Clinical networks
The Institute for Work & Health has been involved in establishing clinical or “educationally influential (EI)” networks for seven different health-care disciplines across Ontario.These EI networks enable two-way exchanges of information. Our researchers gain practical knowledge and opinions from the EIs, while KTE staff share pertinent, evidence-based findings with the networks who can pass it along to their peers.
Currently we have networks with: family physicians (MDs), kinesiologists (KIN), physiotherapists (PT), occupational health nurses (OHN), occupational therapists (OT), chiropractors (Chiro) and ergonomists (Ergo).
What are clinical networks?
Our clinical or EI networks are health-care providers who are considered informal opinion leaders and mentors to their peers. They deliver health care to injured workers or other populations of interest. These clinicians may practice in offices or hospital settings, or work within or closely with workplaces.
How did we develop our networks?
We developed partnerships with professional bodies that represent or regulate these disciplines. Our partners have helped us identify clinical service providers who are considered to be "educationally influential" (EI) or informal opinion leaders. To identify these clinicians, we used a systematic process developed by Roland Hiss. EIs have been invited to join the network to play an ongoing role as knowledge brokers.
Who are they?
All of our clinical network members are health-care decision-makers. They are involved in one or more of the following: treatment delivery, prevention of workplace injuries, return to work and disability prevention or management.
Why are clinical networks important?
Many IWH research messages are relevant and useful to clinicians on topics such as management of back pain, disability management and return to work. Equally important is that our network members have practice expertise and knowledge that helps improve our research and KTE activities. Clinical networks provide a sustainable KTE infrastructure for ongoing two-way interactions.
