2018 Showcase of Health Research

2018SHOWCASE OFHEALTHRESEARCH

ConferenceProgram

March2,2018

VictoriaInnHotel&ConventionCentre

ThunderBay,ON

Showcase of Health Research

Since 2006, the Centre for Applied Health Research at St. Joseph’s Care Group has hosted what has become the premier annual venue for the dissemination of research relevant to the health of Northwestern Ontarians.

The Centre for Applied Health Research is pleased to host the 13th Annual Showcase of Health Research.

This event is made possible through the generous support of the Leadership Team at St. Joseph’s Care Group.

Paper Presentations

8:30am Registration and Poster Set-up

9:00am Welcome and Opening Remarks

Michel Bédard, Scientific Director, Centre for Applied Health Research

Tracy Buckler, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Care Group

9:15am 2018 Showcase of Health Research Keynote Speaker

Dr. Abraham Rudnick – VP Research and Chief of Psychiatry, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Topic: “Social Science Methods in Health Research: An Overview”

9:45am Gaps in Prenatal Education: Mothers' Perspectives

H Møller, N Gupta, M Alzghoul, P Wakewich, P Sameshima –Lakehead University, Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research

10:05am Mental Health Treatment Needs in a Sample of Northern Ontario First Nation Children

K Kowatch, T Bobinski, J Dixon, K Stasiuk, C Mushquash –Lakehead University, Dilico Anishnabek Family Care

10:25am Supervisor and Worker Perspectives on Workplace Factors and Job Accommodations for Mental Health Disorders in the Workplace

VL Kristman, J Armstrong, C Viel, M Corbière, W Shaw, K Harlos, C McEwen, et al. – Lakehead University, Université du Québec à Montréal, University of Connecticut, University of Winnipeg

10:45am Poster Presentations and Nutritional Break

11:15am Modifiable Risk Factors of Subsequent Falls and Osteoporotic Fractures at Four Years after Distal Radius Fracture - A Prospective Cohort Study

N Dewan, J MacDermid, R Grewal, K Beattie – Lakehead University, Western University, McMaster University

11:35am Walkability and Pedestrian Safety in Thunder Bay

J Carastathis, L Galway, A Krupper, E Sawula – Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Lakehead University, City of Thunder Bay

11:55am Moving On to Being Free Smoking Cessation Outcomes with Indigenous Populations

P Smith, L Seamark – Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Meno Ya Win Health Centre

12:15pm The Future Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Thunder Bay & District and the Estimated Effects of Diabetes Prevention Strategies: An Application of the Diabetes Population Risk Tool (DPoRT)

E Sawula – Thunder Bay District Health Unit

12:35pm Poster Presentations and Lunch

*Presenter in Purple

Poster Presentations

1 Parents' Experiences with and Information Needs of Childhood Fever: A Systematic Review

A Thompson, M Nesari, L Hartling, SD Scott – University of Alberta

2 Relaxation Training for Management of Pediatric Headache: A Rapid Review

A Thompson, D Thompson, H Jou, S Vohra – University of Alberta, Lakehead University

3 Exploring the Service Needs of Youth Experiencing Early Psychosis in Northern Ontario: Final Results & Next Steps of the NorthBEAT Project

C Cheng, S Nadin, C Lem, M Katt, CS Dewa – St. Joseph's Care Group, Lakehead University, University of California, Davis

4 Evaluating Treatment Success of CCTB Outpatient Services

A Killen, K Boles, F Schmidt – Children's Centre Thunder Bay, Lakehead University

5 Evaluating Service Complexity and Intensity with Client Clinical Needs in CCTB Youth and Adolescent Outpatient Services

K Boles, A Killen, F Schmidt – Lakehead University, Children's Centre Thunder Bay

6 Growing Together: Evaluation of a Community-Garden Initiative

K Boles, K Kowatch, A Mushquash, E Pearson, B Te Hewi, T Bobinski, M Dobson, et al. – Lakehead University, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

7 The Thunder Bay Healthy Kids Community Challenge: Evaluation of a Neighbourhood-based Health Promotion Program

E Pearson, A Mushquash, B Te Hiwi, V Ng, M Stewart – Lakehead University, Thunder Bay District Health Unit

8 A Regional Food Charter for Northwestern Ontario: Integrating Community Food Systems

A Boudreau, CH Nelson, CZ Levkoe – Lakehead University

9

Engaging with Youth from Robinson Superior Treaty Communities on Their Ideas for Enhancing Access to Traditional Foods and Local Market Foods in Their Communities

S Crowe, CH Nelson, CZ Levkoe – Lakehead University

10 Assessing the Validity of the CANRISK Questionnaire in Detecting Prediabetes and Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Using HbA1c in a Rural Northwestern Ontario Community

F Lotsios, I Newhouse, H West Lakehead University, Mary Berglund Community Health Centre Hub

11 The Lived Experience of Attachment Injuries in Adult Couple Relationships: Preliminary Findings from a Qualitative Interview Study with Community Members in Northern Ontario

K Almuhtadi, M Stroink – Lakehead University

12 The Lived Experiences of Men in Thunder Bay Surrounding Intimate Partner Violence

J White, J Murphy- Oikonen, L Chambers – Lakehead University

13 Lessons Learned from Listening: Experiences of Help after Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence

KA Maranzan, R Hudson, R Scofich, M McGregor, R Sequin – Lakehead University, Indigenous Friendship Centre, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Ontario Native Women's Association

14 Community Perspectives and Perceptions on Violence, Impacts and Prevention Opportunities

J Vis, R Scofich, L Chevrette, C Olsen, K Ongaro – Lakehead University, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Crime Prevention Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Drug Strategy

15

A Study of Spiritual Intelligence and Depression Among Mental Health Outpatient Clients

A Puthuva Parattukudi, H Boynton, S Dubois, H Maxwell, J Lowey, M Bédard St. Joseph's Care Group

Poster Presentations (cont.)

16

The Decision Guide Model: Applying the Concept of Decision Coaching to Mental Health Treatment

C Stewart, J Walker, A Lyon, M Teatero, H Boynton, C Barefoot – St. Joseph's Care Group

17

18

Factors that Impact the Implementation and Sustainability of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Programs: A Qualitative Study of Clinician Perspectives

A Popowich, A Mushquash, E Pearson, F Schmidt, C Mushquash –Lakehead University

Engagement: Considering a Northern Centre of Excellence for Mental Health and Addictions

M Hill, P Wakewich, S Nadin, C Mushquash, MM Spadoni – Lakehead University

19

20

Comparing Residential and Non-residential Substance Use Treatment Outcomes within Indigenous Populations: A Systematic Review

E Toombs, N Marshall, C Mushquash – Lakehead University

Updated Estimates of True Incidence for Hepatitis C in Ontario, 2011-2015

C McEwen, VL Kristman, L Sieswerda – Lakehead University, Thunder Bay District Health Unit

21

22

Leadership, Communication and Knowledge about Mental Health: Key Factors in Workplace Mental Wellbeing in Thunder Bay and District

S Akhtar, J Lowey, H Møller, L Fraser, S Armstrong, VL Kristman –Lakehead University, Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Enhancing Capacity for Mental Health among Rural Volunteer Emergency First Responders

K Jones-Bonofiglio, S Hagstrom – Lakehead University, Thunder Bay District Critical Incident Stress Management Team

23

24

Identifying Musculoskeletal Injury Risk for Application in Injury Prevention Tool Development for Professional Firefighters

ST Sayed, KE Sinden, T Hurley, K Zalan, J Wang, E Habrowski, JC MacDermid Lakehead University, McMaster University, Western University

Role of Multimorbidity and Workplace Conditions on Aging Workers in Ontario

A Koné Péfoyo, K Hindman, VL Kristman, M Gignac – Lakehead University

25

26

Keeping the Boomers in the Labour Market: Examining Workplace Accommodations Needs of Older Workers Across Job Sectors

J Armstrong, C McEwen, M Gignac, VL Kristman – Lakehead University, University of Toronto

Clinical Characteristics and Patterns of Health Deficits of Centenarians Receiving Home Care and Long-Term Care Services in Ontario

J Armstrong, S Freeman, S Tyas, E Neufeld – Lakehead University, University of Northern British Columbia, University of Waterloo, Laurentian University

27

Frail Elders' Dental Hygiene in Long Term Care

L McKeown – Confederation College

28

29

30

A Socioecological Exploration of Community Adult Playground Use Among Seniors in Northwestern Ontario

K Gardam, H Møller – Lakehead University

Older Adult's Perception of a Creative Digital Storytelling Experience on Their Well-being

C Schoales, H Jones, K Jones-Bonofiglio, M Stroink – Lakehead University

Patient Experiences with a Community-based Cancer Screening Program: Wequedong Lodge Cancer Screening Pilot Program

L Senese, M Al-Mujtaba, J Gagnon, C Morris, F Sky, C McKay, S Bale, et al. –Sunnybrook Research Institute, Cancer Care Ontario, Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Poster Presentations (cont.)

31 The Wequedong Lodge Cancer Screening Program (WLCSP): An Opportunistic Cancer Screening Pilot Program in Northwestern Ontario (NWO)

S Bale, C Paroschy-Harris, L Beach – Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

32 Maximizing the Intensity of Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: Time is Function

M Adams, K Duhaime, E French, D Lee, M Lukie, B Ross, M Termaat – St. Joseph's Care Group, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

33 Becoming a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO)

D Lesschaeve, S McAllister – St. Joseph's Care Group

34 Exploring Interprofessional Education: A Complexity Theory Perspective

D Thompson, D Stanley – Lakehead University, University of Windsor

35 'Catch or Not to Catch', Variability of Practise Hypothesis and Ball Catching in Children with Coordination Issues

E Przysucha, D Carlson, C Zerpa – Lakehead University

36 The Effects of Ankle Bracing on the Peroneus Longus Muscle Activity during Lateral Cutting- Pilot Study Results

Z Henderson, P Sanzo – Lakehead University

37 The Effect of Dual Tasking on Motor Performance: Upper Extremity Muscle Activation

B Vollebregt, C Zerpa, K Sinden – Lakehead University

38 Does the Cortical Thickness of the Premotor Cortex Relate to Performance in a Visuomotor Adaptation Task?

A Michano, J Lawrence-Dewar— Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute

*Presenter in Purple

Keynote Speaker Dr. Abraham Rudnick

Abraham (Rami) Rudnick is the Vice President of Research at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and the Chief Scientist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. He is also the Chief of Psychiatry at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

He is a Professor in the Section of Psychiatry at the Division of Clinical Sciences of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, and Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, as well as an adjunct faculty member at other universities in Canada. He is a Canadian Certified Physician Executive and a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner as well as a PhDtrained philosopher. He is a recipient of the pioneer award in recovery research granted by Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) / Réadaptation Psychosociale (RPS) Canada, a recipient of the Michael Smith award granted by the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, a Fellow of the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and a Distinguished Fellow and Gold Medalist of the European Society for Person Centered Healthcare as well the Chair of its Mental Health Special Interest Group. He is a Senior Editor of the Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health and the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Mental Health. He is a Member of various provincial and national health research and care committees and boards in Canada.

Dr. Rudnick will provide a brief overview of research methods used in social science for the health sector. His presentation is based on a six-volume set he co-edited with Dr. Cheryl Forchuk from Western University (Sage Publishing, 2017). The main goals of the presentation are to: 1) Enhance awareness of the importance of social science methods in health research, and 2) enhance knowledge of a variety of social science methods in health research.

Speaker #1

Gaps in Prenatal Education: Mothers' Perspectives

Helle Møller

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Nancy Gupta

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Manal Alzghoul

School of Nursing, Lakehead University

Pam Wakewich

Director, Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research (CRaNHR), Lakehead University

Pauline Sameshima

Education, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Indigenous, immigrant and refugee mothers, younger mothers, and mothers with less education and lower incomes, report poorer maternity experiences than other Canadian women. They are less likely to access prenatal education (PNE) and report a lack of culturally appropriate maternity related information.

