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Knowledge transfer (KT) involves sharing of information and exchanging of ideas and experience. The goal is to help target audiences build capacity to use research knowledge and apply it in a practical manner in terms of service delivery and decision making. Through the exchange process, audiences help researchers’ work be more relevant.

Knowledge transfer of CWH has taken various forms and is continually evolving.

Publications

Initial knowledge transfer (KT) related to CWH took the form of publications where CWH was introduced as a treatment intervention for return-to-work preparation within the mental health disability realm. Such knowledge transfer activities included published papers in OT Now (2004) and the journal Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation (2013) providing professional and academic forums for the communication of CWH’s basic tenets and intervention elements. Building on this information sharing were articles in newspapers and magazines including the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa HR magazine.

Research at Queen’s University was conducted on CWH which paved the way for further knowledge transfer in the form of publications in peer-reviewed academic journals. Scientific research findings established CWH as an evidence-based treatment intervention with details of this research being presented in the Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy (2018) and the journal Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation (2019).

You can find references to and summaries of these publications here.

Publications

Conferences & Lectures

Information sharing regarding CWH has been further undertaken through professional conferences (2018) and workshops (2005) organized by the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT) as well as the Atlantic Provinces Occupational Therapy Annual Conference (2009). These knowledge transfer activities provided practicing occupational therapists a lens into the CWH intervention with opportunity to learn a novel approach to RTW preparation with application to real-world settings.

With a view towards students being the next generation of occupational therapists and/or business decision makers, knowledge transfer activities have included lectures at universities to introduce young minds and future stakeholders to CWH. These include Queen’s University (2010-2014), University of Ottawa (2005-2010), and Carleton University (2009).

Ongoing public speaking will contribute to further knowledge transfer and dissemination of information about CWH.

Conferences & Lectures

Awareness Tool

The production of an Awareness Tool expands knowledge transfer and builds on information sharing activities to date. Window into CWH: An Awareness Tool increases awareness of CWH through its focus on (i) underlying occupational therapy principles/theory; (ii) multi-element structure; (iii) focus on cognitive abilities; and (iv) attention to mental health. This awareness tool will inform more people about CWH with a view toward this treatment intervention becoming mainstream so that more people can be helped with enhanced treatment outcomes.

The tool graphically illustrates the multi-element nature of CWH and the underlying processes that effect change and prepare a client for RTW readiness. Descriptions of the various elements are included for clarity and enhanced understanding.

The target audience for the tool are multiple stakeholders including clients, employers, insurers, occupational therapists, and other healthcare providers. It is anticipated that occupational therapists will use the tool to succinctly explain CWH to stakeholders with anticipated adoption of the intervention into evidence-based practice delivery. You can find the tool by clicking below.


Awareness Tool

Training Manual

The Cognitive Work Hardening: Building a Bridge Back to Work training manual is being developed for occupational therapists who want to establish a solid foundation in CWH. It will provide a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of CWH, its change processes, and research findings that support its role in RTW following an episode of depression. It will serve as a practical guide for occupational therapists interested in evidence-based service delivery of CWH with the intent that therapists will gain the skills needed to successfully offer the CWH intervention.

The training manual will be a key step in learning about CWH and in becoming competent in this treatment intervention. It is anticipated that occupational therapists will use this manual as an essential resource within the context of ongoing professional development and exchange of ideas which are critical to the development of proficient CWH skills.

Availability: Spring 2024

Training Manual

Training Modules

Additional knowledge transfer will include training in the form of online modules. These will include an introduction into CWH that provides a window into this intervention for all interested parties. More intensive training will be offered to occupational therapists wishing to learn underlying principles, change processes, and practical skills for service delivery.

A Foundational Module will introduce CWH to therapists and other stakeholders who are interested in a basic understanding of CWH and its main concepts.

A series of Essential Modules will be tailored to occupational therapists seeking a deeper understanding of and practical training in CWH. These modules facilitate enhanced research utilization by occupational therapists and integration of research into clinical practice. Attendees will obtain the tools needed to apply CWH in real settings and will learn practical skills to implement CWH to address clients’ RTW needs.

An Advanced Module will target occupational therapists seeking more in-depth training. This will include analysis of complex cases with increased focus on work simulation design. Attendees will gain greater confidence and ability to integrate learning material into practice.

Training modules were rolled out in 2021.

Click here if you want to be informed about upcoming training opportunities.

Training Modules

Program Development

Collaboration with departments/service providers interested in developing their own CWH programs to meet client needs will round out knowledge transfer activity. Such consultation will include a needs analysis, staff education, intervention roll out, and opportunity for ongoing collaboration, as needed, to ensure that service delivery is informed by evidence-based research.

Program Development