Pamela "Pam" Toto
- PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA
- Director of the Healthy Home Lab, Director of the Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy Program and Professor
Biography
Pamela Toto is an occupational therapist, researcher and educator who is internationally recognized within her field for her expertise in gerontology. Toto works as director of the Healthy Home Laboratory – a community laboratory that brings the best science into home settings to maximize independence, health and safety at the University of Pittsburgh. Her clinical and research interests focus on the implementation of client-centered interventions in “real world” settings to promote independence, participation and healthy aging in older adults. She has training and expertise with evidence-based programs including CarFit, Matter of Balance, Skills2Care, HARP, CAPABLE and has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and presentations, combined, on topics related to successful aging.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh
- Master of Science in Healthcare Supervision and Management, University of Pittsburgh
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh
Awards
- University of Pittsburgh ROC Spirit Award, 2024
- Geriatrics Teacher of the Year Award (Health Care Professional), Pennsylvania Geriatric Society, 2017
- Recognition of Achievement Award, American Occupational Therapy Association, 2016
Research Interests
- Implementation of evidence-based strategies to promote aging in place
- Behavioral change to prevent, delay and reduce disability in older adults
Publications
- “Implementing CAPABLE with care partners through an Area Agency on Aging: Identifying barriers and facilitators using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.”
- “Goal setting for aging adults and care partners: A scoping review. Innovation in Aging.”
- “Modified Application of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Older Adults (MACRO) Trial: Protocol changes in a pragmatic multi-site randomized controlled trial in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Professional Organization Appointments
- Fellow, American Occupational Therapy Association
- Fellow, Gerontological Society of America
Certificates
- Board Certified in Gerontology