Methods: Using semi-structured qualitative interviews, we explored the perspectives of diverse women in North Western Ontario (NWO) on barriers and facilitators to desired prenatal education (PNE). Here we report on findings from interviews with 19 Indigenous mothers in Thunder Bay, Kenora Sioux Lookout and districts.

Results: Although desiring prenatal information (PNI) most mothers had not been able to attend formal PNE. Barriers included: lack of PNE classes, not being informed about PNE, inconvenient timing, lack of transportation, childcare challenges, lack of support from spouses, and fear of judgement due to age, or social circumstances. Mothers receiving midwifery-care generally reported having received extensive individual PNI, and many others sought information from other programs, online and from friends and family. Despite receiving some PNI/ PNE, most mothers reported lacking sufficient knowledge in areas such as pregnancy, perinatal and post-partum management of depression/anxiety, birthing and care options; breastfeeding challenges, parenting and perinatal supports and resources.

Conclusion: For mothers to be able to optimize prenatal education and identify and access resources and supports, targeted sessions to determine individual women's concerns, needs and challenges early in pregnancy would be preferable. Pregnancy resources and supports needs to be more widely advertised and available.

Speaker #2

Mental Health Treatment Needs in a Sample of Northern Ontario First Nation Children

Kristy Kowatch

Psychology, Lakehead University

Tina Bobinski

Dilico Anishnabek Family Care

John Dixon

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Kristine Stasiuk

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Christopher Mushquash

Psychology, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: The Mental Wellness Continuum Framework identifies the development of early, effective, mental health treatments based on community needs, as a priority area for reducing health disparities in First Nation communities. This presentation provides treatment developers and service providers' direction in treatment planning by identifying mental health needs within a Northwestern Ontario First Nation child and youth sample.

Methods: Working in collaboration with a First Nation based community health provider, the Child and Adolescents Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment was analyzed to identify specific mental health and intervention needs. A sample of 178 referents, assessed between February 2013 and November 2016, were included.

Results: Descriptive analyses demonstrate that anxiety (26.03% require intervention), mood (21.43%), emotional regulation (25.00%), and adjustment to trauma (49.7%) symptoms are key assessment and intervention targets. Respondents endorsed high rates of comorbid mental health symptoms, furthermore, symptoms are stable over time and persist past a waitlist. Logistic regression analyses demonstrate that assessment of the child's wellness, as conceptualized within the Mental Wellness Continuum Framework, provides insight into an individual's severity.

Conclusion: The symptoms experienced by First Nations children correspond with mechanisms that influence a number mental health diagnoses and are therefore considered transdiagnostic symptoms. The findings also suggest that mental wellness for First Nations' children is tied to their daily functioning, such as sleep, peer relationships, and school achievement, individual strengths such as self-expression, optimism, interpersonal, and cultural factors such as relationship permanence, community involvement, and talents or interests. Implications for treatment development will be discussed.

Speaker #3

Supervisor and Worker Perspectives on Workplace Factors and Job Accommodations for Mental Health Disorders in the Workplace

Vicki Kristman

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Joshua Armstrong

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Chris Viel

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Marc Corbière

Université du Québec à Montréal

William Shaw

Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut

Karen Harlos

Business and Administration, University of Winnipeg

Charlotte McEwen

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Supervisors of workers with mental health disorders (MHDs) play a key role in the prevention of prolonged work absences. Providing appropriate workplace accommodation is one approach that supervisors use to facilitate employees staying at work or returning to work early. Yet, we understand little about accommodations offered by supervisors, and accommodations preferred by workers with MHDs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe worker and supervisor perspectives on job accommodations and other workplace factors potentially related to MHD disability prevention.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of supervisors and workers from 30 randomly selected companies in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. We excluded companies with less than 50 employees. We distributed two separate surveys to each company: one to supervisors and one to workers. Both surveys assessed experience/diagnosis MHDs, workplace factors, and job accommodations offered/needed.

Results: Data collected from 27 companies included 253 supervisors (64% response rate) and 641 workers (36% response rate). Almost 70% of supervisors thought they had supervised a worker with a MHD, but only 35% provided accommodations to this group. Almost 34% of workers reported having at least one MHD. Less than 45% of workers indicated that their supervisor supported workers with a mental illness very well or well. Accommodations most likely provided by supervisors did not match accommodations deemed by workers to be most helpful.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the lack of workplace accommodation for workers with MHDs. The results may help supervisors identify appropriate workplace accommodations to improve disability prevention for workers with MHD.

Speaker #4

Modifiable Risk Factors of Subsequent Falls and Osteoporotic Fractures at Four Years after Distal Radius Fracture - A Prospective Cohort Study

Neha Dewan

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Joy MacDermid

School of Physical Therapy, Western University

Ruby Grewal

Department of Surgery, Western University

Karen Beattie

Department of Medicine, McMaster University

Background/Objectives: To determine the extent to which modifiable riskfactors alone or in combination with bone mineral density (BMD) and nonmodifiable risk factors predict subsequent falls and osteoporotic (OP) fractures after distal radius fracture (DRF).

Methods: We assessed a cohort of patients (n=191; mean age=62±8 years; female=88 %) shortly after DRF (baseline) and again at four years to identify subsequent falls or OP fractures. Baseline predictors included age, sex, prior falls and modifiable risk factors such as balance, muscle strength, physical activity, fear of falling, BMD, fracture-specific pain/disability, and general health status. Univariate, multivariate and stepwise logistic regression analyses were conducted to compute odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI to determine the extent of association between the risk factors and outcomes.

Results: Among the 113 patients, who completed four-year follow-up, 24% reported ≥1 subsequent fall and 19% reported ≥1 subsequent fracture.

Significant predictors of subsequent falls included: poor balance (OR=3.3), low BMD-total hip (OR=3.3), high Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score (OR=3.0) and prior falls (OR= 3.4). When adjusted for BMD, age, and sex, only prior falls (OR= 4.1) remained a significant independent predictor of falls. None of the modifiable or non-modifiable risk factors was significantly associated with subsequent fractures.

Conclusion: Prior falls (≥2) is an independent predictor of subsequent falls in patients with DRF. In clinical practice, screening of patients for prior falls, balance, fracture-specific pain/disability and BMD may identify those who might be at risk of subsequent falls after their first DRF.

Speaker #5

Walkability and Pedestrian Safety in Thunder Bay

Joanna Carastathis

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Lindsay Galway

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Adam Krupper

Engineering, City of Thunder Bay

Erica Sawula

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Background/Objectives: Walking is an accessible and affordable way to incorporate physical activity into everyday life and prevent chronic disease. Residents in Thunder Bay currently rely heavily on automobiles for transportation, and 41.3% are not physically active in their leisure time. This research aims to better understand the barriers to walking and provide an evidence base for improving walkability and pedestrian safety in Thunder Bay.

Methods: We analyzed pedestrian-vehicle collision data from 10 years of Thunder Bay police collision reports (2004-2013) and described trends relating to where, when, why and how collisions occurred. An intercept survey was conducted with 300 pedestrians at 30 locations across Thunder Bay to examine perceptions of walkability and safety. The survey instrument was adapted from the validated Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale - Abbreviated (NEWS-A) instrument.

Results: 634 pedestrian-vehicle collisions occurred in Thunder Bay from 20032014. The majority of collisions occurred on arterial roads, at intersections, in October, and during peak commuting times. 19.2% of drivers and 13% of pedestrians were inattentive at the time of the collision. 3.6% of drivers and 18.4% of drivers had been drinking or were impaired by alcohol at the time of the collision. Based on the intercept survey data, Thunder Bay has a low overall walkability score (13.9/20). Neighbourhood aesthetics was a strength, while infrastructure and safety for walking and access to amenities are dimensions of walkability that should be improved.

Conclusion: Results and recommendations from this research can be used to inform decisions regarding transportation planning and design in the City of Thunder Bay.

Speaker #6

Moving On to Being Free Smoking Cessation Outcomes with Indigenous Populations

Patricia Smith

Human Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine

Lisa Seamark

Meno Ya Win Health Centre

Background/Objectives: Moving On to Being Free, an evidence-based smoking cessation program, was implemented into practice at Meno Ya Win Health Centre to determine program effectiveness in rural and remote areas. Meno Ya Win is a community hospital that serves 33 northern remote communities and the municipality of Sioux Lookout. Moving On to Being Free™ is an intensive behaviourally-based smoking cessation intervention. Developed through 7 randomized trials, Moving On has achieved the highest one-year published cessation outcomes. The intervention is grounded in Bandura's (1986) selfregulation and self-efficacy theory, Marlatt & Gordon's (1985) relapse prevention model, and Skinner's (1938) operant conditioning.

Methods: Moving On was offered at bedside for inpatients and through outpatient programs. The initial 1-hr session was followed by an 8-week program and follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients received quit kit 'gift bags'. Pharmacotherapy was not provided.

Results: Enrollment included 125 patients from 37 northern communities-71% were from remote, fly-in communities; 89% were Indigenous; 60% were female; 43% had less than high school education; 50% were unemployed or disabled; and the majority had a chronic disease. Using intention-to-treat analyses, 50% were smoke-free at one-year; 38% were continuously abstinent for 6 months.

Conclusion: The intervention was extremely effective with this primarily Indigenous population from remote communities. The outcomes were substantially higher than the randomized trials. Future directions include expanding this intervention into more communities and developing additional supports for identified priority populations.

Speaker #7

The Future Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Thunder Bay & District and the Estimated Effects of Diabetes Prevention Strategies: An Application of the Diabetes Population Risk Tool (Dport)

Erica Sawula

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Background/Objectives: Using the Diabetes Population Risk Tool (DPoRT), the objectives of this project were to: (1) predict the number of new cases of Type 2 diabetes over a 10 year period, (2) forecast the potential impact of specific prevention strategies on future diabetes cases, and (3) estimate the future direct health care costs due to diabetes.

Methods: DPoRT, a tool that applies routinely collected population data to a validated risk prediction algorithm, was used to predict the number of new Type 2 diabetes cases in Thunder Bay & District (TBD) between 2013/14-2023/24, using 2013/14 Canadian Community Health Survey data. In addition, two hypothetical prevention strategies (a population-level active transportation scenario and a targeted weight loss intervention) were modelled to examine how they would affect the incidence of the disease. A future cost calculator was used to predict future costs attributable to diabetes and the corresponding cost savings associated with the interventions.

Results: The predicted 10-year risk of developing diabetes for Thunder Bay & District in 2013/14 was 10.9%. This corresponds to 10,296 people in TBD, aged 20 years and older, being newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes by 2023/24.

Total health care costs attributable to diabetes during this period were $73.3 million. The potential number of new diabetes cases prevented and cost savings associated with each hypothetical intervention will also be discussed.

Conclusion: This application of DPoRT provides an example of how health planners and policy makers can use this tool to evaluate different intervention strategies for diabetes prevention.

Poster #1

Parents' Experiences with and Information Needs of Childhood Fever: A Systematic Review

Alison Thompson

Nursing, University of Alberta

Maryam Nesari

Nursing, University of Alberta

Lisa Hartling

Medicine - pediatrics, University of Alberta

Shannon D Scott

Nursing, University of Alberta

Background/Objectives: Episodes of fever are an expected occurrence in childhood and yet parents frequently express fears and uncertainty about how to best care for a febrile child. The purpose of this review was to systematically identify and synthesize current evidence on the experiences and information needs of parents and caregivers for managing childhood fever.

Methods: Systematic review of primary quantitative and qualitative research examining the experiences, beliefs, practices, and information needs of parents caring for a febrile child. The review followed an a priori protocol with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis was completed using a narrative synthesis approach. Critical appraisal of included studies was performed and reported

Results: Twenty-eight quantitative and seven qualitative studies were eligible for a total of thirty-five included articles. Quantitative themes included, 1) presence of inadequate knowledge, misconceptions and anxiety, 2) varied fever assessment and management practices, 3) information seeking behaviours and preferred sources, and 4) influence of context on parent information needs and health practices. Synthesis of the qualitative studies followed three primary themes, 1) responsibility coupled with vulnerability, 2) seeking support and information, and 3) tension between logic and emotion.

