Community-Driven Innovation with CAN-BIND’s CAC
February 2024 —
The CAN-BIND team, in collaboration with our newly expanded Community Advisory Committee (CAC), embarked on a transformative journey to reshape knowledge translation (KT) as we know it. The one-day, in-person retreat, aptly named “Retreating Before Advancing,” was the first of its kind for our organization, bringing community members, researchers, and our very own KT team together to develop an effective and impactful KT hub. To kick things off, the event began with an overview of our achievements over the last decade, celebrating the expansion of our KT products and approaches.
Designed to leverage the expertise of our diverse CAC members and partners the retreat was structured into four sessions, carefully planned to encourage deep engagement and collaboration.
In the first session, Dr. Benicio Frey, director of CAN-BIND, and study leads, Drs. Raymond Lam and Rudolf Uher, presented CAN-BIND’s current studies and discussed the challenges associated with communicating research findings for each. CAN-BIND’s KT efforts were then aligned with current and ongoing research initiatives, setting the stage for meaningful discussions to follow.
When I got the news about CAN-BIND, I thought this would be a perfect way for me to satisfy that itch that I was having to help now.
— Etinosa Oliogu, CAN-BIND CAC Member
In session two, CAC members determined the most effective KT methods, and identified high-priority topics for future CAN-BIND content. Recognizing the evolving landscape of science communication, the group also emphasized the need for more selective and targeted tools, particularly as social media platforms become more crucial for dissemination.
In the third session, attendees formed smaller teams to focus on specific projects that aligned with their expertise and interests. The approach helped cultivate a stronger sense of enthusiasm and engagement among CAC members.
Finally, the day concluded with a dynamic brainstorming session where the group finalized timelines and plans for the upcoming year. CAC members also participated in interviews, reflecting on their experiences and the insights gained from their journey with CAN-BIND. This closing session allowed the group to bond and strengthen connections made during the retreat, establishing a foundation for successful future collaborations.
…this is exactly what I need to do. I need to be able to influence research based on the stuff that I know from experiencing depression.
— Maryanne Lewis, CAN-BIND CAC Member
In aligning with the CAN-BIND mission to advance depression care through innovation, education, and practice, the retreat also emphasized our commitment to inclusivity and shared decision-making. The insights and connections forged during the retreat will not only guide our future KT strategies, but will also foster ongoing advancements in mental health research and care.
Most importantly, by incorporating the lived experiences and diverse perspectives of our CAC members, we are confident that our future KT products will become more relevant, impactful, and accessible to a wider patient community.
To learn more, visit: https://canbind.ca/about-can-bind/our-team/cac