Dr. Zohre Abedi
Research Fellow, Centre for Human Factors and Systems Science
Email: mabedi@usc.edu.au
Telephone: +61 7 5456 3958
I am a Research Fellow at the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems at the University of the Sunshine Coast, specialising in Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE). I have led several projects across diverse industries, such as transportation and healthcare, applying systems thinking to integrate HFE principles. My research focuses on developing comprehensive solutions to real-world challenges, particularly enhancing transport safety in Australia.
Research
Publications
Journal article | Peer reviewed
Causation and control: Understanding distracted driving in Australia through a systems thinking lens ↗
by Paul M. Salmon, Gemma J.M. Read, Masoumeh Abedi, Rod McClure, Scott McLean, Rachael A. Wynne, Adam Hulme and Jason Thompson
2024
Safety Science
Introduction Distracted driving is a significant threat to road safety worldwide, contributing to fatal crashes and injuries. Current countermeasures have shown limited efficacy, necessitating a more comprehensive approach to address driver distraction. This research adopts systems thinking methods to understand the complexities of managing driver distraction in the Australian road transport system. Aims This research includes two studies that aimed to (1) develop a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) to identify the interrelated variables influencing distracted driving (study 1), (2) create and validate a System Theoretic Accident Model and Process (STAMP) control structure model to identify the actors, control and feedback mechanisms involved in managing driver distraction, and (3) determine who creates and manages risk factors related to distracted driving (study 2). Material and methods To develop the CLD, the research team used two group modelling processes and SME workshops for validation. The STAMP control structure model was created by modifying a road safety control structure to fit the distracted driving context and its validation using a modified Delphi technique. Results The CLD included many variables that contribute to distracted driving, including societal pressures, access to driving technologies, distracting passengers, work-related pressures, and social media use. The STAMP control structure model identified 146 actors involved in the management of driver distraction, with 74 unique control mechanisms and 47 unique feedback mechanisms currently used for managing distracted driving. Mapping stakeholders identified in the STAMP control structure onto the CLD, identified 24 stakeholders who influence the risk factors associated with driver distraction and 29 stakeholders involved in managing them, emphasizing distinct roles between the creators and managers of these risk factors. Conclusion By applying systems thinking-based methods, the two studies conducted in this research project provided insights into driver distraction and its management. This research contributes to road safety efforts and provides useful insights to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in addressing distracted driving and improving road safety.
Journal article | Peer reviewed
"No Man's Land": the experiences of persons injured in a road traffic crash wanting to return to work in Queensland, Australia ↗
by Masoumeh Abedi, Tammy Aplin, Elise Gane and Venerina Johnston
2024
Disability and Rehabilitation
Purpose This study aimed to explore individuals’ experiences of return to work (RTW) following minor to serious road traffic injury (RTI) in Queensland, Australia; seek their recommendations if any, on how to provide support for RTW after RTI; and identify the strategies and resources used to return and remain at work after their RTI. Methods The interpretive description methodological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eligible participants (n = 18) aged 18–65 y who had experienced a minor to serious RTI at least 6 months earlier. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Five themes emerged: (1) physical and mental consequences of RTI negatively impact RTW; (2) money matters; (3) RTW support makes a difference; (4) feeling alone and confused in the RTW process; and (5) several strategies and resources helped with return/stay at work after RTI. Regular contact and cooperation with employers and insurers, job modifications, and using social media to obtain information and social support were helpful RTW strategies. Participants recommended timely and appropriate medical care, financial assistance, and educational support. Conclusions Policy changes to reduce financial stress, increase employer support, and improve injured individuals’ knowledge following a RTI are recommended in jurisdictions operating a fault-based scheme.
Journal article | Peer reviewed
Exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders in returning to work after minor to serious road traffic injuries: a qualitative study ↗
by Venerina Johnston, Masoumeh Abedi, Tammy Aplin and Elise Gane
2023
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
Purpose: This qualitative study conducted in Queensland, Australia aimed to explore various stakeholders’ perspectives on (1) the barriers and facilitators of Return to Work (RTW) for injured persons following minor to serious Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) in a fault-based scheme, and to investigate the changes needed to better support RTW following RTI. Methods: The study was performed using the Interpretive Description methodological approach. Data were collected during interviews (n = 17), one focus group (n = 4), and an open-ended survey (n = 10) with five categories of stakeholders: treating health providers, workplace representatives, legal representatives, rehabilitation advisors, and insurers. Participants were eligible to participate if they had at least one year of employment history in their respective profession in Queensland, Australia, and were experienced in assisting the RTW of people with RTI. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Seven themes were extracted reflecting the barriers and facilitators of RTW along with stakeholders’ recommendations to address these barriers. These themes were: (1) knowledge is power; (2) stakeholder expertise; (3) early and appropriate treatment matters; (4) insurers could do better; (5) necessity of employers’ support; (6) fix the disjointed system; (7) importance of individual factors pre- and post- injury. The main barriers identified were stakeholders’ insufficient communication and knowledge on RTW process following RTI. Conclusions: Individual and system barriers identified in this study suggest that RTW after RTI occurs in a complex system requiring the commitment of all stakeholders. This is particularly important for managing knowledge-related barriers by provision of high quality and easily accessible information about the RTW process, disability schemes, and the nature of RTI.
