About

I am a Senior Lecturer in Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Derby, where my applied health research focuses on rehabilitation, digital health, ageing, and assistive technologies. My work aims to improve functional independence, mobility, and quality of life for people living with long-term conditions.

My research brings together two connected strands: applied health research in rehabilitation outcomes, digital health and self-management for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, and ageing and frailty; and the design, evaluation, and clinical use of prosthetic, orthotic, and assistive technologies. I am particularly interested in developing and evaluating interventions that support community-based care, self-management, and participation for people with complex health needs. I also increasingly embed patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in shaping research priorities, study design, and the interpretation of findings.

As a Health and Care Professions Council–registered prosthetist/orthotist, I worked clinically before joining the University in 2016, supporting people with mobility impairments arising from musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. This clinical experience continues to inform my research on rehabilitation pathways, mobility, and functional outcomes.

I have authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications and serve as Associate Editor for Prosthetics and Orthotics International. I welcome opportunities for collaboration and PhD supervision in rehabilitation research, digital health, prosthetics and orthotics, long-term condition management, and ageing and frailty.

Research interests

My research aims to improve functional independence, mobility, and quality of life for people living with long-term conditions. I use both quantitative and qualitative methods to develop and evaluate complex interventions, assistive technologies, and models of health service delivery. My work is increasingly co-designed with patients and the public and delivered in partnership with clinical and community organisations.

My research interests include:

• Rehabilitation outcomes and functional independence
• Ageing, frailty, and community-based care
• Digital health and self-management for long-term conditions
• Prosthetics, orthotics, and assistive technologies
• Musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation
• Evidence synthesis and complex intervention evaluation
• Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in research design

Recent publications

I have authored more than 35 peer-reviewed publications spanning rehabilitation outcomes, digital health, ageing and frailty, and prosthetics and orthotics. My work includes feasibility and pilot trials, advanced evidence synthesis (including pairwise and network meta-analysis), health services research, and the evaluation of rehabilitation interventions for people living with long-term conditions. My research has been published in journals including Multiple Sclerosis Journal, Behaviour Research & Therapy, Journal of Medical Internet Research, and BMC Geriatrics, and is cited internationally.

Selected recent publications include:

• Safari R, Jackson J, Boole L. Comprehensive geriatric assessment delivered by advanced nursing practitioners within a primary care setting: a mixed-methods pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics. 2023;23:513.
• Harrison AM, Safari R, Mercer T, et al. Which exercise and behavioural interventions show most promise for treating fatigue in multiple sclerosis? A network meta-analysis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal. 2021;27(11):1657–1678.
• Safari R, Jackson J, Sheffield D. Digital self-management interventions for people with osteoarthritis: systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2020;22(7):e15365.

A full list of my publications is available via the following resources:

• University of Derby Online Research Archive (UDORA): https://repository.derby.ac.uk/
• Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Z1piqhIAAAAJ&hl=en

Membership of professional bodies

HCPC-registered Prosthetist/Orthotist (PO04348)

Professional interests

Associate Editor, Prosthetics and Orthotics International, supporting peer review and editorial decision-making for an international journal in rehabilitation and assistive technology.

Member, University Research Ethics Committee, contributing to the ethical review and governance of research involving human participants.

PhD Supervision, supervising postgraduate research students in areas including rehabilitation research, assistive technologies, and long-term condition management.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. Prosthetics and Orthotics - University of Strathclyde, UK
• MSc Prosthetics and Orthotics - University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Iran
• BSc Prosthetics and Orthotics - University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Iran

In the media

Blog Post - Which therapies work best in reducing fatigue?

International experience

Previously, he worked as an Assistant Professor of Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Iran.

Teaching responsibilities

I teach across undergraduate and postgraduate prosthetics and orthotics programmes. My teaching integrates clinical practice, research evidence, and inclusive pedagogy to support students in developing both theoretical understanding and practical competence.

I lead and contribute to modules including Prosthetic and Orthotic Practice, Biomechanics, Anatomy and Physiology, Evidence-Based Practice, and Work-Based Project (Dissertation). I also supervise postgraduate research students.

I contribute to Clinical Skills Weeks and provide structured one-to-one supervision for apprenticeship students and final-year research projects. I am also involved in curriculum development and enhancement aligned with professional and regulatory standards.