Integrated Knowledge Translation: illustrated with outcome research in mental health.

Through this article the authors present a case summary of the early phases of research conducted with an Integrated Knowledge Translation (iKT) approach utilizing four factors: research question, research approach, feasibility, and outcome. iKT refers to an approach for conducting research in which community partners, referred to as knowledge users, are engaged in the entire research process. In this collaborative approach, knowledge users and researchers jointly devise the entire research agenda beginning with the development of the research question(s), determination of a feasible research design and feasible methods, interpretation of the results, dissemination of the findings, and the translation of knowledge into practice or policy decisions. Engaging clinical or community partners in the research enterprise can enhance the utility of the research results and facilitate its uptake. This collaboration can be a complex arrangement and flexibility may be required to accommodate the various configurations that the collaboration can take. For example, the research question can be jointly determined and refined; however, one person must take the responsibility for orchestrating the project, including preparing the proposal and application to the Research Ethics Board. This collaborative effort also requires the simultaneous navigation of barriers and facilitators to the research enterprise. Navigating these elements becomes part of the conduct of research with the potential for rewarding results, including an enriched work experience for clinical partners and investigators. One practice implication is that iKT may be considered of great utility to service providers due to its field friendly nature.

The Psychosocial Characteristics Associated with NSSI and Suicide Attempt of Youth Admitted to an In-patient Psychiatric Unit.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of self-harm and the psychosocial factors associated with self-harming behaviours in youth admitted to an in-patient psychiatric unit. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys of standardized measures were administered to youth and a separate survey to their caregivers while the youth were in hospital. RESULTS: The mean age of the 123 youth who participated was 15.74 (SD 1.51) years, and 90 of 121 (74.38%) reported being female. Of the 115 who completed this question, 101 (87.83%) indicated that they thought of injuring themselves and 89 (77.39%) did engage in NSSI within the past month, and 78 of 116 (67%) reported that they had made an attempt to take their life. Youth who reported that they had attempted suicide (lifetime) reported significantly less difficulty with emotion regulation than youth who engaged in NSSI only, or both NSSI and suicide attempts. CONCLUSIONS: These youth reported a very high prevalence of self-harm, and in general substantial difficulty with regulating their emotions, and difficulty with their interpersonal relationships. The psychosocial distinctions evident between groups may have practical utility.

INTRODUCTION: Cette étude avait pour but d'explorer la prévalence de l'automutilation et des facteurs psychosociaux associés aux comportements d'automutilation chez des adolescents hospitalisés dans une unité psychiatrique. MÉTHODES: Des questionnaires transversaux de mesure normalisées ont été administrés à des adolescents et un questionnaire distinct a été administré à leurs soignants pendant que les adolescents étaient à l'hôpital. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des 123 adolescents qui ont participé était 15,74 ans (ET 1,51 an), et 90 sur 121 (74,38 %) disaient être de sexe féminin. Sur les 115 qui ont répondu à cette question, 101 (87,83 %) ont indiqué qu'ils pensaient à se mutiler et 89 (77,39 %) se sont adonnés à l'automutilation non suicidaire (AMNS) le mois précédent, et 78 sur 116 (67 %) ont déclaré qu'ils avaient tenté de s'enlever la vie. Les adolescents qui déclaraient avoir tenté de se suicider (de durée de vie) indiquaient significativement moins de difficulté avec la régulation émotionnelle que ceux qui s'adonnaient seulement à l'AMNS, ou à l'AMNS et aux tentatives de suicide. CONCLUSIONS: Ces adolescents rapportaient une prévalence très élevée d'automutilation, et en général, une difficulté substantielle à réguler leurs émotions, et une difficulté avec les relations interpersonnelles. Les distinctions psychosociales manifestes entre les groupes peuvent avoir une utilité pratique.

Exploratory survey of patients' needs and perceptions of psychosocial oncology.

Cancer is a major health issue that affects a significant proportion of the population. Advancements in oncology treatment have reduced mortality, creating an ever-greater need for psychosocial oncology. Patients with cancer at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre (GRRCC) have access to some psychosocial intervention (e.g., wellness workshops, social work intervention); however, the extent to which these efforts meet patients' current needs is not known. The purpose of the exploratory survey was to assess patients' psychosocial needs and psychosocial oncology service needs. Patients receiving treatment for cancer at GRRCC were asked to participate in the anonymous survey. Two research assistants from the University of Guelph obtained informed consent, then with assistance from volunteers from the GRRCC, collected all data. The two screening tools, and standardized, self-report measures of depression and social support (Perceived Social Support Scale) were administered. Patients rated the psychosocial oncology services as very helpful, though 100% indicated the presence of distress. The main source of distress concerned not knowing what their personal outcomes will be. Implications for practice and research are discussed.