Evidence-based tools + guides
At the Institute for Work & Health, we recognize that it's not often feasible for people to read through scientific studies to make health and safety decisions.
Evidence-based tools and guides are one way of providing a clear message of what the research is saying.
A tool can be described as an aid that helps people make choices that are backed by research evidence. A guide can be as simple as an information pamphlet or checklist.
IWH is committed to developing tools and guides based on our research as one way of making our research accessible. See our list of completed tools and guides.
How does IWH develop tools and guides?
The first step in developing a tool or guides is to assemble a development team that includes a content expert – usually the lead researcher of the study in question – as well as others from the research team, members of KTE staff and audience members with an interest in the product.
The team identifies the target audience that will use the tool or guide, determines the best format, and creates the content. We include audiences during the development stage either as partners or in focus groups, and also later in studies where we test how the tool is working.
Most recent tools and guides
Over the past year, four major new tools and guides were developed at IWH:
1. Red Flags/Green Lights: A Guide to Identifying and Solving Return-to-Work Problems: This guide emerged from a study of complex compensation claims. Its goal is to help decision-makers involved in claims to identify “warning signs,” or red flags that contribute to making claims more complex, and green lights that are helpful practices in the claim process. Released in summer 2009.
2. Reducing MSD Hazards in the Workplace: A Guide to Successful Participatory Ergonomics Programs: This guide distills the essential steps for success in implementing a PE program, based on a comprehensive review of the research. It is designed for workplaces considering a PE program. Released in summer 2009.
3. Health & Safety Smart Planner: A Cost-Benefit Tool for Ontario Workplaces: The goal of this software program is to help determine the costs and benefits of an OHS initiative in workplaces. The Smart Planner was designed in consultation with health and safety experts and workplaces. Released in summer 2010.
4. Neck Pain Evidence Summary: This guide summarizes approaches to assessing and effectively treating different types of neck pain. It includes treatments delivered by a range of health-care professionals, including chiropractors, doctors, physiotherapists and others. IWH worked with the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, the Ontario Chiropractic Association and some members of the Executive Committee of the 2000-2010 Bone and Joint Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders to prepare this summary. Released in summer 2010.
