About Paul Darlington Forson
I bring a wealth of international experience to the University of Sunderland, having taught in higher education across both Ghana and the UK. Alongside an extensive academic career, I have practiced in a wide range of clinical settings, most recently in Hand Therapy at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT). I have also worked with children in clinical practice and special schools, as well as in neurorehabilitation, contributing to holistic care across the lifespan.
In higher education, I have played a key role in the design and development of pre-registration programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, shaping learning that integrates research, practice, and innovation.
Teaching and supervision
I am Programme lead for the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy (Apprenticeship).
I am also module leader for:
- Human Occupation: Biopsychosocial Factors
- Occupational Disruption
Here I am supporting learners to critically engage with the complex interplay between health, participation, and the wider determinants of occupation.
Research
Within clinical research, I am currently investigating the effectiveness of compression gloves in managing pain in chronic hand conditions. In the field of higher education, I am exploring staff and student experiences on the two-year accelerated Occupational Therapy programme, with a focus on enhancing learning, teaching, and curriculum design.