Dr Katie Hackett

Kate is an occupational therapist and Associate Professor. Her research focuses on the development and evaluation of complex interventions to support people living with long-term conditions, with a particular emphasis on fatigue and autoimmune diseases. She uses a range of research methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, mixed methods, and systematic reviews.

Her recent work on fatigue has developed directly from her clinical experience. Until early 2024, she worked clinically as an occupational therapist at the CRESTA Fatigue Clinic within Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, alongside her academic role. This transdiagnostic clinic supported people with a wide range of long-term conditions, shaping her research into the shared challenges—such as fatigue and difficulties with daily activities and roles—that cut across diagnostic boundaries. She continues to hold an honorary Consultant Occupational Therapist position with the Trust.

She has led studies to co-design and evaluate digital self-management interventions, including apps to support people with conditions such as Sjögren’s Syndrome and long-COVID fatigue. She supervises PhD students whose projects focus on supporting self-management in long-term conditions, including improving rehabilitation approaches to reduce symptoms, enhance function, and promote wellbeing.

Kate has led and taught evidence-based practice modules for pre-registration occupational therapy students and has supervised a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. This includes BSc and MSc occupational therapy dissertations, as well as Masters-level projects in Public Health and Healthcare Management.

Her current research is pivoting toward nature-based interventions. She is exploring how engagement with natural environments can support people with long-term conditions to manage fatigue, reconnect with meaningful activities, improve wellbeing, and rebuild everyday life.