Conclusion: Although parental knowledge was generally low and anxiety levels were heightened during febrile illness, parents reported a desire to learn about childhood fever and to increase confidence in their caregiving actions. Our review highlights the need for parent-centered interventions about childhood fever which may target misconceptions and the diverse contextual drivers of behaviour and decision-making.

Poster #2

Relaxation Training for Management of Pediatric Headache: A Rapid Review

Alison Thompson

Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta

David Thompson

School of Nursing, Lakehead University

Hsing Jou

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta

Sunita Vohra

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta

Background/Objectives: Pediatric headache is a common reason for families to seek medical care. Relaxation training is easy, accessible, and common. Although several systematic reviews have reported results in support of general psychological approaches for pediatric headaches, no reviews have examined relaxation training specifically. The objective of this rapid review was to assess the effectiveness of relaxation training for managing pediatric headaches.

Methods: We conducted a rapid review (Featherstone et al., 2015) of controlled trials examining the effect of relaxation training on pediatric headaches. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar.

Results: Our searches generated 476 titles. Title and abstract screening excluded 449 articles and full-text assessment excluded an additional 20. Seven articles published between 1986 and 2010 and involving 571 children met our inclusion criteria. The quality of evidence was very low using GRADE criteria. Headache frequency, duration and intensity were the primary outcomes in the included studies. Results for the effects of relaxation training for pediatric headache are inconsistent. Four studies reported decreased headache frequency, two of five studies reported decreased headache duration, and two of six studies reported decreased headache intensity following relaxation training. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: The evidence for relaxation training for management of pediatric headache is both inconsistent and of low quality. Despite this, the safety of relaxation training is a positive starting point for clinicians to engage in discussions with families interested in exploring non-pharmacological approaches to headache management.

Poster #3

Exploring the Service Needs of Youth Experiencing Early Psychosis in Northern Ontario: Final Results & Next Steps of the NorthBEAT Project

Chiachen Cheng

Centre for Applied Health Research, St. Joseph's Care Group

Shevaun Nadin

Centre for Applied Health Research, St. Joseph's Care Group

Carole Lem

Centre for Applied Health Research, St. Joseph's Care Group

M Katt

Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, Lakehead University

CS Dewa

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis

Background/Objectives: Psychosis, a symptom of serious mental illness, typically emerges in adolescence. Early psychosis intervention (EPI) is critical, as shorter durations of untreated psychosis (DUP) are associated with improved outcomes. In Northern Ontario, services struggle to identify early psychosis and youth face multiple barriers to accessing EPI. The NorthBEAT research project (a 3-year descriptive study), sought to: i) explore the service needs of youth who experience early psychosis in Northern Ontario; ii) gain a snapshot of functional status and DUP; and iii) identify facilitators and barriers to EPI in Northern Ontario.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Qualitative interviews explored adolescents' experience with accessing services. Participants were youth aged ≤18 years who had experienced psychosis (n = 18), their family caregivers (n = 11), and mental health service providers (n = 14). Structured assessments with youth who (n=26) examined their functional status and DUP. Participants were recruited from Northwestern and Northeastern Ontario.

Results: The qualitative interviews identified barriers to early psychosis assessment and treatment in Northern Ontario as well as the service needs of youth who experience early psychosis. Those results are organized around two global themes: NorthBEAT (Barriers to Early Assessment), and What Rural Youth Need. The structured assessments provided a snapshot of functional status, and DUP (range <1 - 96 months).

Conclusion: These findings provided insight into the barriers that Northern Ontario youth face in receiving appropriate EPI. This project was the basis for the development of a systems collaborative (the NorthBEAT Collaborative) which seeks to address those barriers.

Poster #4

Evaluating Treatment Success of CCTB Outpatient Services

Amy Killen

Program Evaluation, Children's Centre Thunder Bay

Kara-Lynn Boles

Psychology, Lakehead University

Fred Schmidt

Clinical Development, Evaluation, & Research, Children's Centre Thunder Bay

Background/Objectives: The Children's Centre Thunder Bay (CCTB) uses the Childhood and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) instrument for clinical assessment and measuring treatment outcomes. In addition to investigating treatment outcomes with the CANS based on key client demographics and clinical needs, the level of client engagement and service completion are also important indicators of treatment success. These were concurrently studied on an outpatient basis.

Methods: One-hundred and forty outpatient clients were included in the study. From these clients, 64% completed both the initial and discharge CANS. Data was collected on previous and current successful treatment completions, client engagement, and demographics.

Results: Although 64.3% of clients completed the outpatient service program at CCTB, 15% of clients non-materialized and 7.1% withdrew from service. Clients who completed services were enrolled in more treatment programs overall (M = 5.22, SD = 3.66), and spent less days on the waitlist (M = 64.89, SD = 103.95). In contrast, individuals who did not complete service were found to have higher frequencies of impairment in social functioning. Additionally, children from joint custody and biological parent families were more likely to complete service than those from single-parent homes. Individual CANS items that displayed the highest frequency of clinical need at pre-treatment (i.e., Leadership and SelfManagement) also displayed significant change at post-treatment (p < .05; twotailed). All domains displayed significant change at post-treatment (p < .01; twotailed).

Conclusion: These results identify strengths and weaknesses associated with the success of treatment and provide some clear direction regarding client engagement and barriers to service completion.

Poster #5

Evaluating Service Complexity and Intensity with Client Clinical Needs in CCTB Youth and Adolescent Outpatient Services

Kara-Lynn Boles

Psychology, Lakehead University

Amy Killen

Program Evaluation, Children's Centre Thunder Bay

Fredrick Schmidt

Clinical Development, Evaluation & Research, Children's Centre Thunder Bay

Background/Objectives: The Children's Center Thunder Bay (CCTB) offers mental health services for youth (aged 7-12) and adolescents (aged 13-18). The Childhood and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) is used to monitor outcomes and assist in clinical decision making. Given limited resources and complexity of client needs, investigating the intensity of service and service match to client clinical needs is critical for the effective delivery of services.

Methods: The sample included 140 outpatient clients (n = 67 Youth; n = 73 Adolescent). Service utilization data and treatment history was collected as a means of understanding the matching of service intensity with clients who have complex service needs based on their CANS profile.

Results: Service intensity profiles were developed on clients for hours of service, length of service, history of previous service use, number of concurrent adjunct treatments, and CANS severity scores. There was a positive correlation between the total number of mental health services provided, [r =.399, n = 100, p < .001] and total hours in service and initial CANS severity scores [r =.252, n = 99, p < .05]. Differences were shown between those who had one episode of care and those who had multiple episodes of care. Specifically, those with one episode of care displayed higher clinical need on the initial CANS for individual strengths (i.e., leadership and resiliency) and those with more than one episode of care showed higher clinical need for emotion regulation (i.e., self-management and over reactive).

Conclusion: Results highlight the importance of clinical complexity and severity in outpatient services in relation to service utilization. Recommendations will be provided.

Poster #6

Growing Together: Evaluation of a Community-Garden Initiative

Kara-Lynn Boles

Psychology, Lakehead University

Kristy Kowatch

Clinical Psychology, Lakehead University

Aislin Mushquash

Clinical Psychology, Lakehead University

Erin Pearson

Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Braden Te Hewi

Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Tina Bobinski

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Maria Dobson

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

Background/Objectives: Low income communities are at a heightened risk for food insecurity. A promising intervention to increase food security is community gardening. This study provides an evaluation of one of the programs implemented as part of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge in Thunder Bay. Specifically, the Growing Together: Community Gardens Initiative provides community-based programming to increase health and wellness behaviours among at-risk populations within Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Methods: This site evaluation assessed the level of community members' involvement with the initiative. The children that were involved in the community garden completed questionnaires assessing changes in their gardening knowledge and skills, as well as fruit and vegetable knowledge, access, and consumption.

Results: Over the course of the evaluation, children ranging from 4 to 8 years old (M=6) visited the garden 5 times on average. Just over half of the children were male (63.64%). After being involved with the garden, close to three quarters of the children reported that they had learned about fruits and vegetables. Children's knowledge about sustainable food practices also increased as the majority reported that they learned about growing fruits and vegetables and they practiced gardening. Almost all of the children (90.91%) reported that they ate more fruits or vegetables in comparison to what they ate before the project, and they also reported feeling good when they visited the garden.

Conclusion: Community gardens, such as the one evaluated in this study, show promise in decreasing food insecurity and increasing intake of nutritious foods.

Poster #7

The Thunder Bay Healthy Kids Community Challenge: Evaluation of a Neighbourhood-based Health Promotion Program

Erin Pearson

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Aislin Mushquash

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University

Braden Te Hiwi

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Vincent Ng

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Marianne Stewart

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Background/Objectives: The Healthy Kids Community Challenge (HKCC) was developed to promote children's health in Ontario communities, including Thunder Bay, through programs relating to improving lifestyle behaviours. The Neighbourhood Partnership Program (NPP) is a multi-faceted, 'real-world' health promotion program supported by HKCC that aimed to improve resident health in a vulnerable neighbourhood via several community-based initiatives. The study purpose was to explore the NPP's effectiveness to determine how it might be implemented in other similar city neighbourhoods.

Methods: A mixed-methods design integrated: 1) semi-structured interviews held with residents and community partners to discuss NPP initiatives; and 2) surveys administered to neighbourhood parents/guardians to uncover healthy living views and experiences with NPP initiatives. Inductive content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results: Eighteen individuals were interviewed representing eight community organizations and the neighbourhood Community Action Group. Eighty-five surveys were completed (n=371 residents). Cumulatively, results indicated that residents value and want health-related opportunities. However, significant struggles related to the social determinants of health (SD) seem to affect progress. Neighbourhood safety, substance use, and poverty were predominant concerns. Residents appreciate community organization involvement in the neighbourhood, and provided suggestions for collaborations.

Conclusion: Community organizations should continue to work with neighbourhood champions to leverage existing resources. Targeting basic needs preceding or in conjunction with health behaviour strategies is essential for effecting meaningful change. The NPP may provide a promising approach to promoting health within vulnerable neighbourhoods; however, additional work is needed to identify optimal routes for addressing the SD while fostering community-resident partnerships.

Poster #8

A Regional Food Charter for Northwestern Ontario: Integrating Community Food Systems

Ashley Boudreau

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Connie H. Nelson

School of Social Work, Lakehead University

Charles Z. Levkoe

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: To explore the development of a regional food charter with the goal to expand local food integration across a large geographic area with sparse population. To utilize a regional food charter as the social capital 'glue' to enhance health and well-being through collective value sharing across the region on local food infrastructure. To add to our current understandings of local food governance arrangements through a complexity framework that crosses multiple geographic, scalar and administrative boundaries.

Methods: Our mixed method research documents the process to establish the Northwestern Ontario regional food charter through hosting community-based focus groups using a liberating structures approach and an on-line survey.

Results: Data was collected between April, 2017 and December 15, 2017. Respondents are interested in a comprehensive retooling of the infrastructure needed to support more accessibility of local foods to enhance health and wellbeing. The data obtained from the focus groups and surveys informed the draft of the regional food charter which was brought back to the communities for approval. Our findings report through a complexity lens on governance issues including how responsibility is apportioned, priorities set and success measured in building a resilient regional local food system.

Conclusion: There is support for enhancing regional local food that can provide healthy dietary options for citizens of Northwestern Ontario. Our presentation will provide focus group and SPSS generated statistical data on how local food initiatives can enhance health and well-being.

