TY - JOUR
T1 - Sharing knowledge on implementing mental health and wellbeing projects for veterans and first responders
AU - Woods, Cindy
AU - Fitzpatrick, Sally
AU - Lukersmith, Sue
AU - Knowledge sharing panel members
AU - Coulter, L.
AU - O'Neill, S.
AU - Savage, J. A.
AU - Moll, Sandra
AU - Bosanquet, Kate
AU - Galdas, Paul
AU - West, Scott
AU - Bergeron, Marcel
AU - Shelton, James
AU - Blume, Anne
AU - Ditton-Phare, Philippa
AU - Nixon, Reginald D.V.
AU - Elizabeth, Marja
AU - Hollerbach, Brittany
AU - Grillo, Carmen
AU - Heisel, Marnin
AU - Bougesis, Anastasia
AU - Shields, Duncan
AU - O'Toole, Michelle
AU - Doyle, Brian
AU - Darby, Josh
PY - 2025/4
Y1 - 2025/4
N2 - Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge to action and knowledge transfer approaches used in an international mental health research funding program and its outcomes. A key goal of the evaluation was to maximise organisational learning and knowledge sharing to inform future implementation projects. Methods: A series of interactive knowledge sharing workshops focused on five key themes: peer support; psychoeducation; the involvement of family, friends, and significant others; retreat, residential, or group-based programs; and organisational change. Qualitative descriptive analysis was used to code, summarise and describe themes. Findings: Key learnings that influenced the success of mental health initiatives include building relationships across all organisational levels, involving Veterans and First Responders with lived experience in the design and implementation process, and understanding the unique workplace culture and operations. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need for collaborative, informed approaches tailored to the culture, organisation and mental health support needs of Veteran and First Responder. These insights enhance understanding of the factors that impact the successful implementation of mental health prevention and support programs for those exposed to work-related trauma.
AB - Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge to action and knowledge transfer approaches used in an international mental health research funding program and its outcomes. A key goal of the evaluation was to maximise organisational learning and knowledge sharing to inform future implementation projects. Methods: A series of interactive knowledge sharing workshops focused on five key themes: peer support; psychoeducation; the involvement of family, friends, and significant others; retreat, residential, or group-based programs; and organisational change. Qualitative descriptive analysis was used to code, summarise and describe themes. Findings: Key learnings that influenced the success of mental health initiatives include building relationships across all organisational levels, involving Veterans and First Responders with lived experience in the design and implementation process, and understanding the unique workplace culture and operations. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need for collaborative, informed approaches tailored to the culture, organisation and mental health support needs of Veteran and First Responder. These insights enhance understanding of the factors that impact the successful implementation of mental health prevention and support programs for those exposed to work-related trauma.
KW - First Responders
KW - Implementation
KW - Knowledge Sharing
KW - Knowledge to Action
KW - Mental Health
KW - Veterans
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85216474933&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.comppsych.2025.152579
DO - 10.1016/j.comppsych.2025.152579
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85216474933
SN - 0010-440X
VL - 138
JO - Comprehensive Psychiatry
JF - Comprehensive Psychiatry
M1 - 152579
ER -