Occupational therapy for Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families practice network

Introduction

In Canada, Occupational Therapists (OT) have a long, proud history of working with active Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military members and Veterans that date back to the Great War. Presently, OTs are actively working in multiple capacities and domains of health to provide assessment, treatment, and services to military members, Veterans, and their families to assist with their overall health and well-being. Due to the wide range of OTs across our nation working with this population, and the need to increase promotion, education, and communication regarding this great work, the Occupational Therapy for Armed Forces Members, Veterans and their Families (OTAFMVF) Network by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapist has been developed.

Mission

To promote quality research and evidence-based occupational therapy services to Armed Forces Members, Veterans and their families by promoting, advocating and connecting occupational therapists across Canada.

Vision

To create a dynamic network for the Occupational Therapy community across Canada who have an interest in occupational therapy services for Armed Forces Members, Veterans, and their families

Objectives

The OTAFMVF Network has several proposed overarching objectives which include the following:

1. Promotion of:
   1. OT within VAC, CAF, government and the greater community through educating and demonstrating the utility and scope of OT;
   2. Greater understanding of the unique needs of military members, veterans, and their families.
2. Education of Canadian OTs on the unique strengths, barriers, needs, and culture of CAF, Veterans and their families by:
   1. Promoting research for military, veterans, and their families;
   2. Providing a platform for information dissemination, discussion, and resource sharing.
3. Connection and enhanced collegial support amongst Canadian OTs who work, or are interested in working, with these populations.

Activities

The activities of the network will depend on its specific membership needs. Plans for year 1 will be determined once the network has convened in an open meeting via teleconference.

Some example activities may include:

1. Share information on research and guidelines and create accessible resources regarding OT services for CAF members and veterans in Canada.
2. Creating a repository of outcome measures that can be used with CAF members and veterans interventions in OT research and practice that supports creation of real-world evidence.
3. Setting up monthly video calls for members to share local projects, resources, research or practice evidence or discuss events that they have attended that may be of interest to the network.
4. Through the CAOT network website, highlight practice and research contributions of CAOT members working with CAF members and veterans.  

Resources A day in the life of Occupational Therapists in the CAF FR: Une journée dans la vie des ergothérapeutes des FAC The Meaning of Occupation, Occupational Need, and Occupational Therapy in a Military Context Working for the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Canada: A Guidance Document for Occupational Therapists Life After Service Survey 2016 (Executive Summary) Health and Lifestyle Information Survey of Canadian Forces Personnel 2013/2014 Video: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianForces/videos/2035817209882980/

OTAFMVF Co-Chair Information

2022 Meeting Schedule: 2-4 CAOT Practice Network Chair Meetings (can be split with co-chair; TBD) 5 OTAFMVF Meetings (can be split with co-chair; third Monday of Jan, March, May, Sept, Nov – 11:00 ET) 4 OTAFMVF Core Group Meetings (first Thursday of Jan, May, Sept, Nov – 11:00 ET) It is preferred that co-chairs do not resign simultaneously.

Join Us!

OTAFMVF Core Group Application and Recruitment 

Description: 

The OTAFMF is a CAOT Practice Network founded in 2019. There are currently two co-chairs and seven core members that aim to guide this practice network based on its mission, vision, objectives, and input from the membership. The core group consists of occupational therapists from across Canada, fluent in both official languages, and representing different stakeholders including CAOT, 2 Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Department of National Defense (DND), Operational Stress Injury (OSI) clinics and Canadian academic institutions. The core group would like to add 2 Fee-for-Service OTs whom work with the population. Applications for the core group can be submitted to networks@caot.ca. The deadline for submission is 15 December 2022.  

Tasks of the Core Group Members include:  

• Participating in group discussion with the core and general OTAFMVF meetings via Microsoft Teams; 
• Facilitating collaboration and information sharing that is in line with the mandates of the stakeholders; 
• Planning and executing initiatives and activities that are within the guidelines of the Terms of Reference (TOR) and CAOT Practice Network Manual;
• Leading one core or general meeting a year by preparing and facilitating the group.
• Presenting, along with the co-chair at a general OTAFMVF meeting and/or CAOT National Conference; and
• Updating practice network TORs and policies as needed.  

The network recognizes diversity as a source of strength and meaningful participation to all. Expected behaviours include being respectful to all group members, appreciating all points of view and discussion, following the policies, procedures of mandates of the stakeholders by limiting personal bias, and avoiding the promotion of individual interests, business ventures, or personal agendas. 

Meeting Schedule: 

Four (4) Core Group Meetings (first Thursday of Jan, April, June, Nov at 12:00 EST) 

Four (4) General Meetings (attendance at each of these are encouraged but not mandatory; third Monday of Jan, March, May, Sep 12:00 EST)

Core Group Requirements: 

• Current member of the CAOT;
• Minimum 2 years of recent experience working with CAF personnel, Canadian veterans, and/or their families as an occupational therapist utilizing and supporting evidence-based best practices;
• Submission of a curriculum vitae with a cover page with a brief statement of interest;
• Baseline familiarity or willingness to learn how to use Microsoft Teams;
• Registered and in good standing with a provincial regulatory body. 

The submitted information from each candidate will be reviewed and considered by the core group members. Additional factors, such as the need for representation from DND, VAC, OSI, academic institutions, both official languages, and multiple regions of Canada, will be considered in the selection of Core Group members.  

We thank you in advance for your interest!