Poster #9

Engaging with Youth from Robinson Superior Treaty Communities on Their Ideas for Enhancing Access to Traditional Foods and Local Market Foods in Their Communities

Samantha Crowe

Social Work, Lakehead University Food Security Research Network

Connie Nelson

Social Work, Lakehead University Food Security Research Network

Charles Levkoe

Health Sciences, Lakehead University Centre for Food Sustainability

Background/Objectives: To provide youth with the opportunity to share their perspectives on food security. To develop policies that can enhance access to local foods. To generate ideas for how youth can enhance food accessibility for their community members. To demonstrate how the use of a liberating structures tool set for focus groups can enhance youth participation.

Methods: Focus groups that utilize liberating structures approach to group facilitation.

Results: Data is being collected between October 2017 and February, 2018

Conclusion: Preliminary findings demonstrate that youth express a lack of awareness about food security. However, their responses demonstrate a keen understanding of the importance of food to the health of each person, to families and to the community. The responses show an interest in reviving many traditional food practices. For example: Try to bring back the teachings of hunting to the spring/harvest hunt. Connect with some of the elders to see if they could do the teachings. Learn how to hunt, how to connect, how to share/not think only about self, how to take care of land/not overhunt. To date the responses, demonstrate that current diets consist of a mix of store food, community gardens and traditional boreal forest foods. Youth participants expressed the importance of these focus groups: Because we're young people, to promote healthy living and prevent illnesses/disease/diabetes/dying, to be better educated, to bring more awareness to others, to have better water, to have more options for people who can't leave the community for decent food .... there's only junk food in community.

Poster #10

Assessing the Validity of the CANRISK Questionnaire in Detecting Prediabetes and Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Using HbA1c in a Rural Northwestern Ontario Community

Felicia Lotsios

Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Ian Newhouse

Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Heidi West

Administration, Mary Berglund Community Health Centre Hub

Background/Objectives: Northwestern Ontario has a higher prevalence of diabetes when compared to the overall population of Canada. Although many preventative and treatment interventions exist, detection of type 2 diabetes is lacking. The purpose of this research study was to assess the validity of the Canadian Diabetes Risk Assessment Questionnaire (CANRISK) in a rural community using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). As well, a secondary objective was to educate, detect, and refer those with high-risk, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes to professionals and resources within the community.

Methods: Participants consisted of males and females between the ages of 30 and 74 who were permanently living in Northwestern Ontario, particularly Ignace. Correlation between risk score calculated by the CANRISK and HbA1c for 14 participants was examined. An additional items survey also collected data pertaining to screening satisfaction, ease and clarity of the CANRISK, and usefulness of information from screening.

Results: Overall, due to a low number of HbA1c tests, there was not a significant correlation between the CANRISK and HbA1c (r = 0.256, p >0.05, n = 14).

Nonetheless, 75% of participants strongly agreed that the CANRISK was clear and easy to understand, while 75% either strongly agreed or agreed with receiving useful information about how to lower their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion: It was concluded that this method of screening was well accepted by this rural Northwestern Ontario community and further research should examine its effectiveness as a means of early detection, education, and mobilizing community and regional resources.

Poster #11

The Lived Experience of Attachment Injuries in Adult Couple Relationships: Preliminary Findings from a Qualitative Interview Study with Community Members in Northern Ontario

Karin Almuhtadi

Psychology, Lakehead University

Dr. Mirella Stroink

Psychology, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Attachment injuries are significant moments in couple relationships when one partner fails to be there during a critical time of need. These experiences can influence how we view ourselves, others, and the world. While they are often associated with pain and chaos, shifts and growth can occur in other parts of the intrapersonal and interpersonal system. This study captured the lived experience of individuals who have caused and/or experienced attachment injuries in couple relationships. The second aim was to apply complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory concepts metaphorically to provide novel ways to explain system change and stability in couple relationships.

Methods: Eleven community members who had been in a significant couple relationship, past or current, completed semi-structured interviews about their lived experience of attachment injuries. Interviews were transcribed and coded for emerging themes using thematic analysis and an iterative qualitative approach.

Results: Participants described varied impacts on their views of self, partners, and future relationships, as well as changes over time. Themes of transformative experiences emerged alongside narratives describing post trauma effects and mental health impacts. Participant networks varied in terms of who they perceived as impacted by the events, and who they included in their coping process.

Conclusion: Attachment injuries in couple relationships are rarely single events, existing instead in a network of other injuries and varying in terms of perceived impact on and involvement of others. Findings contribute to the minimal qualitative research that has explored attachment injuries and continue to pave the way for CAS theory informing psychological phenomena.

Poster #12

The Lived Experiences of Men Identified as Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence in Thunder Bay

Jennifer White

Social Work, Lakehead University

Dr. Jodie Murphy- Oikonen

Social Work, Lakehead University

Dr. Lori Chambers

Women's Studies, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Background: IPV is a complex social problem that has many damaging impacts on individuals and families. IPV encompasses 'behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological or sexual harm' carried out through; physical aggression, coercion, control, non-consensual sex and/or limits of basic needs. IPV can be detrimental to both the victim and perpetrator's physical and mental health in many ways. Violence also places a heavy toll on the systems that attempt to address it, costing billions to 'the criminal justice system (including police), health care system (including mental health), social services, housing and refugees, [...] civil legal services' as well as employment systems. Due to the complexity of this social problem, IPV has detrimental effects on individuals and society. Current understanding of IPV is predominately centred on the experiences of women who are victims. Men's voices are lacking in the literature of IPV. Thus, exploring the experiences of men may improve the quality of life for all individuals impacted by it. Purpose: The goal of this research is to gain an understanding of men's lived experiences with IPV and how they perceive the support received in the community to cope with IPV.

Methods: This study utilized qualitative methodology, specifically descriptive phenomenology, to complete open-ended, semi-structured interviews with men identified as perpetrators of IPV. Interview questions explored men's experiences with violence, the impact of violence in their lives, and the services that they received in relation to IPV. Participants were eligible for interviews if they: 1) were men who have been identified (either by self or others) as perpetrators of violence towards a partner; 2) were living in Thunder Bay; 3) were in a heterosexual relationship. Participants were excluded from the research if they: 1) were in a same-sex relationship; 2) were under the age of 18, and 3) were living outside of Thunder Bay.

Results: A total of 13 men identified as a male perpetrator of IPV and were interviewed for the study. Research interviews were conducted between October 2017 and February 2018. Analysis of these interviews is currently in progress, however, preliminary themes identified through thematic analysis include: 1) Bilateral violence, 2) History of trauma 3) Impacts of IPV are all-encompassing, 4) Support as a strength, 5) Abandoned by the legal system 6) Change for future generations .

Conclusion: The experiences shared from participants identified many themes that assist in understanding the lived experiences of men identified as perpetrators of violence. Data analysis is in progress.

Poster #13

Lessons Learned from Listening: Experiences of Help after Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence

K.A Maranzan

Psychology, Lakehead University

R Hudson

Indigenous Friendship Centre

R Scofich

Family Health, Thunder Bay District Health Unit

M McGregor

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

R Sequin

Ontario Native Women's Association

Background/Objectives: The Naadmaagewin Aboriginal Domestic Violence Committee (NADVC) sought to learn about Indigenous peoples' healing journey after sexual abuse and sexual violence. The research committee worked to facilitate a project that honoured Indigenous peoples' unique histories, and traditions with recognition of Indigenous rights to ownership and control of the research and data.

Methods: Ethics approval was obtained through the Lakehead University REB and organizational approval was obtained from participating service organizations; an Indigenous Advisory Committee advised on cultural matters. Indigenous adults were invited to take part in Talking Circles and interviews. A survey was then conducted based on the information shared in the interviews and circles.

Results: Overall 124 Indigenous people in Thunder Bay shared their experiences in seeking help for sexual abuse/violence.

Conclusion: Findings from the Talking Circles, interviews, and survey paralleled each other. Indigenous peoples described using numerous spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical practices to cope with the impacts of sexual abuse/violence. Overall, participants expressed positive attitudes toward supports for sexual abuse/violence, and identified a number of areas in which agencies/organizations and service providers are doing a good job (e.g., feeling welcome; valuing cultural beliefs; confidentiality; trust and connection).

Location of services and ease of access, hours of operation, wait time before first appointment, length of service, and continuity with the service provider were factors identified as areas for improvement.

Poster #14

Community Perspectives and Perceptions on Violence, Impacts and Prevention Opportunities

Jo-Ann Vis

Social work, Lakehead University

Rosemary Scofich

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Lee-Ann Chevrette

Crime prevention Thunder Bay

Cynthia Olsen

Thunder Bay drug strategy

Kimberly Ongaro

Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: The experience of violence for individuals in Thunder Bay have far reaching consequences for the entire community. Due to the complexity of violence and the need for a collaborative multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of violence, information gleaned from stakeholder interviews, focus groups and survey results were used to identify key concerns and inform prevention strategies.

Methods: A mixed methods research design was used to gather information from the Thunder Bay community. 34 individuals were interviewed, representing 14 service organizations, 47 individuals participated in 9 focus groups and 1164 online surveys were completed. A thematic analysis was used to integrate the qualitative and quantitative data.

Results: A snapshot on the complex state of violence in Thunder Bay was captured, reflecting a point-in- time experience among individuals who chose to participate in the research. Through this consultation process, shared information and knowledge informed a greater understanding of the many forms of violence and a base from which to explore, develop and implement efforts to prevent and reduce violence in the Thunder Bay community.

Conclusion: While prevention efforts typically take years before measured change can be realized, this collaborative research effort provides recommendations for primary, secondary and tertiary violence prevention activities and strategies. This is a first step towards exploring a communitybased violence prevention strategy for Thunder Bay.

Poster #15

A Study of Spiritual Intelligence and Depression Among Mental Health Outpatient Clients

Augustine Puthuva Parattukudi

Heather Boynton

St. Joseph's Care Group

Sacha Dubois

St. Joseph's Care Group

Hillary Maxwell

St. Joseph's Care Group

Jessica Lowey

St. Joseph's Care Group

Michel Bédard

St. Joseph's Care Group

Background/Objectives: Spiritually integrated interventions for mental health show promise for the treatment of depression (Koenig, 2012; Bonelli & Koenig, 2013; Gonçalves, Lucchetti, Menezes, & Vallada, 2015, Shaw, Joseph, and Linley, 2005). To expand on these findings, we conducted an eight week long spiritually integrated psychotherapy group within a mental health outpatient program. The primary aim of the analyses presented here is to describe the relationship between spiritual intelligence and depression prior to the intervention.

Methods: We captured spiritual intelligence (Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory; SISRI-24) and self-reported depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II; BDI-II). Pearson's r coefficients were computed to determine the strength of the relationships between SISRI-24 and BDI-II and their respective sub-component scores (SISRI-24: Critical Existential Thinking, Personal Meaning Production, Transcendental Awareness, Conscious State Expansion; BDI-II: Cognitive, Somatic).

Results: Twenty-six of 39 participants were female (66.7%) and the average age was 48.7 (range: 20-71). Mean SISRI-24 and BDI-II total scores were 56.8 (range: 22 to 84) and 24.38 (range: 1 - 53). Greater SISRI-24 scores were associated with lower BDI-II total depression scores (r=-.55, p < .001), Cognitive (r=-.51, p=.001), and Somatic (r=-.52, p=.001) sub-components. A similar pattern was observed for the SISRI-24 sub-component scores. These patterns appear to be driven by female participants.

Conclusion: Our results indicating that women reporting more spirituality have fewer depression symptoms parallels current literature (Bennett & Shepherd, 2012; Desrosiers & Miller, 2007; Boscaglia, D.M, T. W., & M.A., 2005), highlighting the need to research interventions aimed at improving spirituality as a means of reducing depression symptoms.

