JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The demands and stressful nature of police work, unpredictability of the calls, and exposure to traumatic events in the line of duty can contribute to the development of operational stress injuries (OSIs) in Public Safety Personnel (PSP). Those impacted by work-related injuries can find themselves needing both time off work and support reintegrating back into the workforce. Work reintegration programs have been introduced in PSP organizations to support those who aim to return-to-work. One such peer-led workplace reintegration program (RP) was created in 2009 by members of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). The primary goal of the EPSRP is to assist PSP return to work as soon as possible following a critical incident, illness, or injury, while diminishing the potential for long-term psychological injury. The EPSRP is delivered by peers through three interrelated components: 1) Reintegration Program Facilitator Training (RPFT) Program; 2) a short-term Critical Incident RP; and 3) a long-term RP. There is a dire need for research that incorporate strong study designs to determine long-term effectiveness of these components. The purpose of this quasi-experimental pre/post pilot cohort study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the EPS RPFT course at influencing mental health knowledge and attitudes of RPFT attendees.

Objective:

This pre/post cohort study collected data via two questionnaires from RPFT participants (N=60).

Methods:

This pre/post cohort study collected data via two questionnaires from RPFT participants (N=60). Descriptive, parametric, and non-parametric statistics were utilized to compare pre and post RPFT results as well as analyzing results by gender and profession.

Results:

Statistically significant changes were observed in pre/post questionnaire scores in the domains of mental health attitudes and knowledge.

Conclusions:

The RPFT may facilitate positive changes in mental health attitudes, knowledge, and stigma among PSP.