![Carly Reagon](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/1978?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Dr Carly Reagon
(she/her)
- Media commentator
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Teams and roles for Carly Reagon
Senior Lecturer: Occupational Therapy
Overview
I am a senior lecturer in occupational therapy with a background in physical health rehabilitation. Before commencing my PhD in Cardiff, I was an occupational therapist working in Southampton Primary Care Trust. I currently teach on the BSc, PgDip, and MSc occupational therapy programmes within the School and manage the MSc in Occupational Therapy (post registration). I also supervise a number of PhD students. My research interests lie predominantly in arts and wellbeing, specifically how music and literature can be used to promote healthy and meaningful lives.
Publication
2025
- Cope, R. and Reagon, C. 2025. A qualitative study into the experiences of occupational therapists in addressing bed positioning needs across a range of clinical settings in an area of Wales. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 88 (7), pp.408-419. (10.1177/03080226241306590)
2024
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2024. A kaleidoscope of well-being to authentically represent the voices of children and young people with complex cerebral palsy: a case study series. Disability and Rehabilitation 46 (7), pp.1339-1353. (10.1080/09638288.2023.2194680)
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2024. The use of creative case studies to explore non-verbal and non-ambulant children and young people’s well-being. Physiotherapy 123 , pp.1-10. (10.1016/j.physio.2023.10.006)
2023
- Cable, M. et al. 2023. Experiences of early-career nurses working in specialist adolescent/young adult cancer units: A narrative inquiry. Journal of Advanced Nursing 79 (8), pp.2871-2885. (10.1111/jan.15488)
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2023. Authentic methods to explore their health and well-being effects from participation in recreational activities, with non-verbal and non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy-a case series design.. Presented at: 21st International COMET Conference University of Cork, Ireland 20-22 June 2023.
2022
- Baillie, J. et al. 2022. An innovation project to enhance students' experiences of a postgraduate research programme. Presented at: NET2022 Conference Lancaster, England 06-07 September 2022.
- Cable, M. et al. 2022. The experiences of early career nurses working in specialist adolescent/young adult cancer units: a narrative inquiry. Presented at: RCN International Nursing Research Conference Cardiff, UK 5-6 Sept 2022.
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2022. A kaleidoscope of well-being to represent the participation in recreational activities of children and young people with complex cerebral palsy.. Presented at: Combined 11th Australasia Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and the 3rd International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disabilities Conference ‘BETTER TOGETHER’ Online 1-5th March 2022.
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2022. Using a creative case study method to explore non-verbal and non-ambulant children’s well-being experiences from their participation in recreational activities. Presented at: CP-Achieve webinar series online 20 June 2022.
- Reagon, C. 2022. Occupational therapists must embrace rapid change for a sustainable future. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 85 (10), pp.745-746. (10.1177/03080226221111956)
2021
- Csontos, J. et al. 2021. Cancer memory mate: implementing a healthcare innovation to support the management of cancer treatments and side effects in people with memory problems in South Wales, UK. Presented at: 2021 UKONS Annual Conference Virtual 11-13 November 2021.
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2021. Children and youth with cerebral palsy's(GMFCS III-V)voices about the well-being effects from their level of participation in recreational activities. Presented at: 2021 CPISRA Conference on Physical Activity and Health for People with Cerebral Palsy or Acquired Brain Injury Virtual 8-11 December 2021.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2021. Voices of disabled children about their well-being from their level of participation in recreational activities. Presented at: Children & Young People’s Mental Health Early Career Researchers’ Forum Online 23 and 24th September 2021.
- Vaughan-Horrocks, H. , Reagon, C. and Seymour, A. 2021. The experiences of veterans with mental health problems participating in an occupational therapy and resilience workshop intervention: an exploratory study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 84 (9), pp.531-540. (10.1177/0308022620977818)
2019
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. The authenticity of using visual data to represent the emotional well-being of children and young people with cerebral palsy. Presented at: Physiotherapy UK Birmingham, UK 1-2 November 2019.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. Audio and visual data to represent the emotional well-being from disabled children and young people’s participation in recreational activities. Presented at: Childhood and Youth Research Group Cardiff, UK 12 June 2019.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. The authenticity of using visual data to represent the emotional well-being of children and young people with cerebral palsy. Presented at: American Association of cerebral palsy and developmental medicine Anaheim, USA 18-21 September 2019. , pp.-.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. The authenticity of visual methods with disabled children and young people who seek to participate in recreational activities.. Presented at: Qualitative Research Symposium, University of Bath Bath, UK 30 January 2019.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. The authenticity of visual methods with disabled children and young people who seek to participate in recreational activities. Presented at: Postgraduate Research Symposium, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK 10 April 2019.
