Introduction: Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common musculoskeletal injury among Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members that challenges their physical readiness. Th e operational impact of LAS on the CAF may be minimized through evidence-based practice (EBP). Th is research project delivered a knowledge translation (KT) intervention tailored for CAF physiotherapists to improve their knowledge and performance of EBP in LAS management. Methods: All CAF physiotherapists ( n = 67) were sent an invitation to complete an online questionnaire investigating their self-reported knowledge and performance of interventions and outcomes recommended in the management of LAS. One three-hour, active, multi-component KT intervention, including summarized research, point-of-care practice tools, and peer interaction, was then facilitated over a distance learning platform. Th e primary outcome was the median change reported on the online questionnaire before and six months aft er the KT intervention. Results: Th e response rate to the online questionnaire at six months was 64.2% ( n = 43). Respondents reported improvements in their knowledge and performance of recommended rehabilitation interventions and outcome measures between baseline and six months. Some discrepancies between respondents' knowledge and performance of recommended outcome measures remained at six months. Unfamiliarity, use of competing outcome measures, or restraints in clinical settings explained these discrepancies, which may require changes at the clinical setting or organization level. Discussion: CAF physiotherapists improved their self-reported knowledge and performance of rehabilitation interventions and outcome measures recommended in LAS management six months aft er participation in an active, multi-component KT intervention delivered through distance learning. Further adoption of EBP may require changes at the clinical setting or organization level. Th ese results should inform KT interventions directed at improving EBP by CAF physiotherapists and, conceivably, other CAF Health Services Centre providers.

Introduction: Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) are the third most common musculoskeletal injury among military members, resulting in considerable time loss and a substantial rehabilitation workload. The operational relevance of these consequences to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) should be minimized using evidence-based practices. The purpose of this research project was to use a comprehensive knowledge translation (KT) implementation strategy tailored for CAF physiotherapists to improve their knowledge and use of the rehabilitation interventions and outcome measures recommended in the management of LAS. Methods: All CAF physiotherapists were sent an email invitation to complete an online questionnaire investigating their knowledge and use of rehabilitation interventions and outcome measures recommended in the management of LAS. We then used a distance learning platform to facilitate a 3-hour active, multi-component KT intervention that included summarized research, practice tools, and guided interaction. The primary outcome was the median change reported on the online questionnaire prior to, and 3 months following the intervention. Results: Response rate to the online questionnaire was 75% ( n = 67/89). Respondents reported a change from very good to excellent knowledge and use of rehabilitation interventions recommended in LAS management between baseline and 3 months. Respondents reported a change from poor to good/excellent knowledge and use of outcome measures recommended in LAS management between baseline and 3 months. Respondents reported a KT intervention preference for summarized research. Discussion: Our findings suggest that a KT implementation strategy tailored for CAF physiotherapists can improve their self-reported knowledge and use of outcome measures recommended in LAS management.

In response to COVID-19, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) activated Operation LASER, a force health protection strategy to preserve its operational capabilities. Operation LASER resulted in a quarantine of healthy CAF members to minimize the risk of contraction and transmission of COVID-19. The physical distancing inherent to quarantine challenged Canadian Forces Health Services to adapt its health care delivery. CAF Physiotherapy responded by integrating telehealth to maintain provision of essential primary health care services. A modified After-Action Report was used to capture preliminary telehealth experiences of Defence Team physiotherapists since the activation of Operation LASER. To date, seven Physiotherapy Officers and six civilian physiotherapists, have delivered a total of 196 assessments lasting an average of 45 minutes, and a total of 765 follow-ups lasting an average of 25 minutes. Most respondents reported no previous experience or formal training providing telehealth. Most respondents reported delivering telehealth by telephone and acknowledged challenges, including non-standardized patient instructions, inadequate equipment, unsuitable environments, and limited patient feedback. To maximize the quality of telehealth delivery, respondents recommended standardizing patient instructions, establishing suitable work environments, and using telephone headsets, videoconferencing, and digital exercise software. These recommendations are an investment in the capacity of CAF Physiotherapy to maintain rehabilitation services in the post-COVID-19 environment.