ECHO PSP: Piloting the use of the ECHO model to promote recovery and return-to-work among public safety personnel in Ontario

Reasons for the study

A high incidence of occupational mental health injury among public safety personnel (PSP) puts them at risk of work disability and poor recovery and return-to-work (RTW) outcomes.

Clinicians in primary care, including psychologists, family physicians, occupational therapists, social workers and psychiatrists, often lack the opportunity to better understand PSP's unique work cultures and, as a result, are unable to optimize their support of PSP at work or when returning to work after an illness or injury.

This study is piloting the use of the ECHO methodology in Ontario to establish a community of practice among clinicians and stakeholders who support PSP in reintegration and return to work. The community of practice will build their understanding of the PSP workplace culture, thus allowing them to offer better support to PSP following a work-related injury.

Objectives of the study

Target audience

Clinicians in primary care, including psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychiatrists and family physicians; injured workers; workplace parties