Poster #16

The Decision Guide Model: Applying the Concept of Decision Coaching to Mental Health Treatment

Colin Stewart

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group

Jaye Walker

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group

Ashley Lyon

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group

Dr. Missy Teatero

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group

Dr. Heather Boynton

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group

Dr. Clair Barefoot

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group

Background/Objectives: The Mental Health Outpatient Program (MHOP) receives 50 referrals weekly. This volume led to significant wait times for intake and high no show rates. The task was to develop a model of service that reduced the wait time from referral to first contact and consequently reduced no show rates. The objective of this program evaluation was to examine whether the new model did in fact reduce wait time and no show rates.

Methods: MHOP applied the concept of decision coaching and the principles of self-management to develop the Decision Guide (DG) Model. MHOP felt the DG Model would reduce client wait times and no shows rates and fully engage clients in planning for their care. Decision Guides assess the client's readiness for treatment, solicit client identified needs, determine barriers that might affect client engagement and work with the clients to set goals to meet those needs. The Decision Guides support the clients to navigate the system and find the intervention(s) that best address their unique needs.

Results: The DG Model led to a decrease in the wait time for initial contact. This program evaluation saw the number of referrals to MHOP rise by 25% while the number of clients attending their first MHOP contact rose by 50%. 85% of the clients who attended their first MHOP contact attended their initial DG appointment.

Conclusion: The DG Model has effectively facilitated getting clients who are ready and willing to attend outpatient programs into MHOP in a timely fashion, thus reducing the no show rate.

Poster #17

Factors that Impact the Implementation and Sustainability of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Programs: A Qualitative Study of Clinician Perspectives

Alexandra Popowich

Psychology, Lakehead University

Aislin Mushquash

Psychology, Lakehead University

Erin Pearson

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Fred Schmidt

Psychology, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a psychological treatment developed for individuals experiencing significant mental health issues along with high-risk behaviours. Despite substantial evidence supporting its use, many DBT programs have problems with sustainability. The goals of the current study were to: a) identify factors that impact the functioning of DBT programs in Thunder Bay, Ontario; b) identify factors that are particularly relevant for youth DBT programs; c) make recommendations to foster the facilitators of success and address the barriers that hinder the functioning of DBT programs.

Methods: We conducted focused groups and one-to-one interviews with 31 clinicians who had received comprehensive DBT training within the last 15 years. Interviews explored participants experience providing DBT services and their thoughts on the factors that facilitate or hinder the functioning of DBT programs. This research was supported by funding from SJCG Centre for Applied Health Research.

Results: Three major themes emerged as barriers to the functioning of DBT programs: systemic challenges, conflicts within the consultation teams, and clinician burnout. Factors influencing the success of DBT programs included: systemic support, clinician commitment and 'buy in,' and team cohesion. Unique factors specific to providing DBT with youth were also identified.

Conclusion: The findings provide novel information on barriers that impact the functioning of DBT programs from clinicians' perspectives within a Canadian publically funded mental health system. Addressing the barriers has the potential to improve functioning on DBT programs and ultimately improve the mental health of members of our community.

Poster #18

Engagement: Considering a Northern Centre of Excellence for Mental Health and Addictions

Mary Ellen Hill

Centre for Rural & Northern Health Research, Lakehead University

Pamela Wakewich

Centre for Rural & Northern Health Research, Lakehead University

Shevaun Nadin

Centre for Rural & Northern Health Research, Lakehead University

Christopher Mushquash

Psychology and Centre for Rural & Northern Health Research, Lakehead University

Michelle Marie Spadoni

Nursing, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Beginning in 2017, this MOHLTC-funded knowledge exchange project was designed to: (i) establish an agenda outlining priority addiction and wellness issues for Northwestern Ontario; (ii) assess feasibility of Centre of Excellence models to build northern wellness capacity; and (iii) encourage collaboration among service providers.

Methods: Guided by 10-member Advisory Group, the project involved: (a) thematic scans of the literature to identify relevant addiction and mental health issues; (b) planning a comprehensive region-wide engagement process; (c) holding meetings in six communities and audio- and video-conference sessions with remote areas; (d) evaluating process and preparing deliverables; and (e) broad-based dissemination to participating organizations, communities, consumers, and decision-makers.

Results: Thematic literature reviews identified gaps in services for rural and northern populations, with rural youth, women, Indigenous and LBGTQSTS communities especially underserved. Key themes from community consultations held across Northwestern Ontario included lack of local addiction and mental health services, difficulties coordinating services, and absence of educational, evaluation and research support needed to deliver optimal care.

Conclusion: The engagement identified priority addiction and mental wellness issues for diverse Northwestern Ontario service providers, consumer groups, and communities. Stakeholders felt that distributed Centre of Excellence models could improve capacity to deliver effective, culturally safe and relevant treatment and wellness supports. They also felt that the collaborative processes begun during the engagement should be continued.

Poster #19

Comparing Residential and Non-Residential Substance Use

Treatment Outcomes within Indigenous Populations: A Systematic Review

Elaine Toombs

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University

Nicole Marshall

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University

Christopher Mushquash

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: First Nations populations within Canada have expressed the need for effective treatment strategies to address substance use and addictions within their communities (First Nations Information Governance Centre [FNIGC], 2012). Accessibility to treatment has been influenced by community remoteness, availability of programs, and structure of desired treatment programs (Dell, Tempier, & Mehl-Madrona, 2011). Examining treatment specific outcomes and comparing outcomes of non-residential and residential treatment programs may increase the use of best practices for those Indigenous communities delivering treatment services.

Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literatures comparing residential and non-residential treatment outcomes for Indigenous populations was completed.

Results: Few studies were identified that compared residential and nonresidential treatment outcomes for Indigenous people. Given the variability between studies, further comparison of treatment outcomes was not feasible.

Outcomes for the obtained studies focused primarily on retention and relapse rates by sources, the incorporation of cultural knowledge, and duration of treatment for participants.

Conclusion: Overall treatment considerations for First Nations communities in Canada and future research possibilities were provided.

Poster #20

Updated Estimates of True Incidence for Hepatitis C in Ontario, 2011-2016

Charlotte McEwen

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Vicki Kristman

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus with serious health implications, designated the most burdensome infectious disease in Ontario. Unfortunately, the reported incidence of hepatitis C is known to be an underestimate of true incidence because of the virus's asymptomatic presentation and associated diagnostic delays. Estimates of the true incidence of hepatitis C were last calculated for the year 2010; this project provides updated measures. Objective: To present estimates of the true incidence of hepatitis C in Ontario for the years 2011-2016.

Methods: Estimated true incidence takes into account the proportion of hepatitis C cases that become symptomatic (20%) and the proportion of symptomatic cases that are expected to be reported (75%). The reported incidence of hepatitis C for 2011-2016 was obtained from Public Health Ontario, and estimated true incidence was calculated for the years 2011-2016 for each of Ontario's health unit regions using methods developed and validated by Remis, Zou, Tepper & Giulivi.

Results: Estimated true incidence of hepatitis C for both sexes and all ages in Ontario decreased slightly from 210.7 cases per 100,000 population in 2011 (reported incidence: 31.6 cases per 100,000 population) to 207.3 cases per 100,000 population in 2016 (reported incidence: 31.1 cases per 100,000 population). Select regional trends will be presented.

Conclusion: Reported incidence of hepatitis C is known to be an underestimate of true incidence. As such, it is important that health units have access to estimates of true incidence. Future research will examine the impact of needle syringe program availability on hepatitis c incidence.

Poster #21

Leadership, Communication and Knowledge about Mental Health: Key Factors in Workplace Mental Wellbeing in Thunder Bay and District

Shofia Akhtar

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Jessica Lowey

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Helle Møller

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Lynda Fraser

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Susan Armstrong

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Vicki Kristman

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: The mental health and wellbeing of the Thunder Bay and District population compares unfavorably to provincial averages, with higher rates of injury, suicide, addiction and chronic diseases. Mental health (MH) struggles can originate from and negatively affect social, family, home, and work environments. Therefore, employers need the tools and knowledge required to maintain psychological health and safety in the workplace and the ability to offer support, programming, or referrals when employees struggle. In preparation for implementing a national standard of psychological health and safety in the workplace, this study explores workplace perceptions and needs for training and support regarding psychological health and safety in the workplace.

Methods: Five qualitative focus group interviews were conducted in Thunder Bay and District. In total, 23 employees participated, representing 22 worksites. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The qualitative data management program, Nvivo, was used to manage the data, and thematic network analysis was used to interpret the results.

Results: There is a marked interest in workplace mental health and wellness (WMHW) and its importance is acknowledged; however, knowledge and understanding about WMHW and resources to support WMHW was perceived to be a recent focus, limited, not well coordinated or supported. Facilitators to WMHW was perceived to include good leadership, communication, and knowledge about WMHW; and barriers to include stigma, lack of leadership, lack of knowledge, education and procedures about WMHW. Participant felt it would be beneficial that employers and employees alike gain more knowledge about WMHW and challenges, how to identify and approach MH challenges, what the responsibilities of individual workers, leaders and employers are, which resources are available and where.

Conclusion: To facilitate psychologically healthy and safe workplaces, employers and employees must familiarize themselves with key terms, encourage open communication of mental health issues, and provide access to mental health resources when necessary.

Poster #22

Enhancing Capacity for Mental Health among Rural Volunteer Emergency First Responders

Kristen Jones-Bonofiglio

Centre for Health Care Ethics, Lakehead University

Sara Hagstrom

Thunder Bay District Critical Incident Stress Management Team

Background/Objectives: Due to the nature of their work, first responders are at increased risk for mental health issues. Little is known about the needs among volunteer first responders, who often do not receive the same training and support as their professionally-designated counterparts. The purpose of this research was to explore mental health and well-being among a sample of rural, volunteer emergency first responders and pilot a two-hour training workshop. Participant feedback was also sought to determine needs for continuing education on mental health and well-being for this at-risk population.

Methods: This is a quantitative study that used three validated tools to gather data on psychological well-being, overall mental health, and positive outlook from 68 participants (representing 7 of the 12 rural volunteer emergency response units in an area of Northwestern Ontario).

Results: This presentation reviews the quantitative findings and provides snapshots of self-perceived mental health, psychological well-being, and positive outlook. Snapshot #1: none of the participants' demographics could be linked to differences in well-being, mental health, or positive outlook. Snapshot #2: the majority of responses on all three scales indicated moderate to high levels of mental health, psychological well-being, and positive outlook. Snapshot #3: on one questionnaire, 57 of 68 participants indicated that as a result of their work as first responder their own perspectives (about self) have changed positively. Conclusion: With very little academic literature available on volunteer first responders and mental health and well-being, this study makes a new contribution with an intervention that has been piloted and and contains surprising findings related the self-perceptions of mental health and well-being among participants in this study.

Poster #23

Identifying Musculoskeletal Injury Risk for Application in Injury

Prevention Tool Development for Professional Firefighters

Sara T. Sayed

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Kathryn E. Sinden

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Tim Hurley

School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University

Kerri Zalan

School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University

Jeff Wang

School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University

Ewa Habrowski

School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University

Joy C. MacDermid

School of Physical Therapy, Western University

Background/Objectives: Firefighters perform physically demanding work and experience high rates of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. Developing applied approaches to measure MSK risk in firefighting may inform development of evidence-based MSK prevention tools.

Methods: Firefighter (n=20) MSK risk during a hose drag task was measured using the Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System (OWAS). Median scores and interquartile range of OWAS scores were calculated for each phase (standing, pick-up, stabilize, and carry). TEAM-Feedback corresponding to OWAS scores using Dartfish software was provided. A sub-sample (n=5) completed a survey to determine TEAM-feedback utility scored on a 5-point Likert Scale (1= strongly disagree).

Results: Standing (median=1; IQR = 1,2.5) and carrying (median=1; IQR=1,3.8) were associated with low MSK risk. High MSK risk was identified during the pickup (median=4; IQR=0) and stabilize (median=4; IQR = 1,3.8) phases. The composite OWAS score (median=2.6, IQR = 1,3.8) suggested the hose drag task placed firefighters at high MSK risk. When identifying the utility of corresponding TEAM-feedback, 60% of participants agreed they would apply TEAM-Feedback to their future work/health training; 40% agreed that TEAMFeedback was helpful in teaching safe task performance strategies.

