Description of Research Initiative

High-risk human behaviours, such as poor medication and vaccination adherence, low quality diets, physical inactivity, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, are key causes of most chronic diseases. Evidence-based interventions have been developed that have been shown to result in reliable health behaviour change. Unfortunately, this evidence has not been implemented into action and evidence-based behaviour change interventions are rarely included in the current Canadian healthcare system where they could have optimal effects on population health.

We have received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to commence the Canadian Behavioural Interventions and Trials Network (CBITN), one of six funded clinical trials training platforms. Our platform brings together international experts from healthcare, government, industry, academia, and behavioural medicine (i.e., the study of how behaviours that impact disease development can be changed to improve people’s lives). Our outstanding interdisciplinary team has developed and delivered a variety of innovative training opportunities for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical and allied health students. The focus of the training opportunities has been on developing knowledge and acquiring skills on how to appropriately develop and test behaviour change interventions. In addition, we also created training that will help with putting these interventions into healthcare practice.

More information about CBITN can be located using this link. The core curriculum series can be located using this link.