Expansion and Evaluation of the Before Operational Stress Project (BOS)
Watch the BOS promotional video.
Get an introduction to the BOS training and study.
The Expansion and Evaluation of the Before Operational Stress (BOS) project offers evidence-informed training to public safety personnel and frontline healthcare workers across Canada who are regularly exposed to psychologically traumatic events and posttraumatic stress injuries in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada the original 2022-2023 initiative has served over 71,000 frontline workers. An extension to the project will offer the BOS program to an additional 1500 participants in a new and improved online format.
The new BOS online program hosts all the original program content with the following upgrades:
Updated production
Additional Clinicians
New guests offering lived frontline experience from EMS, Law Enforcement, Fire, and Healthcare
Special versions for the PSP and healthcare sectors
The BOS online program is ideal for the nontraditional schedules of frontline organizations.
Participants complete at their own pace, at a time that works best for them.
Ideal solution for flexibility in mental health training.
Self-directed modality with opportunities for in-depth, self-reflective practice and implementation.
Full organizational implementation supports are available. Contact bosadmin@wayfound.ca for further information on how you can bring BOS to your organization through this limited-time, funded opportunity.
Project News
As we conclude the Expansion and Evaluation of the Before Operational Stress (BOS) project, we are proud to reflect on the remarkable journey and impact it has had on the wellbeing of public safety personnel and healthcare workers across Canada.
The BOS project, led by the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Treatment and Research (CIPSRT) and in collaboration with Wayfound, was designed to provide evidence-informed training to those regularly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events. The funding we received enabled Wayfound to refine the training program with upgraded production, a bolstered team of clinicians, compelling new guest speakers, and the development of specialized resources to meet the needs of both Public Safety Personnel and Healthcare Workers. Over the course of this project, the training program has benefited over 70,000 public safety personnel and healthcare workers nationwide.
Concurrently, our commitment to scientific rigor is evident in the ongoing work on several comprehensive scientific articles, presenting data collected from participants independently by our CIPSRT research team. To maximize the impact of our findings, we have created a range of educational resources, including video capsules, webinars, infographics, research reports, and summaries. These resources aim to distill the insights gained from the BOS program, making them readily available and easily digestible for both our participants and the wider community.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Wayfound, whose invaluable support was crucial in delivering the training. Additionally, we express profound gratitude to the Canadian public safety personnel and healthcare workers who actively participated in the BOS study. Their dedication and engagement have been instrumental in the success of this initiative. None of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of our funding partners—the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Treatment and Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Their commitment has been the bedrock of our success, driving the impact and reach of the BOS program.
A final thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.
BOS Team
At the upcoming 2023 CIMVHR Conference on October 17th, Nicole Bolt, PhD will present the current outcomes of the BOS training program from 10:45-11:05. Following that presentation, Gabriela Ioachim, PhD will discuss the experiences of participants who completed the BOS training programs between 11:05-11:25. If you are interested in seeing these presentations in person you can register for CIMVHR: Register – CIMVHR Forum 2023
The Before Operational Stress (BOS) project offers evidence-informed training to public safety personnel, frontline, and healthcare workers across Canada who are regularly exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events and at higher risk for developing posttraumatic stress injuries. The entire program was updated to be offered in an online format, allowing participants to complete the course in any location and at their own pace.
*This poster presents engagement in BOS across different public safety sectors. Please note that this poster was presented at the CIPHER Collaboration Conference (CCC 2023) and the results have not been peer-reviewed.
We are excited to share that the Expansion and Evaluation of the Before Operational Stress program has received extended funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada until March 2024. The new funding will support the development and distribution of the updated BOS training from Wayfound, and allow CIPSRT to conduct an independent evaluation of BOS. This extension marks a significant step forward, enabling Wayfound to refine the training program with upgraded production, a bolstered team of clinicians, compelling new guest speakers, and the development of specialized resources to meet the needs of both Public Safety Personnel and Healthcare Workers. With the new funding, CIPSRT will also continue to conduct independent evaluations of the effectiveness of the BOS program and contribute to crucial research.
BOS has been shown to have a small but significant positive impact on the mental health of Public Safety Personnel (read the full study here – https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.511755) and we look forward to expanding on this research with more extensive studies and more options for BOS delivery modalities.
We are grateful to the Public Health Agency of Canada for their steadfast commitment to advancing mental health research and supporting projects aimed at aiding Canadian Public Safety Personnel and Healthcare Workers
Read the full CIPSRT news release: CIPSRT | We are happy to announce a funding extension agreement has been reached with the Public Health Agency of Canada (cipsrt-icrtsp.ca)
Project Resources
BOS Audiogram
As we near the end of the funding period, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the dedicated efforts of the BOS project. Explore the unique focuses of BOS and discover the invaluable resources they have developed.
PSP Mental Health Training Showcase
In October 2023, CIPHER hosted a webinar focusing on specialized mental health training programs for Public Safety Personnel (PSP). Representing the BOS team, Dr. Ioachim and Dr. Bolt shared insights into the PHAC-funded BOS project. If you missed this session and would like to learn more you can watch the BOS presentation here.
Lessons Learned
“It’s extremely important to make sure that our leaders, our organizations, and our governments support PSP and healthcare workers who are trying to get these trainings.”
Hear from Gabriella Ioachim about the lessons that BOS learned.
BOS Training Modules
Get an introduction to the different modules covered in BOS and how they are presented.
BOS Poster Presentation - CIPHER Collaboration Conference 2023
View a poster about engagement in BOS across different public safety sectors. Please note that this poster was presented at the CIPHER Collaboration Conference (CCC 2023) and the results have not been peer reviewed.
BOS Resiliency Training
BOS provides immediate support through a resiliency-based training program that empowers first responders and other Public Safety Personnel (PSP), frontline workers, and healthcare workers to care for their mental health.
BOS Participant Information
The University of Regina conducted an independent research study to evaluate the BOS program. Here is who participated in the study.
Be the BOS of your mental health.
Current Project Team
Gabriela Ioachim, PhD: Project Lead
Nicholas Carelton, PhD R.D. Psych: Principal Investigator
Kirby Maguire, BA: Co-investigator
Donna Dowler, B. Ed, PMP, TOGAF9, ICD.D: Project Manager
Kathy Bélanger, PhD: Post-Doctoral Fellow
Megan McElheran, R.Psych: Senior Supervising Clinician
Andrii Shulgin, MSc: Research Assistant
Jilani Dabhoya, BSc: Research Assistant