Theoretical implications and applications for understanding and changing concussion-related behaviors

Changing health behaviors is a priority for researchers, medical practitioners, and public health officials. Theories provide a framework to help understand and change health behaviors. To date, there has been limited use of theories within sport-related concussion research, however theory-driven research is common in other health-related domains. In this chapter, we discuss theories that have been applied to concussion research so far, such as the theory of planned behavior and social cognitive theory. We also discuss theories that have been used to study other health behaviors, which we believe can be applied to concussion research (i.e., health action process approach, self-determination theory, social ecological model, and the behaviour change wheel). Finally, we present some recommendations that are intended to maximize the use of theory in concussion research. These suggestions are in line with current available evidence and aim to provide concussion researchers with insights about the key ingredients that are necessary to understand and change concussion-related behaviors

RE-AIMing conferences: evaluating the adoption, implementation and maintenance of the Rick Hansen Institute’s Praxis 2016

Background: In April 2016, the Rick Hansen Institute (RHI) hosted an innovative, 2-day conference called Praxis 2016. RHI aimed to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to develop solutions for overcoming the challenges of translating spinal cord injury (SCI) research into practice. To understand the impact of Praxis, RHI funded an independent team to evaluate Praxis at the individual and setting level using the RE-AIM framework. Individual-level findings are published elsewhere. The aim of this evaluation is to report on the impact of Praxis at the setting level in terms of its adoption, implementation and maintenance. Methods: Data sources included interviews with attendees (n = 13) and organisers (n = 9), a fidelity assessment conducted at the conference, and observation notes provided by the evaluation team. Results: Main findings indicated that the Praxis model was adopted by organisers and attendees, implemented by RHI as intended, and has the potential for long-term maintenance. Lessons learned highlighted the importance of including SCI community members throughout the entire process from development to post-conference activities as well as in the research process, the value of facilitation and fostering interactive problem solving, and the need to identify leadership and funds to foster long-term efforts. Conclusions: Developing and implementing a solutions-focused conference that brings together a diverse group of SCI stakeholders was challenging and rewarding for attendees and organisers. Other domains could learn from, adopt and build on the Praxis 2016 approach to address research-to-practice gaps.Health and Social Development, Faculty of (Okanagan)Other UBCNon UBCHealth and Exercise Sciences, School of (Okanagan)ReviewedFacult

Spinal Cord Injury Peer Mentorship: Applying Self-Determination Theory to Explain Quality of Life and Participation

Objectives: To investigate the role of spinal cord injury (SCI) peer mentorship on quality of life (QoL)/participation, and test a self-determination theory model that explains the role of SCI peer mentorship on these outcomes. Design: A static group comparison design.Setting:Community. Participants:A convenience sample of mentees (individuals receiving peer mentorship) (n=68) and nonmentees (n=63) who had an SCI, were older than 18 years, and spoke either English or French. Interventions: Mentees: at least 4 peer mentorship sessions over the past 5 years; nonpeer mentees: 0 or 1 brief introductory session.Main Outcome Measures QoL (ie, life satisfaction and positive and negative affect), participation (eg, autonomous indoor; family role), and the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. [...]Conclusions:Satisfaction of competence and relatedness needs requires greater attention in SCI peer mentorship. Years since injury modified the relationship between peer mentorship and outcomes, which provided new insights on the role of SCI peer mentorship. Further studies are needed to determine SCI peer mentorship-specific outcomes that are important across the years-since-injury spectrum