2018
- Pickering, D. et al. 2018. An ethical dilemma: How can we authentically represent the voices of disabled children and young people who use communication aids?. Presented at: Communication , Medicine and Ethics international conference University of Birmingham 26 June 2018.
2017
- Pickering, D. et al. 2017. 'Dragons and couch potatoes': Meanings of participation using metaphors from children and young people with cerebral palsy.. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability Amsterdam. The Netherlands 17-20 May 2017.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2017. Voices and choices for disabled children and young people about participation in recreational activities: Creating their future stories with collage.. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability Amsterdam, The Netherlands 17-20 May 2017.
- Reagon, C. et al. 2017. Choir singing and health status in people affected by cancer. European Journal of Cancer Care 26 (5) e12568. (10.1111/ecc.12568)
2016
- Morgan, D. , Reagon, C. and Boniface, G. 2016. The effects of adapting their home on the meaning of home for families with a disabled child. Disability & Society 31 (14), pp.481-496. (10.1080/09687599.2016.1183475)
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2016. Participatory methods to explore the ‘Lifeworld’ and views of children and young people with cerebral palsy about ‘Participation’ in recreational activities. Presented at: Innovative Research methods with Children and Young People Cardiff 25 April 2016.
- Reagon, C. et al. 2016. A mixed-method systematic review to investigate the effect of group singing on health related quality of life. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 27 , pp.1-11. (10.1016/j.ctim.2016.03.017)
2015
- Boniface, G. et al. 2015. Developing an occupation- and recovery-based outcome measure for people with mental health conditions: An action research study.. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 78 (4), pp.222-231. (10.1177/0308022614562788)
2014
- Reagon, C. et al. 2014. A research study to investigate the effect of choral singing on quality of life of people affected by cancer. Presented at: Science of Singing Health and Wellbeing Symposium Royal College of Music, London, UK 9-10 Sept 2014. , pp.505-509.
2012
- Gale, N. et al. 2012. A pilot investigation of quality of life and lung function following choral singing in cancer survivors and their carers. ecancermedicalscience 6 261. (10.3332/ecancer.2012.261)
2011
- Reagon, C. 2011. The changing role of occupational therapy in vocational rehabilitation: reflections on an evaluation of Condition Management Programmes. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 74 (6), pp.309-311. (10.4276/030802211X13074383958066)
- Reagon, C. 2011. Vocational rehabilitation in Wales: A Mixed method Evaluation of Condition Management Programmes. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research 34 (1), pp.22-28. (10.1097/MRR.0b013e3283419483)
- Squire, R. E. and Reagon, C. 2011. Work matters in inflammatory arthritis: a preliminary study of the role of occupational therapists. Presented at: 'Working in Partnership' Conference Cardiff, UK 28 September 2011.
2010
- Reagon, C. , Bellin, J. W. and Boniface, G. 2010. Challenging the dominant voice: the multiple evidence sources of occupational therapy. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 73 (6), pp.284-286. (10.4276/030802210X12759925469069)
2009
- Reagon, C. 2009. An evaluation of three condition management programmes in Wales. Presented at: Devolution and Divergence: Heath and Social Care in the United Kingdom Cardiff, UK 30 November - 1 December 2009.
- Reagon, C. 2009. Using mixed methods to investigate condition management programmes. Presented at: School of Healthcare Studies Research Conference, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK 20 November 2009.
2008
- Boniface, G. et al. 2008. Using Theory to Underpin an Integrated Occupational Therapy Service through the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 71 (12), pp.531-539. (10.1177/030802260807101206)
- Reagon, C. 2008. Reflections on the use of focus groups and interview data to uncover perceptions of evidence-based practice by occupational therapists. Presented at: School of Healthcare Studies Research Conference, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK 21 November 2008.
- Reagon, C. , Bellin, J. W. and Boniface, G. 2008. Reconfiguring Evidence-Based Practice for Occupational Therapists. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation 15 (10), pp.428-436.
