THE NATIONAL OPTIMA END-OF-TRIAL KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION EVENT
The National OPTIMA End-of-Trial KT Event was a unique opportunity to bring together a multi-disciplinary group of stakeholders to learn about the findings from the OPTIMA trial and brainstorm ways to move the research into practice.
ABOUT
The OPTIMA End-of-Trial KT Event took place from November 21st-23rd, 2022. The event was located on traditional Treaty 7 territory (colonially known as Banff, Alberta). These sacred lands are the gathering place of the Niitsitapi from the Blackfoot Confederacy, of whom the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani First Nations are part; the Îyârhe Nakoda of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations; the Tsuut’ina First Nation; the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland, and many others who continue to steward these lands and community.
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The purpose of the event was to share experiences and findings from the OPTIMA trial that took place from 2017-2020. This was an opportunity to bring together researchers, clinicians, and community stakeholders to learn and discuss the OPTIMA study, explore the implications of the findings for practice, and learn about future initiatives and priority areas of CRISM. This was a closed event with approximately 60 attendees involved in the OPTIMA Trial or CRISM network.
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The first day of the event focused largely on the OPTIMA trial and findings and the second day focused on next steps and future CRISM initiatives. Presentations were selected by the OPTIMA leadership team based on what results were ready to be shared and what would be relevant for the event participants. Sessions included a mix of didactic presentations, panel discussions and a collaborative small group session. Sessions included:
6 OPTIMA results presentation
1 panel discussion on flexible models of care for OUD
4 Meaningful stakeholder engagement in research sessions
2 CRISM upcoming projects presentations
1 KT capacity building workshop
1 3-minute thesis competition
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The Alberta Alliance Who Educate and Advocate Responsibly (AAWEAR) was engaged to assist with planning supports and services for attendees including harm reduction supplies, peer support, overdose prevention planning, and a Wellness Room.
3-MINUTE THESIS COMPETITION
A particularly engaging session of the event was the 3-minute thesis competition presented by PhD students involved in the OPTIMA research. Students and trainees were required to present their research thesis and results in under 3 minutes to a panel of judges and were graded on content, comprehension, and delivery.
Watch the recording of the 3-minute thesis!
EVALUATION
The organizing committee performed an evaluation to gather input from attendees to identify opportunities to enhance future knowledge translation (KT) initiatives and better meet scientific, clinical, and community KT needs.
Read the Evaluation Report below!
