Public safety personnel (PSP) are at risk of experiencing operational stress injuries (OSIs). The functional impairments caused by OSIs can contribute to challenges with returning to pre-injury operational requirements. A Canadian municipal policing agency developed a peer-led workplace reintegration program (RP) to assist PSP in their workplace reintegration after an illness or injury. Although this RP has been used internationally, there is a paucity of research on this program and its implementation by PSP organizations. The perspectives of key stakeholders are important for capturing the current state of RPs and future directions for the advocacy, implementation, sustainability, and spread of the RP, and to set the stage for future research. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders engaged in the creation, implementation, facilitation, and execution of RPs in Alberta, Canada. This will help identify strengths, barriers, facilitators, needs, processes, and attitudes associated with the RPs and direction for future research. A qualitative thematic analysis of focus groups (N=8) involving key stakeholders (N=30) from five PSP organizations with RPs was conducted using a community-engaged research approach as part of a larger mixed-methods study. Four key themes emerged from the participants: (1) Integral elements of success, (2) Integral needs, (3) Key areas of growth, and (4) Evolution of the Program. While RPs are highly regarded by the key stakeholders, it is essential that evidence-based research guide the evaluation, modification, implementation, spread, and scale of RPs globally.

Background: Nurses are exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events which can lead to operational stress injuries (OSI). Workplace reintegration after an OSI can be challenging, especially with repeated exposure to potentially traumatic scenarios and workplace demands. A workplace reintegration program (RP) originally developed for police officers may be of benefit for nurses returning to work after an OSI. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived need for an RP for nurses, and its potential contextualization and implementation in the nursing context using an implementation science approach. Methods: This mixed-methods study collected data via questionnaires and focus groups from acute care nurses in Canada (N = 19). Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, and an organizational readiness assessment. Results: Study participants indicated that formalized processes were rarely used to support nurses returning to work after time off due to mental health challenges. Themes included (1) “The Perfect Storm”: the current state of return-to-work, (2) Integral Needs, and (3) A Break in the Clouds: hope for health. Conclusions: Exploration of innovative programs such as the RP may provide additional support to nurses affected by OSIs. Further research is needed regarding workplace reintegration for nurses, and contextualization and evaluation of the RP.

Introduction: Public safety personnel (PSP) experience operational stress injuries (OSIs), which can put them at increased risk of experiencing mental health and functional challenges. Such challenges can result in PSP needing to take time away from the workplace. An unsuccessful workplace reintegration process may contribute to further personal challenges for PSP and their families as well as staffing shortages that adversely affect PSP organizations. The Canadian Workplace Reintegration Program (RP) has seen a global scale and spread in recent years. However, there remains a lack of evidence-based literature on this topic and the RP specifically. The current qualitative study was designed to explore the perspectives of PSP who had engaged in a Workplace RP due to experiencing a potentially psychologically injurious event or OSI. Methods: A qualitative thematic analysis analyzed interview data from 26 PSP who completed the RP. The researchers identified five themes: (1) the impact of stigma on service engagement; (2) the importance of short-term critical incident (STCI) program; (3) strengths of RP; (4) barriers and areas of improvement for the RP; and (5) support outside the RP. Discussion: Preliminary results were favorable, but further research is needed to address the effectiveness, efficacy, and utility of the RP. Conclusion: By addressing workplace reintegration through innovation and research, future initiatives and RP iterations can provide the best possible service and support to PSP and their communities.

Background: Nurses are engaged in an unpredictable and dynamic work environment where they are exposed to events that may cause or contribute to physical and/or psychological injuries. Operational stress injury (OSI) may lead to an extended time away from work or nurses leaving the profession altogether. A deliberate focus on the workplace reintegration phase of the mental health recovery process may lead to the increased retention of nurses in their profession. Prior to the creation and implementation of potential solutions to address workplace reintegration, it is imperative to explore the experiences and perceptions of nurses affected by OSI. This qualitative study aims to investigate the experiences and perceptions of nurses (N = 7) employed within a Canadian provincial healthcare system who have attempted workplace reintegration after being off of work with an OSI. Methods: Nurses were recruited via social media, unit emails, and word of mouth. Data were collected through recorded semi-structured interviews conducted over videoconferencing. Once transcribed, the data were thematically analyzed using an inductive approach. Results: The resulting themes included (1) heroes to zeros, (2) changing the status quo, (3) connection is key, and (4) post-traumatic growth: advocacy and altruism. Study participants indicated both that nursing culture and a cumulation of events contributed to a need for a leave of absence from work and that a formalized process was desired by nurses to assist in returning to work. Conclusions: The development, implementation, and exploration of innovative policies, procedures, and initiatives to bridge the gap from clinical interventions to workplace reintegration are needed for nurses experiencing OSI. Further research is also needed regarding mental health impacts and appropriate resources to support nurses in their workplace reintegration process after experiencing psychological and/or physical injury.