- Reagon, C. , Bellin, W. and Boniface, G. 2008. Reconfiguring evidence-based practice for occupational therapists. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation 15 (10), pp.428-436.
- Reagon, C. and Vincent, C. 2008. An exploration of condition management programmes in Wales. Presented at: Qualitative Research Conference, Bournemouth University Bournemouth, UK 8 - 10 September 2008.
2007
- Reagon, C. 2007. Evidence-based practice for use in occupational therapy. Presented at: College of Occupational Therapy Annual Conference Manchester, UK 19-22 June 2007.
2006
- Reagon, C. 2006. Reconfiguring evidence-based practice for use in occupational therapy. Presented at: The British Psychological Society Annual Conference Cardiff, UK 30 March- 1 April 2006.
Articles
- Boniface, G. et al. 2008. Using Theory to Underpin an Integrated Occupational Therapy Service through the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 71 (12), pp.531-539. (10.1177/030802260807101206)
- Boniface, G. et al. 2015. Developing an occupation- and recovery-based outcome measure for people with mental health conditions: An action research study.. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 78 (4), pp.222-231. (10.1177/0308022614562788)
- Cable, M. et al. 2023. Experiences of early-career nurses working in specialist adolescent/young adult cancer units: A narrative inquiry. Journal of Advanced Nursing 79 (8), pp.2871-2885. (10.1111/jan.15488)
- Cope, R. and Reagon, C. 2025. A qualitative study into the experiences of occupational therapists in addressing bed positioning needs across a range of clinical settings in an area of Wales. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 88 (7), pp.408-419. (10.1177/03080226241306590)
- Gale, N. et al. 2012. A pilot investigation of quality of life and lung function following choral singing in cancer survivors and their carers. ecancermedicalscience 6 261. (10.3332/ecancer.2012.261)
- Morgan, D. , Reagon, C. and Boniface, G. 2016. The effects of adapting their home on the meaning of home for families with a disabled child. Disability & Society 31 (14), pp.481-496. (10.1080/09687599.2016.1183475)
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2024. A kaleidoscope of well-being to authentically represent the voices of children and young people with complex cerebral palsy: a case study series. Disability and Rehabilitation 46 (7), pp.1339-1353. (10.1080/09638288.2023.2194680)
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2024. The use of creative case studies to explore non-verbal and non-ambulant children and young people’s well-being. Physiotherapy 123 , pp.1-10. (10.1016/j.physio.2023.10.006)
- Reagon, C. et al. 2017. Choir singing and health status in people affected by cancer. European Journal of Cancer Care 26 (5) e12568. (10.1111/ecc.12568)
- Reagon, C. 2022. Occupational therapists must embrace rapid change for a sustainable future. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 85 (10), pp.745-746. (10.1177/03080226221111956)
- Reagon, C. 2011. The changing role of occupational therapy in vocational rehabilitation: reflections on an evaluation of Condition Management Programmes. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 74 (6), pp.309-311. (10.4276/030802211X13074383958066)
- Reagon, C. 2011. Vocational rehabilitation in Wales: A Mixed method Evaluation of Condition Management Programmes. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research 34 (1), pp.22-28. (10.1097/MRR.0b013e3283419483)
- Reagon, C. , Bellin, J. W. and Boniface, G. 2010. Challenging the dominant voice: the multiple evidence sources of occupational therapy. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 73 (6), pp.284-286. (10.4276/030802210X12759925469069)
- Reagon, C. , Bellin, J. W. and Boniface, G. 2008. Reconfiguring Evidence-Based Practice for Occupational Therapists. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation 15 (10), pp.428-436.
- Reagon, C. , Bellin, W. and Boniface, G. 2008. Reconfiguring evidence-based practice for occupational therapists. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation 15 (10), pp.428-436.
- Reagon, C. et al. 2016. A mixed-method systematic review to investigate the effect of group singing on health related quality of life. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 27 , pp.1-11. (10.1016/j.ctim.2016.03.017)
- Vaughan-Horrocks, H. , Reagon, C. and Seymour, A. 2021. The experiences of veterans with mental health problems participating in an occupational therapy and resilience workshop intervention: an exploratory study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy 84 (9), pp.531-540. (10.1177/0308022620977818)
Conferences
- Baillie, J. et al. 2022. An innovation project to enhance students' experiences of a postgraduate research programme. Presented at: NET2022 Conference Lancaster, England 06-07 September 2022.