Conclusion: Firefighter MSK risk while performing a hose drag task is associated with high MSK risk although standing and carrying are associated with low MSK risk. TEAM-Feedback informed by MSK risk assessment appears to be a 'userfriendly' approach. Future research is required to validate TEAM-Feedback with kinetic loading parameters. Upscaling this approach to include more firefighting tasks and additional contexts would improve applicability.

Poster #24

Role of Multimorbidity and Workplace Conditions on Aging Workers in Ontario

Anna Koné Péfoyo

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Kaitlyn Hindman

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Vicki Kristman

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Monique Gignac

Health Sciences, IWH

Background/Objectives: Arthritis is a highly prevalent health concern, limiting one's ability to complete daily tasks, at home and work. Aging people with arthritis often exhibit multiple conditions (MC). Given the presence of aging baby-boomers in the workforce, it appears crucial to assess the impact of arthritis and MC on workers' performance and health outcomes, and the role of workplace factors.

Methods: Cross-sectional design was used to collect data on 742 workers with arthritis aged 50+. Frequencies and bivariate analyses were used to describe participants' characteristics, multimorbidity (0,1,2+), workplace conditions (e.g. overall control) and outcomes (health status, difficulty meeting job demands). Finally, multivariate associations between multimorbidity, workplace control and the outcomes were analyzed, controlling for workers' characteristics.

Results: Participants were 47% men; 65% had osteoarthritis, over 67% of respondents had at least one additional health condition. 8.5% reported worsening health; 23% had low energy and 24% had difficulty completing work tasks. Those with multimorbidity reported worse health or more difficulty completing job demands, than those with arthritis only (respectively 11% vs 0.9% and 19% vs 4.5%). Limited control at work increased the negative impact of multimorbidity.

Conclusion: Optimal work conditions can make a difference in workers' productivity and health status, especially for those with multiple conditions. With increasing number of baby-boomers in the workplace and prevalence of chronic diseases, mechanisms of support should focus on accommodations for specific diseases such as arthritis, with consideration of conditions cooccurrence.

Poster #25

Keeping the Boomers in the Labour Market: Examining Workplace Accommodations Needs of Older Workers Across Job Sectors

Joshua Armstrong

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Charlotte McEwen

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Monique Gignac

Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

Vicki Kristman

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: With the aging of the Canadian population, it is important to understand how employability can be promoted in older workers. Workplace accommodations can be made to remove barriers that prevent older workers from successfully performing the essential duties of their jobs.

OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in workplace accommodation needs of older workers across job sectors.

Methods: A sample was recruited from a national panel of 80,000 Canadians and survey questions were administered on-line or by phone. Participants surveyed (n=1566) were employed adults aged 50-67 years. Questionnaires assessed demographics, job sector, and detailed information on workplace accommodations (availability, personal needs, types used, helpfulness). Job sectors included the following: (1) Finance, technology; (2) Education, health, sciences, arts; (3) Construction, utilities; (4) Sales, retail; (5) Manufacturing, Agriculture; (6) Government.

Results: The types/availability/rates of use of accommodations varied widely across the six job sectors. Risk ratios for having accommodation needs met vs. unmet vs. exceeded for each job sector were assessed with multinomial logistic regression models, controlling for age, sex, and education. In comparison with the Finance sector, significantly different risks of having unmet accommodation needs were found in 4 of the 5 job sectors. Increased risk of unmet needs ranged from Education, health sciences, arts (RR=1.7; 95% CI=1.12-2.67) to Government (RR=3.2; 95% CI=1.85-5.63).

Conclusion: The results suggest that certain job sectors in Canada perform better at accommodating older workers. As the population continues to age, further research may inform employers on how they can best address the needs of their aging workforce.

Poster #26

Clinical Characteristics and Patterns of Health Deficits of Centenarians Receiving Home Care and Long-Term Care Services in Ontario

Joshua Armstrong

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Shannon Freeman

School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia

Suzanne Tyas

School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo

Eva Neufeld

Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, Laurentian University

Background/Objectives: With the increasing prevalence of centenarians (persons aged 100 years and older) and growing amount of clinical information in large administrative health databases, it is now possible to more fully characterize the health of this unique population. This study described patterns of health deficits in the centenarian population receiving care from community based home care services and long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Ontario, Canada.

Methods: All centenarians who received home care and were assessed using the interRAI-Home Care Assessment instrument between 2007 and 2011 (n = 1163) and all centenarians who resided in LTCFs between 2005 and 2011 who were assessed using the interRAI Minimum Data Set (MDS 2.0) (n = 2228) were included in this study. Descriptive analyses were used to examine individual clinical characteristics while K-means clustering analyses were utilized to identify relatively homogeneous subgroups within this heterogeneous population.

Results: The 3391 centenarians were aged 100 to 114 (mean age 101.5 years ± 1.9 SD) and the majority were women (84.7%). Commonly reported health deficits included cognitive impairment, physical impairment, and bladder problems. Centenarians residing in LTCFs were significantly more likely than centenarians receiving home care services to report cognitive or functional impairment, or to exhibit symptoms of depression. The commonalities and uniqueness of four clusters of centenarians are described.

Conclusion: Although there is great variability, there is also commonality within the centenarian population. Recognizing patterns within the heterogeneity of centenarians is key to providing high-quality person-centered care and to targeting health promotion and intervention strategies.

Poster #27

Frail Elders' Dental Hygiene in Long Term Care

Lynda McKeown

Dental Hygiene, Confederation College

Background/Objectives: As Canada's population ages, more people will live with some form of frailty. Frail elders' reduced capacity and function requires dependence on others for assistance with many daily activities, including care of complex restored dentitions. Generally oral/dental frailty is regarded in terms of ability to access a dental office for treatment. But frailty often includes decreased cognitive and physical abilities needed to maintain a clean mouth. Bleeding gums and tooth loss are not a natural part of aging, and can be prevented by regular suitable oral care. During an oral care long term care Quality Improvement Initiative 2010-2011 Registered Nurse and Dental Hygienist saw evidence of unclean mouths, and incomplete documentation entries. Analysis of data revealed oral care needs of residents is often beyond knowledge and skill of assigned staff. Include regulated registered dental hygienist as part of circle of care to improve oral care in long term care. Dental hygienist establishes a trusting relationship with resident to maintain healthy oral tissue, pain and infection free teeth to life end.

Methods: Ethnography case study of dental hygiene care for two frail Marys.

Results: Professional dental hygiene care 2-4 x month reduced bacterial load and tissue inflammation. Case study evidence of different aging frail mouths and resident's coping mechanisms with oral impairment. With help of dental hygienist no oral pain nor infection.

Conclusion: Oral health is an integral part of healthy aging. Frail elders can maintain healthy oral tissue when dental hygienist included in circle of care.

Poster #28

A Socioecological Exploration of Community Adult Playground Use Among Seniors in Northwestern Ontario

Kevin Gardam

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Helle Møller

Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: An increasingly aging and sedentary population is one of the many challenges to infrastructure development currently encountered by Canadian municipalities. Outdoor adult playgrounds are one initiative municipalities have used to respond to the challenges of low older adult physical activity participation. There remains, however, an absence of research examining these playgrounds despite their proliferation across Canada and globally. This research examined a recently installed adult playground in the City of Thunder Bay with the objective of identifying the community factors influencing older adults' participation.

Methods: We employed a case study methodology informed by the social ecological model. Data was collected through document analysis, participant observations, and semi-structured interviews with community stakeholders and older adult users.

Results: Few older adults were observed using the equipment. Interviews with stakeholders pointed to a recognition within the community that a greater emphasis on older adult physical activity is needed, yet a current gap in available supports exists, which could be contributing to the low older adult use. The lack of older adult users was countered by greater numbers of socioeconomically vulnerable users of all ages, which suggests the equipment may hold potential to partially address health inequities among low-income populations.

Conclusion: Considering the stated outdoor adult playground has been described as a pilot project for the City, this research can help direct future outdoor adult playground planning for municipalities considering implementing similar initiatives.

Poster #29

Older Adult's Perception of a Creative Digital Storytelling Experience on their well-being

Catherine Schoales

Health and Behavioral Sciences, Nursing, Lakehead University

Hillary Jones

Health and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, Lakehead University

Kristen Jones-Bonofiglio

Health and Behavioral Sciences, Nursing, Lakehead University

Mirella Stroink

Health and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: The promotion of well-being among older adults is increasingly important as the general population continues to age. Creative programming, such as digital storytelling, has unique potential to promote wellbeing because of the connectedness that can develop within the group as individuals engage in creating and presenting personal stories. Both creativity and group cohesion have been associated with elements of well-being in the past. The aim of the current study was to further understand well-being in an older adult population while exploring the effects of engaging in creative digital storytelling.

Methods: The study used a qualitative approach with 8 semi-structured interviews to explore the effect on well-being of older adults engaging in a creative digital storytelling program. Using interpretive phenomenological inquiry researchers examined the lived experience of well-being through creativity in older adults.

Results: Themes of well-being were extrapolated from the interviews, resulting in three internal to the individual (self-efficacy, engagement, and enjoyment) and one external to the individual (relationships, both interpersonal and environmental). Participants described a temporal stability in their understanding of well-being.

Conclusion: Well-being was discussed in terms of multiple interacting components, illustrating the complexity of this construct. The insights from this research converge with existing theories of well-being (Seligman, 2011) and support the benefits of engaging in digital storytelling to individual well-being, specifically through fostering self-efficacy, engagement, enjoyment, and relationships.

Poster #30

Patient Experiences with a Community-Based Cancer Screening Program: Wequedong Lodge Cancer Screening Pilot Program

Laura Senese

Cancer Care Ontario, Sunnybrook Research Institute

Maryam Al-Mujtaba

Cancer Care Ontario

Jacqueline Gagnon

Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay

Charles Morris

Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay

Fred Sky

Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay

Colleen McKay

Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay

Susan Bale

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Background/Objectives: In conjunction with Indigenous leadership throughout the province, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO)'s Aboriginal Cancer Control Unit has prioritized cancer screening as a means of reducing the growing burden of cancer among Indigenous populations. CCO, Prevention and Screening Services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre, and Wequedong Lodge (WL) collaborated on an opportunistic cancer screening pilot program at WL. The WL Cancer Screening Pilot Program (WLCSPP) provided First Nations (FN) from remote communities in Northwestern Ontario with cancer screening education and the opportunity to participate in cancer screening while staying at WL. This study aimed to examine FN patient experiences with the WLCSPP.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with 25 FN community members staying at WL. Interviews consisted of an interviewer-administered survey and open-ended questions focused on perceptions of and experiences with the WLCSPP.

Results: Participant feedback on the WLCSPP was overwhelmingly positive. The results indicated that participants felt comfortable and safe at the program. The positive rapport developed with staff who were perceived to interact in culturally safe way with participants was particularly noteworthy, and contrasted considerably with participants' experiences with in-community health services. Participants felt that the program's screening education was highly effective, noting the quality of the visual tools used, and the strong communication competencies of program staff.

Conclusion: Findings suggest that the WLCSPP screening model has the potential to effectively engage FN community members in cancer screening. Similar models could be effective in improving FN cancer screening participation in other parts of Ontario.

Poster #31

The Wequedong Lodge Cancer Screening Program (WLCSP): An Opportunistic Cancer Screening Pilot Program in Northwestern Ontario (NWO)

Susan Bale

Prevention & Screening Services, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Cathy Paroschy-Harris

Prevention and Screening Services, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Lauren Beach

Prevention and Screening Services, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Background/Objectives: First Nation (FN) people experience greater health disparities than other Canadians. In Ontario, cancer incidence rates are increasing among FN populations, including breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, all of which have organized province-wide screening programs. Disparities also exist in cancer survival rates with FN people having poorer survival rates than non-FN people. Research suggests that education and access to screening programs that deliver culturally-appropriate services could help to detect cancers early. In NWO, opportunistic screening has the potential to ease barriers by utilizing opportunities where education and screening are provided in a convenient and appropriate way.

