonnell, C., Low, L., Du Toit, S. (2023). Promoting meaningful engagement for residents living with dementia through intergenerational programs: a pilot study. Aging & Mental Health, 27(5), 938-947. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2022.2098910.
  • Du Toit, S., Bagul, D., Jessup, G., McGrath, M. (2023). Providing culturally appropriate residential dementia care for older adults with an Indian heritage: Perspectives from Sydney-based stakeholders. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 70(2), 159-174. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12840.
  • Monro, C., Mackenzie, L., Du Toit, S., O’loughlin, K., Low, L. (2023). A Preliminary Exploration of the Impact of Aged Care Reforms on the Governance of Two Australian Residential Care Facilities. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, 9(article in press), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1177/23337214231176369.
  • Wesson, J., Du Toit, S., Wales, K., Gresham, M., Flavin, T., Brodaty, H. (2023). Australian National Aged Care Classification behaviour assessment and people living with dementia in residential aged care: Inclusive language for reform?. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 42(1), 234-240. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13142.
  • Lai, T., Raubenheimer, J., Du Toit, S. (2023). Intergenerational live-in student programmes for meaningful engagement: Creating cohesive and supportive collectives in aged-care facilities. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 70(3), 327-340. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12857.
  • Monro, C., Mackenzie, L., O'Loughlin, K., Low, L., Du Toit, S. (2023). ‘I could no longer cope at home’: Experiences of clients and families in residential aged care within the context of Australia's aged care reforms. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 42(2), 344-354. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.13159.

2022

Journal Articles

  • Pitout, H., Adams, F., Casteleijn, D., Du Toit, S. (2022). Factors to consider in planning a tailored undergraduate interprofessional education and collaborative practice curriculum: A scoping review. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 52(1), 78-95. https://doi.org/10.17159/2310-3833/2022/vol52n1a9.
  • Du Toit, S., Ng, S. (2022). Improving Care for Older Prisoners Living With Dementia in Australian Prisons: Perspectives of External Organizations. The Gerontologist, 62(4), 543-555. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnab077.
  • Patel, Y., Vassilev, I., Du Toit, S. (2022). Implementing a digital tool to support meaningful engagement with socially isolated or lonely older adults. Health and Social Care in the Community, 30(6), e6456-e6466. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.14090.
  • McGrath, M., Bagul, D., Du Toit, S. (2022). Barriers and facilitators of meaningful engagement among older migrants living with dementia in residential aged care facilities: A mixed studies systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 29(7), 530-541. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2021.1898675.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Du Toit, S., Fitch, S., Jessup, G., Low, L. (2021). The residential environment impact scale: Benefits and barriers to implementation in the Australian residential aged care facility context. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 68(6), 477-489. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12757.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Du Toit, S., Baldassar, L., Raber, C., Millard, A., Etherton-Beer, C., Buchanan, H., Du Toit, D., Collier, L., Cheung, G., Peri, K., Webb, E., Lovarini, M. (2020). Embracing Cultural Diversity – Leadership Perspectives on Championing Meaningful Engagement for Residents Living with Advanced Dementia. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 35(1), 49-67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-019-09387-3.
  • Neal, I., Du Toit, S., Lovarini, M. (2020). The use of technology to promote meaningful engagement for adults with dementia in residential aged care: A scoping review. International Psychogeriatrics, 32(8), 913-935. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610219001388.
  • Du Toit, S., Chan, Y., Jessup, G., Weaver, J. (2020). Peer-enabled staff training in residential care settings as means for promoting person-centred dementia care. Aging & Mental Health, 24(8), 1278-1287. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2019.1594163.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Van Biljon, H., Casteleijn, D., Rabothata, S., Du Toit, S. (2019). Screening fitness to drive by occupational therapists in Gauteng Public Healthcare - an Action Learning Action Research outcome. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 49(1), 4-11. https://doi.org/10.17159/2310-3833/2019/vol49n1a2.
  • Du Toit, S., Shen, X., McGrath, M. (2019). Meaningful engagement and person-centered residential dementia care: A critical interpretive synthesis. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 26(5), 343-355. https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2018.1441323.
  • Du Toit, S., Withall, A., O'Loughlin, K., Ninaus, N., Lovarini, M., Snoyman, P., Butler, T., Forsyth, K., Surr, C. (2019). Best care options for older prisoners with dementia: A scoping review. International Psychogeriatrics, 31(8), 1081-1097. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610219000681.
  • Du Toit, S., Casteleijn, D., Adams, F., Morgan-Brown, M. (2019). Occupational justice within residential aged care settings – Time to focus on a collective approach. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 82(9), 578-581. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022619840180.