Journal article | Peer reviewed
Barriers and Facilitators Associated with Return to Work Following Minor to Serious Road Traffic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review ↗
by Venerina Johnston, Masoumeh Abedi, Elise Gane, Tammy Aplin and Haroun Zerguine
2022
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
Purpose To identify factors impeding or facilitating Return to Work (RTW) after minor to serious musculoskeletal Road Traffic Injuries (RTI). Methods Six electronic databases were searched for studies published 1997-2020. Quantitative and qualitative studies were included if they investigated barriers or facilitators associated with RTW in people with minor to serious musculoskeletal RTI aged over 16 years. Methodological quality was assessed using McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative studies and McMaster Critical Review Form for Qualitative Studies. Results are presented narratively as meta-analysis was not possible. Results Eleven studies (10 quantitative and 1 qualitative) were included. There was strong evidence that individuals with higher overall scores on the (short-form or long-form) Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire (ÖMPQ) at baseline were less likely to RTW, and individuals with higher RTW expectancies at baseline were more likely to RTW after musculoskeletal RTI. There was weak evidence for higher disability levels and psychiatric history impeding RTW after musculoskeletal RTI. Conclusions Post-injury scores on the ÖMPQ and RTW expectancies are the most influential factors for RTW after minor to serious musculoskeletal RTI. There is a need to identify consistent measures of RTW to facilitate comparisons between studies.
Journal article
The Effect of Jogging on Dual-Task Performance of Nervous System, Equilibrium Control, and Cognitive Reaction ↗
by Afsaneh Dadarkhah, Behzad Seyfi, Maziar Arfaee and Zohre Abedi
2020
Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnosis
Background: The effects of exercise and physical activity on dual-task performance have attracted many researchers’ attention in the last decade due to the vulnerable nature of the industrialized life style. The aim of this work was to study the effect of physical exercise on dual-task performance of young healthy individuals in which the dual-task scenario is defined as balance control and reaction to external stimulation. Methods: To do this, experimental tests were performed on one hundred people using a simultaneous measurement of the equilibrium and reaction time. Participants in this study were men with an average age of 24 ± 5 years and an average weight of 73 ± 5 kg. The performed tests included a single-task balance control test, a single-task response test, and a dual-task balance and reaction time test before and after five minutes of jogging. Results: In this research, indicators were introduced for assessing the function of the nervous system in the single- and dual-task conditions. Comparison of the performance of motor control of the brain in single and dual activity showed that the performance of motor control in dual task balance was reduced by an average of 19%. On the other hand, the reaction time of the nervous system in dual-task mode increased by about 15% relative to the single mode. Conclusion: By comparing the results before and after exercise, we conclude that for most of the test subjects, the impact of an action changes the performance of dual activity to the extent that exercise can improve balance and at the same time increase reaction time. But despite this improvement, the accuracy of people is often reduced.
Explore all Dr. Zohre Abedi's publications in UniSC Research Bank
Grants
3 February 2025 - 29 August 2025
Level crossing camera PoC human factors evaluation
Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (Australia, Brisbane) - TMR
Grant no. 0980030383.
Paul Salmon, Zohre Abedi and Gemma Read
13 January 2025
Implementation of the National Driver Distraction Roadmap: Incorporating Human Factors in Transport Systems
Austroads (Australia)
Grant no. 0980030045.
Gemma Read, Zohre Abedi and Paul Salmon
1 January 2025
Developing a Stakeholder-Centred Framework for Integrating AI-based Driver Behaviour Monitoring Systems in Heavy Vehicle Fleets
University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia, Sunshine Coast) - UniSC
Grant no. 0980029944.
Gemma Read, Paul Salmon, Neville Stanton and Zohre Abedi
16 September 2024
Human Factors guidance to support innovative level crossing safety solutions
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (Australia, Canberra)
Grant no. 0980029238.
Zohre Abedi, Jolene Cox, Paul Salmon and Gemma Read
Professional
Awards and memberships
2025
Level Crossing Camera Proof-of-Concept Human Factors Evaluation
Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (Australia, Brisbane) - TMR
2024
Developing a Stakeholder-Centred Framework for Integrating AI-based Driver Behaviour Monitoring Systems in Heavy Vehicle Fleets
University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia, Sunshine Coast) - UniSC
2024
Human Factors guidance to support innovative level crossing safety solutions.
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (Australia, Canberra)
2024
Implementation of the National Driver Distraction Roadmap: Incorporating Human Factors in Transport Systems
Austroads (Australia)
Education
2018 - 2023
Doctor of Philosophy
Supporting Injured Persons’ Return to Work after Road Traffic Injuries
University of Queensland (Australia, Brisbane) - UQ
2009 - 2011
Master Degree
Human Factors and Ergonomics
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (Iran, Tehran) - SBMU
2005 - 2009
Bachelor of science
Orthotics and Prosthetics
University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (Iran, Tehran) - USWRS