Methods: An opportunistic screening program was piloted at Wequedong Lodge. This offered culturally appropriate education, breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening and follow-up for FN people from remote communities. A culturally appropriate education toolkit was developed, which encouraged participation in cancer screening.

Results: 843 adults participated in screening between 2013 and 2016. All participants were provided with education using the education toolkit. Of these eligible participants, 21.8% of women received breast screening, 31.8% of adults were provided FOBT kits, and 8.1% of women received cervical screening.

Conclusion: The WLCSP informs organizations, who are working to improve FN health, that opportunistic screening is an option to consider. We present key success factors and lessons learned from implementing this pilot program in practice.

Poster #32

Maximizing the Intensity of Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation: Time is Function

Mary Adams

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group

Kristi Duhaime

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group

Esme French

NWO Regional Stroke Network, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Deanne Lee

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group

Michelle Lukie

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group

Beta Ross

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group

Meranda Termaat

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group

Background/Objectives: People with stroke receiving higher intensity therapy (3 hours/day) obtain significantly better outcomes than those receiving less. Collection of rehabilitation intensity (RI) time, time spent in individual, goaldirected, rehabilitation therapy, was provincially mandated in April 2015. The objective of this project is to maximize outcomes for people with stroke on the inpatient rehabilitation unit (3N) at St. Joseph's Hospital by increasing the amount of RI time received.

Methods: The RI project team comprised of administrators, clinicians and patient/family advisors used a quality improvement approach to enhance RI time. In June 2016, project team members and 3N staff contributed to a fishbone diagram and open ended questions to elicit ideas to support improvement in RI time. The team utilized a 'Plan, Do, Study, Act' approach to the test the change ideas, e.g. enhancement of RI time during the morning care routine. RI time was collected through InfoMed Promiso and reported through the National Rehabilitation Reporting System. Team members reviewed data quarterly.

Results: Baseline median RI time in FY2015/16 was 57 minutes (3N), compared to 60 minutes (Ontario). RI time for FY2016/17 rose (65 minutes-3N, 68Ontario). Interim RI data for the first 2 quarters of FY2017/18 (78 minutes-3N, 71-Ontario) shows further improvement with median RI time for 3N surpassing the Provincial median .

Conclusion: Since April 2015, RI time has increased steadily without significant enhancement to clinical resources. Innovation and efficiencies proposed by the clinician team, along with enhanced focus on data collection and quality, primarily contributed to the success of this project.

Poster #33

Becoming a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO)

Danielle Lesschaeve

Collaborative Practice, St. Joseph's Care Group

Shelley McAllister

Collaborative Practice, St. Joseph's Care Group

Background/Objectives: To support St. Joseph's Care Group's strategic directions, Here for Our People, Here for our Clients, Here for Our Partners and Here for our Future, a Nursing Strategy was developed entitled 'Leading.Quality.Care'. Domains of the strategy include Leadership, Healthy Work Environment, Role Clarity, and Quality & Best Practice. Through Quality & Best Practice, we aim to provide care using research and evidence-based practice through the lens of quality, safety and risk. In 2015 we embarked on a dynamic partnership with RNAO to become a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO. The BPSO initiative supports a culture of best practice, through capacity building, implementation, evaluation, dissemination, sustainability of RNAO Best Practice Guidelines

Methods: By utilizing the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario's (RNAO) Knowledge to Action Framework, we were able to identify gaps in practice, identify key stakeholders, assess facilitators and barriers, develop action plans and select implementation recommendations, monitor and evaluate outcomes, and build structures to support sustainability of best practices across the organization.

Results: Successful implementation of five RNAO Best Practice Guidelines, developed capacity of Best Practice Champion and ACPF fellows across the organization, collected and submitted indictor data to RNAO's NQuIRE database, disseminated knowledge through conference presentations.

Conclusion: RNAO's BPSO Designation initiative has been a great benefit to creating a culture of evidence-based practices across SJCG.

Poster #34

Exploring Interprofessional Education: A Complexity Theory Perspective

David Thompson

School of Nursing, Lakehead University

Darren Stanley

Faculty of Education, University of Windsor

Background/Objectives: Interprofessional education is aimed at improving interprofessional collaboration. The majority of research exploring interprofessional education focuses on how students individually learn to be competent collaborators. There is a lack of research exploring how interactions between students and environments influence interprofessional learning. The objective of this research was to use attributes of complexity theory, specifically diversity and redundancy, to explore how students interact with each other and the environment while engaging in an interprofessional education activity.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative multiple case study using four interprofessional education simulations involving undergraduate health students. We conducted focus groups and participant observations during and after the simulations. A predetermined codebook based on attributes of complexity theory guided data analysis.

Results: Elements of diversity and redundancy were present in all cases. Diversity acted as both a foundation and disruptor for interprofessional learning depending on the context. Redundancy contributed to interprofessional learning and acted as a connector between learners. The antecedents and outcomes of diversity and redundancy varied across cases. Specific examples of diversity and redundancy will be outlined on the research poster.

Conclusion: Diversity and redundancy occur within interprofessional education in different ways, and may support and impede interprofessional education. Different amounts of diversity and redundancy will influence interprofessional learning and finding a balance is key. Educators may want to focus on how diversity and redundancy can be supported or altered within groups of learners.

Poster #35

'Catch or Not to Catch', Variability of Practise Hypothesis and Ball Catching in Children with Coordination Issues

Eryk Przysucha

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Daniel Carlson

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Carlos Zerpa

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Children with developmental disorders struggle with interceptive tasks like ball catching, and these problems may be due to less than optimal ability to coordinate and control actions at intra- or inter-limb levels of organization. One possible avenue to enhance their skills is via utilization of variable type of practice (Schmidt, 1975). This learning approach has been successfully implemented as an intervention across many populations and skills (Van Rossum, 1990).

Methods: Three boys and one girl (M= 10.5 years, SD = 1.29 years) with symptoms of DCD participated in 12 variable practice sessions over a 6-week period. Three-dimensional kinematic analysis was implemented at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Following a one-week delay, retention and transfer tests were also administered to assess permanency and generalizability of the acquired patterns, respectively.

Results: As inferred from the percentage of balls caught, children improved their catching from pre- (M= 10%; SD = 6.3) to mid- (M = 40%, SD = 16.33%), to postintervention (M = 75%, SD = 13.20%), but their performance declined at retention (M = 30%, SD = 17.61), and transfer (M = 45%, SD = 24.35%) tests. In terms of movement coordination, no significant changes in shoulder-elbow as well as elbow-wrist spatial relations were evident across the study. Also, no kinematic changes emerged when angular displacement of the hip and shoulder were examined. However, there was a substantial difference, between pre- and transfer tests, in the displacement of the elbow (M = 42.01 degrees, SD = 14.79 vs. M = 61.49 degrees, SD = 20.96), and wrist (M = 6.49, SD = 4.26 vs. M = 14.24, SD = 5.86). In regards to temporal control, a decrease in peak wrist velocity was evident between post (M = 1.45 m/s; SD = .31) and retention tests (M = 1.09 m/s; SD = 38.)

Conclusion: Overall, a 6-week variable practice learning experience resulted in meaningful functional improvements, however the decline at the retention/transfer tests suggested that longer training program should be implemented to strengthen the permanency and generalizability of the acquired skills. Kinematics showed that as expected the same general movement patterns emerged, but the training did affect spatial and temporal control of distal joints.

Poster #36

The Effects of Ankle Bracing on the Peroneus Longus Muscle Activity During Lateral Cutting- Pilot Study Results

Zachariah Henderson

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Paolo Sanzo

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Ankle bracing is the most common method of ankle injury prevention. Despite this, little is known about the effects that ankle braces have on ankle musculature during dynamic cutting tasks. As the peroneus longus muscle everts the foot, it has been theorized to protect against inversion ankle sprains. Previous literature has suggested that ankle bracing may affect muscular activation of ankle muscles during a side shuffle and perturbations. Methods: 10 physically active participants completed a lateral cutting task under three bilateral brace conditions: No brace control, ASO EVO™ braces, and Active Ankle T1™ braces. Mean electromyographic (EMG) activity of the peroneus longus was collected during the deceleration and propulsive phase of a 90° change in direction.

Results: The Friedman's test revealed no significant differences between no brace (M = 247.95, SD = 201.94), ASO EVO™ (M = 239.98, SD = 225.46), or Active Ankle T1™ (M = 208.16, SD = 208.45) conditions with respect to peroneus longus mean EMG activity during the deceleration phase. No significant differences were revealed between no brace (M = 188.12, SD = 106.52), ASO EVO™ (M = 210.11, SD = 162.27), or Active Ankle T1™ (M = 173.97, SD = 103.54) conditions with respect to peroneus longus mean EMG activity during the propulsive phase.

Conclusion: Ankle bracing does not affect mean EMG activity of ankle musculature during a 90° change in direction. Due to the small sample size and potential injury implications, more research is needed on the effects of ankle braces on ankle musculature.

Poster #37

The Effect of Dual Tasking on Motor Performance: Upper Extremity Muscle Activation

Brontë Vollebregt

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Carlos Zerpa

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Kathryn Sinden

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University

Background/Objectives: Multiple cognitive and physical tasks are frequently performed simultaneously during daily life. Some of these tasks require dual tasking or divided attention to manage the interaction between cognitive and physical functions. Dual tasking decreases physical and cognitive performance during human ambulation however the effect of dual tasking on upper extremity muscle activation is relatively unknown. This research examined the effect of dual tasking on upper extremity muscle activation when performing an overhead pulldown and a cognitive measure simultaneously.

Methods: Thirty healthy individuals (15 female and 15 male) were recruited and surface electromyography (EMG) electrode sensors were placed bilaterally on the latissimus dorsi, the biceps brachii, and the upper trapezius muscles in order to measure the levels of muscle activation of the upper extremity muscles. The testing comprised of three task conditions: motor (overhead pulldown), cognitive (modified Stroop test) and combination of both tasks.

Results: A significant interaction effect was found between muscle group and condition on EMG (F(5, 174) = 27.196, p < 0.05, ƞp^62 = 0.439). This outcome suggests that increasing task complexity (i.e., dual task) may increase potential for task performance errors due to decreased muscle activation.

Conclusion: The study finding has implications for occupational injury prevention. If a worker is performing multiple tasks while doing physically demanding work, this may contribute to increased risk of work injury. Future research will be conducted with a larger sample size to further investigate the effects of dual tasking training protocols on upper extremity muscle activity in relation to physical work performance.

Poster #38

Does the Cortical Thickness of the Premotor Cortex Relate to Performance in a Visuomotor Adaptation Task?

Amanda Michano

Lakehead University

Jane Lawrence-Dewar

Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute

Background/Objectives: The premotor cortex is traditionally thought of as a motor area but has also been shown to be important to cognitive functions, including the incorporation of sensory feedback into new motor plans. This study will examine the relationship between the structural integrity of the premotor cortex and visuomotor transformation behaviour.

Methods: A secondary analysis of data collected from 40 participants in a previous study were used. Participants completed a computer-based target task with two cursor movement conditions (normal or flipped along an axis). Performance was measured by the success rate in reaching the target. A cortical thickness analysis was performed on the acquired anatomical MRI.

Results: A repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) examined success rate (normal and distorted task conditions) and cortical thickness (right and left BA6). Age was used as a covariate. A main effect of accuracy (p<0.001) was found as anticipated. Interactions between accuracy were found with both age (p<0.001) and cortical thickness (p<0.006).

Conclusion: Integrity of BA6 does appear to be linked to performance in the transformation task. Further work is needed to examine the relationship of other brain regions.