2018

Journal Articles

  • Du Toit, S., McGrath, M. (2018). Dementia in prisons – enabling better care practices for those ageing in correctional facilities. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81(8), 460-462. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022617744509.
  • Du Toit, S., Honey, A. (2018). Inter-professional education – Building respect and cooperation between future health-care colleagues. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 65(6), 606-607. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12543.
  • Du Toit, S., Buchanan, H. (2018). Embracing cultural diversity: Meaningful engagement for older adults with advanced dementia in a residential care setting. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(6), TBD. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.027292.
  • Li, D., Nagarajan, S., Du Toit, S. (2018). A Pilot Investigation of Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions of Their Impact on Services to Older Adults. International Journal of Practice-Based Learning in Health and Social Care, 6(2), 14-30. https://doi.org/10.18552/ijpblhsc.v6i2.436.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Van, BH., Du Toit, S., Masango, J., Casteleijn, D. (2017). Exploring service delivery in occupational therapy: The use of convergent interviewing. Work, 57(2), 221-232. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-172557.
  • Du Toit, S., McGrath, M. (2017). A sense of belonging – How connectedness motivates engagement in meaningful activities for people with dementia. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 64(2), 198-199. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12383.

2016

Journal Articles

  • Van Biljon , HM., Casteleijn, D., Du Toit, S., Soulsby, L. (2016). Opinions of Occupational Therapists on the Positioning of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Gauteng Public Healthcare. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 46(1), 45-52. https://doi.org/10.17159/2310-3833/2016/v46n1a10.
  • Lim, J., Honey, A., Du Toit, S., Chen, Y., Mackenzie, L. (2016). Experiences of international students from Asian backgrounds studying occupational therapy in Australia. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 63(5), 303-311. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12307.

2015

Journal Articles

  • Van Biljon, H., Casteleijn, D., Du Toit, S., Rabothata, S. (2015). An Action Research Approach to Profile an Occupational Therapy Vocational Rehabilitation Service in Public Healthcare. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 45(3), 40-47. https://doi.org/10.17159/2310-3833/2015/v45n3/a8.
  • Du Toit, S., O'Connor, C. (2015). Modified activities acted as a mediator to facilitate engagement and address the needs and personal preferences of people with dementia. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 62(6), 453-454. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12246.
  • Van Biljon, HM., Casteleijn, D., Du Toit, S. (2015). Developing a report writing protocol for occupational therapy vocational rehabilitation services in Gauteng public healthcare through action research. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 45(2), 15-21. https://doi.org/10.17159/2310-3833/2015/V45N2A4.

2014

Journal Articles

  • Du Toit, S., Böning, W., Van, DM. (2014). Dignity and respect: Facilitating meaningful occupation for SeSotho elders. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 21(2), 125-135. https://doi.org/10.3109/11038128.2013.861015.
  • Thomas, C., Du Toit, S., Heerden, R. (2014). Leadership: The key to person- centred care. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 44(3), 32-40.

2012

Journal Articles

  • Du Toit, S., Surr, C. (2012). The potential of Dementia Care Mapping as a practice development tool for occupational therapists in South Africa. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 42(3), 32-39.
  • Du Toit, S., Van, dM., Boning, W., Van, dM. (2012). Potential contributing factors in the creation of a therapeutic milieu for Sesotho/Setswana elderly persons in residential care facilities in the Free Sate.. LitNet Akademies, 92(2), pp.

2011

Journal Articles

  • Du Toit, S., Wilkinson, A. (2011). Promoting an appreciation for research-related activities: The role of occupational identity. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(10), 489-493. https://doi.org/10.4276/030802211X13182481842029.
  • Du Toit, S., Surr, C. (2011). Well-being and person-centred care of people with dementia cared for in institutional settings in South Africa. World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin, 63(1), 48-54. https://doi.org/10.1179/otb.2011.63.1.009.

2010

Journal Articles

  • Du Toit, S., Wilkinson, A., Adam, K. (2010). Role of research in occupational therapy clinical practice: Applying action learning and action research in pursuit of evidence-based practice. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 57(5), 318-330. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2010.00851.x.
  • Du Toit, S., Wilkinson, A. (2010). The value of small-scale student projects in undergraduate research training; [Die waarde van kleinskaalse studenteprojekte in voorgraadse navorsingsopleiding]. Acta Academica, 42(2), 169-198.
  • Du Toit, S., Wilkinson, A. (2010). Research and Reflection: Potential Impact on the Professional Development of Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Students. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 23(5), 387-404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-010-9165-5.

2009

Journal Articles

  • Du Toit, S., Wilkinson, A. (2009). Publish or perish: A practical solution for research and publication challenges of occupational therapists in South Africa. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 39(1), pp.

2008

Journal Articles

  • Du Toit, S. (2008). Using the model of human occupation to conceptualize an occupational therapy program for blind persons in South Africa. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 22(45718), 51-61. https://doi.org/10.1080/07380570801989424.
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