- Cable, M. et al. 2022. The experiences of early career nurses working in specialist adolescent/young adult cancer units: a narrative inquiry. Presented at: RCN International Nursing Research Conference Cardiff, UK 5-6 Sept 2022.
- Csontos, J. et al. 2021. Cancer memory mate: implementing a healthcare innovation to support the management of cancer treatments and side effects in people with memory problems in South Wales, UK. Presented at: 2021 UKONS Annual Conference Virtual 11-13 November 2021.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. The authenticity of using visual data to represent the emotional well-being of children and young people with cerebral palsy. Presented at: Physiotherapy UK Birmingham, UK 1-2 November 2019.
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2022. A kaleidoscope of well-being to represent the participation in recreational activities of children and young people with complex cerebral palsy.. Presented at: Combined 11th Australasia Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and the 3rd International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disabilities Conference ‘BETTER TOGETHER’ Online 1-5th March 2022.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2018. An ethical dilemma: How can we authentically represent the voices of disabled children and young people who use communication aids?. Presented at: Communication , Medicine and Ethics international conference University of Birmingham 26 June 2018.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. Audio and visual data to represent the emotional well-being from disabled children and young people’s participation in recreational activities. Presented at: Childhood and Youth Research Group Cardiff, UK 12 June 2019.
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2023. Authentic methods to explore their health and well-being effects from participation in recreational activities, with non-verbal and non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy-a case series design.. Presented at: 21st International COMET Conference University of Cork, Ireland 20-22 June 2023.
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2021. Children and youth with cerebral palsy's(GMFCS III-V)voices about the well-being effects from their level of participation in recreational activities. Presented at: 2021 CPISRA Conference on Physical Activity and Health for People with Cerebral Palsy or Acquired Brain Injury Virtual 8-11 December 2021.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2017. 'Dragons and couch potatoes': Meanings of participation using metaphors from children and young people with cerebral palsy.. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability Amsterdam. The Netherlands 17-20 May 2017.
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2016. Participatory methods to explore the ‘Lifeworld’ and views of children and young people with cerebral palsy about ‘Participation’ in recreational activities. Presented at: Innovative Research methods with Children and Young People Cardiff 25 April 2016.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. The authenticity of using visual data to represent the emotional well-being of children and young people with cerebral palsy. Presented at: American Association of cerebral palsy and developmental medicine Anaheim, USA 18-21 September 2019. , pp.-.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. The authenticity of visual methods with disabled children and young people who seek to participate in recreational activities.. Presented at: Qualitative Research Symposium, University of Bath Bath, UK 30 January 2019.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2019. The authenticity of visual methods with disabled children and young people who seek to participate in recreational activities. Presented at: Postgraduate Research Symposium, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK 10 April 2019.
- Pickering, D. , Gill, P. and Reagon, C. 2022. Using a creative case study method to explore non-verbal and non-ambulant children’s well-being experiences from their participation in recreational activities. Presented at: CP-Achieve webinar series online 20 June 2022.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2017. Voices and choices for disabled children and young people about participation in recreational activities: Creating their future stories with collage.. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability Amsterdam, The Netherlands 17-20 May 2017.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2021. Voices of disabled children about their well-being from their level of participation in recreational activities. Presented at: Children & Young People’s Mental Health Early Career Researchers’ Forum Online 23 and 24th September 2021.
- Reagon, C. 2009. An evaluation of three condition management programmes in Wales. Presented at: Devolution and Divergence: Heath and Social Care in the United Kingdom Cardiff, UK 30 November - 1 December 2009.
- Reagon, C. 2007. Evidence-based practice for use in occupational therapy. Presented at: College of Occupational Therapy Annual Conference Manchester, UK 19-22 June 2007.
- Reagon, C. 2006. Reconfiguring evidence-based practice for use in occupational therapy. Presented at: The British Psychological Society Annual Conference Cardiff, UK 30 March- 1 April 2006.
- Reagon, C. 2008. Reflections on the use of focus groups and interview data to uncover perceptions of evidence-based practice by occupational therapists. Presented at: School of Healthcare Studies Research Conference, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK 21 November 2008.