Author List

Mary Adams

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group adamsmar@tbh.net

Shofia Akhtar

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University sakhtar2@lakeheadu.ca

Karin Almuhtadi

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University kalmuhta@lakeheadu.ca

Maryam Al-Mujtaba Cancer Care Ontario maryam.almujtaba@cancercare.on.ca

Manal Alzghoul

School of Nursing, Lakehead University malzghou@lakeheadu.ca

Joshua Armstrong

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University joshua.j.armstrong@gmail.com

Susan Armstrong

Thunder Bay District Health Unit susan.armstrong@tbdhu.com

Susan Bale

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre bales@tbh.net

Clair Barefoot

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group stewarco@tbh.net

Lauren Beach

Prevention and Screening Services, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre beachl@tbh.net

Karen Beattie

Department of Medicine, McMaster University beattik@mcmaster.ca

Michel Bédard

Centre for Applied Health Research, St. Joseph's Care Group mbedard@lakeheadu.ca

Tina Bobinski

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care TinaBobinski@dilico.com

Kara-Lynn Boles

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University kboles@lakeheadu.ca

Ashley Boudreau

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University aboudrea@lakeheadu.ca

Heather Boynton

St. Joseph's Care Group boyntonh@tbh.net

Joanna Carastathis

Thunder Bay District Health Unit joanna.carastathis@tbdhu.com

Daniel Carlson

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University eprzysuc@lakeheadu.ca

Lori Chambers

Department of Women's Studies, Lakehead University lchambe2@lakeheadu.ca

Chiachen Cheng

Centre for Applied Health Research, St. Joseph's Care Group chengch@tbh.net

Lee-Ann Chevrette

Crime Prevention Thunder Bay lchevrette@thunderbay.ca

Marc Corbière

Université du Québec à Montréal corbiere.marc@uqam.ca

Samantha Crowe

Social Work, Lakehead UniversityFood Security Research Network scrowe@lakeheadu.ca

CS Dewa

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis csdewa@ucdavis.edu

Neha Dewan

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University ndewan@lakeheadu.ca

John Dixon

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care JohnDixon@dilico.com

Maria Dobson

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care mariadobson@lakeheadu.ca

Sacha Dubois

Centre for Applied Health Research, St. Joseph's Care Group duboiss@tbh.net

Kristi Duhaime

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group duhaimek@tbh.net

Lynda Fraser

Thunder Bay District Health Unit lynda.fraser@tbdhu.com

Shannon Freeman

School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia Shannon.Freeman@unbc.ca

Esme French

NWO Regional Stroke Network, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre frenche@tbh.net

Jacqueline Gagnon

Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay jgagnon@weqlodge.org

Author List

Lindsay Galway

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University lgalway@lakeheadu.ca

Kevin Gardam

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University kjgardam@lakeheadu.ca

Monique Gignac

Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto mgignac@iwh.on.ca

Ruby Grewal

Department of Surgery, Western University rgrewa@uwo.ca

Nancy Gupta

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University ngupta2@lakeheadu.ca

Ewa Habrowski

School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University habrowe@mcmaster.ca

Sara Hagstrom

Thunder Bay District Critical Incident Stress Management Team hagstros@tbh.net

Karen Harlos

Business and Administration, University of Winnipeg ka.harlos@uwinnipeg.ca

Lisa Hartling

Medicine - Pediatrics, University of Alberta hartling@ualberta.ca

Zachariah Henderson

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University zhender1@lakeheadu.ca

Mary Ellen Hill

Centre for Rural & Northern Health Research, Lakehead University mehill1@lakeheadu.ca

Kaitlyn Hindman

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University khindma1@lakeheadu.ca

R Hudson

Indigenous Friendship Centre Roseanna.Hudson@tbifc.ca

Tim Hurley

School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University hurleytj@mcmaster.ca

Hillary Jones

Health and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology, Lakehead University hjones@lakeheadu.ca

Kristen Jones-Bonofiglio

Centre for Health Care Ethics, Lakehead University Kristen.Jones@lakeheadu.ca

Hsing Jou

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta hjou@ualberta.ca

M Katt

Centre for Rural & Northern Health Research, Lakehead University

Amy Killen

Program Evaluation, Children's Centre Thunder Bay akillen@childrenscentre.ca

Anna Koné Péfoyo

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University akonepe@lakeheadu.ca

Kristy Kowatch

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University kkowatch@lakeheadu.ca

Vicki Kristman

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University vkristman@lakeheadu.ca

Adam Krupper

Engineering, City of Thunder Bay akrupper@thunderbay.ca

Jane Lawrence-Dewar

Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute jlawren3@lakeheadu.ca

Deanne Lee

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group leed@tbh.net

Carole Lem

Centre for Applied Health Research, St. Joseph's Care Group LemC@tbh.net

Danielle Lesschaeve

Collaborative Practice, St. Joseph's Care Group lesschad@tbh.net

Charles Levkoe

Health Sciences, Lakehead University Centre for Food Sustainability clevkoe@lakeheadu.ca

Felicia Lotsios

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University fblotsio@lakeheadu.ca

Jessica Lowey

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University jlowey@lakeheadu.ca

Michelle Lukie

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group lukiem@tbh.net

Ashley Lyon

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group lyona@tbh.net

Joy MacDermid

School of Physical Therapy, Western University jmacderm@uwo.ca

K.A Maranzan

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University kamaranz@lakeheadu.ca

Michelle Marie Spadoni

School of Nursing, Lakehead University mmspadon@lakeheadu.ca

Nicole Marshall

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University npoirie1@lakeheadu.ca

Hillary Maxwell

Centre for Applied Health Research, St. Joseph's Care Group maxwellh@tbh.net

Shelley McAllister

Collaborative Practice, St. Joseph's Care Group mcalliss@tbh.net

Charlotte McEwen

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University ccmcewen@lakeheadu.ca

M McGregor

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre mcgregom@tbh.net

Colleen McKay

Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay cmkcay@weqlodge.org

Lynda McKeown

Dental Hygiene, Confederation College lmckeown@tbaytel.net

Amanda Michano

Lakehead University armichan@lakeheadu.ca

Helle Møller

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University hmoeller@lakeheadu.ca

Author List

Charles Morris

Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay cmorris@weqlodge.org

Jodie Murphy-Oikonen

School of Social Work, Lakehead University jlmurph1@lakeheadu.ca

Aislin Mushquash

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University amushqua@lakeheadu.ca

Christopher Mushquash

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University chris.mushquash@lakeheadu.ca

Shevaun Nadin

Centre for Applied Health Research, St. Joseph's Care Group NadinS@tbh.net

Connie Nelson

School of Social Work, Lakehead University cnelson@lakeheadu.ca

Maryam Nesari

Nursing, University of Alberta nesari@ualberta.ca

Eva Neufeld

Centre for Rural & Northern Health Research, Lakehead University eneufeld@laurentian.ca

Ian Newhouse

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University inewhous@lakeheadu.ca

Vincent Ng

Thunder Bay District Health Unit Vincent.Ng@tbdhu.com

Cynthia Olsen

Thunder Bay Drug Strategy colsen@thunderbay.ca

Kimberly Ongaro

Lakehead University keongaro@lakeheadu.ca

Cathy Paroschy-Harris

Prevention and Screening Services, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre paroschc@tbh.net

Erin Pearson

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University espearso@lakeheadu.ca

Alexandra Popowich

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University adpopowi@lakeheadu.ca

Eryk Przysucha

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University eprzysuc@lakeheadu.ca

Augustine Puthuva Parattukudi agstnp@gmail.com

Beta Ross

Physical Rehab - St. Joseph's Care Group rossb@tbh.net

Pauline Sameshima

Education, Lakehead University psameshima@lakeheadu.ca

Paolo Sanzo

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University psanzo@lakeheadu.ca

Erica Sawula

Thunder Bay District Health Unit erica.sawula@tbdhu.com

Sara Sayed

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University ssayed1@lakeheadu.ca

Author List

Fred Schmidt

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University fschmidt@lakeheadu.ca

Catherine Schoales

Health and Behavioral Sciences, Nursing, Lakehead University caschoal@lakeheadu.ca

Rosemary Scofich

Thunder Bay District Health Unit rosemary.scofich@tbdhu.com

Shannon Scott

Nursing, University of Alberta shannon.scott@ualberta.ca

Lisa Seamark

Meno Ya Win Health Centre lseamark@slmhc.on.ca

Laura Senese

Cancer Care Ontario, Sunnybrook Research Institute laura.senese@cancercare.on.ca

R Sequin

Ontario Native Women's Association rseguin@onwa.ca

William Shaw

Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut wshaw@uchc.edu

Kathryn Sinden

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University ksinden@lakeheadu.ca

Fred Sky

Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay fsky@weqlodge.org

Patricia Smith

Human Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine psmith@nosm.ca

Darren Stanley

Faculty of Education, University of Windsor dstanley@uwindsor.ca

Kristine Stasiuk

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care KristineStasiuk@dilico.com

Colin Stewart

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group stewarco@tbh.net

Marianne Stewart

Thunder Bay District Health Unit Marianne.Stewart@tbdhu.com

Mirella Stroink

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University mstroink@lakeheadu.ca

Braden Te Hiwi

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University btehiwi@lakeheadu.ca

Missy Teatero

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group teaterom@tbh.net

Meranda Termaat

Physical Rehab, St. Joseph's Care Group termaatm@tbh.net

Alison Thompson

Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta apt@ualberta.ca

David Thompson

School of Nursing, Lakehead University dsthomps1@lakeheadu.ca

Elaine Toombs

Department of Psychology, Lakehead University etoombs@lakeheadu.ca

Suzanne Tyas

School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo styas@uwaterloo.ca

Chris Viel

Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University cdviel@lakeheadu.ca

Jo-Ann Vis

School of Social Work, Lakehead University jvis@lakeheadu.ca

Sunita Vohra

Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta svohra@ualberta.ca

Brontë Vollebregt

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University bavolleb@lakeheadu.ca

Pamela Wakewich

Centre for Rural & Northern Health Research, Lakehead University pwakewic@lakeheadu.ca

Jaye Walker

Mental Health Outpatient Program, St. Joseph's Care Group walkerj@tbh.net

Jeff Wang

School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University wangj135@mcmaster.ca

Heidi West

Administration, Mary Berglund Community Health Centre Hub hwest@bellnet.ca

Jennifer White

School of Social Work, Lakehead University jjwhite@lakeheadu.ca

Kerri Zalan

School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University zalank@mcmaster.ca

Carlos Zerpa

School of Kinesiology, Lakehead University czerpa@lakeheadu.ca

LEG Award

The Thunder Bay Psychiatry Local Education Group Learner (LEG) Award is a monetary prize awarded to the highest ranked learner/ student presentation at the Showcase. Presentations must be on a mental health related topic, the candidate must the presenter and first author, and also a leaner or student at Lakehead University or Northern Ontario Medical School. The Thunder Bay Psychiatry LEG encourages interprofessional collaboration and learning to meet the mental health needs of the residents of Northern Ontario.

Congratulations to, Maggie Prenger, whose poster presentation, Evaluating clinical change in CCTB outpatient services using the CANS, received the 2017 award.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the following individuals for their work on the Showcase!

Remo D’Angelo Facilitator Corporate Learning

St. Joseph’s Care Group

Sacha Dubois Research Statistician

Centre for Applied Health Research St. Joseph’s Care Group

Michel Bédard Scientific Director

Centre for Applied Health Research

St. Joseph’s Care Group

Jackie McKinnon

Education Support Assistant People, Mission, Values St. Joseph’s Care Group

Jessica Lowey Research Intern

Centre for Applied Health Research St. Joseph’s Care Group

Hillary Maxwell Research Coordinator

Centre for Applied Health Research St. Joseph’s Care Group

Erin Paul

Communications & Engagement Coordinator Communications, Engagement & Client Relations

St. Joseph’s Care Group