- Reagon, C. 2009. Using mixed methods to investigate condition management programmes. Presented at: School of Healthcare Studies Research Conference, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK 20 November 2009.
- Reagon, C. et al. 2014. A research study to investigate the effect of choral singing on quality of life of people affected by cancer. Presented at: Science of Singing Health and Wellbeing Symposium Royal College of Music, London, UK 9-10 Sept 2014. , pp.505-509.
- Reagon, C. and Vincent, C. 2008. An exploration of condition management programmes in Wales. Presented at: Qualitative Research Conference, Bournemouth University Bournemouth, UK 8 - 10 September 2008.
- Squire, R. E. and Reagon, C. 2011. Work matters in inflammatory arthritis: a preliminary study of the role of occupational therapists. Presented at: 'Working in Partnership' Conference Cardiff, UK 28 September 2011.
Research
My PhD was a qualitative exploration of evidence-based practice using a case study design. My thesis focused upon the ways in which therapists construct their knowledge base and how this, in turn, influences their practice. Following this, I have developed research projects looking at various aspects of healthcare, specifically around organisation of services. This includes acting as principal and co-investigator on the following funded studies: investigating the effectiveness of a vocational rehabilitation programme; developing an outcome measure for mental health service users; evaluating a mental health service; investigating the unique focus and future development of a cancer charity.
I have a particular interest in the arts and how these contribute to improved health and wellbeing. I have led the qualitative phase of two related mixed methods investigations of choir singing for people affected by cancer. This research was presented as part of a Channel 4 documentary and radio broadcast. As a fiction author, published by Little, Brown, I am currently exploring the wellbeing effects of creative writing. I am interested in supervising PhD students who are interested in exploring these (or related) areas.
- 2019 – 2021 (Co-investigator): Tenovus Unique Contribution Study. Funded by Tenovus
- 2015-2016 (Co-investigator): Extended study to investigate choir singing on quality of life for people affected by cancer. Funded by Tenovus
- 2012-2015 (Co-Investigator): A study to investigate the effect of choral singing on quality of life, self-esteem and empowerment and the factors which underlie these effects in both patients previously diagnosed with cancer, and their carers. Funded by Tenovus.
- 2012-2013 (Principal Investigator): An action research study to identify and pilot an outcome measure for an occupation and recovery based service for people with mental health conditions. Funded by UK Occupational Therapists Research Foundation, Institute of Social Psychiatry Scholarship
- 2011-2012 (Co-investifator): An evaluation of Mind Monmouthshire's Hiway Service. Funded by Mind Monmouthshire.
- 2008-2010 (Principal Investigator) Condition Management Programme research: a mixed-method evaluation of NHS Condition Management Programmes which aim to enable those claiming incapacity benefits to better understand and manage their health condition. This research combined interviews with managers, healthcare professionals, and clients with analysis of outcome measure data (SF36v2, GSES, and HADS). Funded by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg, Cwm Taf and Hywel Dda Health Boards.
- 2006-2008 (Research officer) Demand management - a comparative, multi-method study of referral management centres: an evaluation of three comparative systems of GP referral to secondary care using interviews, observation, and analysis of routine data. Funded by AWARD.
- 2003-2006 (PhD Student) Reconfiguring Evidence Based Practice for use by Occupational Therapists. Funded by the School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University.
Teaching
I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching and teach across the range of occupational therapy programmes within the School of Healthcare Sciences. I also supervise PhD students and co-manage the MSc Occupational Therapy (post registration) programme.
Biography
After studying for degrees in theology and occupational therapy, I worked as an occupational therapist in orthopaedic rehabilitation. In 2003 I undertook a postgraduate diploma in social science research methods and commenced a PhD in Healthcare Sciences at Cardiff University. My doctoral thesis was an investigation of the concept of evidence-based practice in an occupational therapy setting. In 2025 I completed a second PhD in English/Creative Writing at University of South Wales focusing on depictions of space and place in contemporary ghost novels.
I took up my current teaching position in the School of Healthcare Sciences in March 2008 after working as a research officer in the School of Medicine. I teach on BSc and MSc level courses and undertake a range of research activities including supervision of postgraduate research students. I have a particular interest in arts and health.
Supervisions
I am interested in supervising PhD students with the following interests:
- Qualitative research
- Mixed methods research
- Experience of health, wellbeing and illness
- Arts and health
