A comparison of firefighter mental health education programs: A descriptive thematic analysis of firefighter experiences.

Background: In response to the inherent critical incident exposures experienced by firefighters, various mental health education programs have been developed. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of firefighters who took such programs to understand differences/similarities across these programs.

Methods: We recruited 14 participants, who had taken or delivered two or more programs for firefighters (Resilient Minds (RM), Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR), and Before Operational Stress (BOS)).

Exploring Canadian Career Firefighters' Understanding of the Return-to-Work Process After Musculoskeletal Injuries.

Purpose: Firefighters perform dangerous and physically demanding work, increasing their risk of musculoskeletal injuries that can lead to work absences. Return-to-work procedures can help firefighters return-to-work sooner and safely. The purpose of this study was to explore what firefighters understand about return-to-work procedures in their workplaces, and what firefighters believe the facilitators and barriers to return-to-work are.

Rasch analysis of the brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire in patients with thumb osteoarthritis.

Background: The brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (brief MHQ) is a 12-item self-reported measure of hand function for patients with hand disorders which has been validated using Classical Test Theory. Rasch analysis can provide more detailed psychometric information. The purpose of this Rasch analysis is to assess the psychometric properties of the brief MHQ for patients with thumb osteoarthritis, and to make recommendations for improvements to the questionnaire if needed.

Scoping review of the occurrence and characteristics of firefighter exercise and training injuries.

Objectives: To summarize the current research on the occurrence of firefighter exercise and training injuries and to describe the nature of these injuries.

Methods: Scoping review methods were used to identify articles and extract information relevant to firefighter exercise and training injuries. Relevant articles were identified from MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and through hand-searching.

Identifying predictors of return to work and the duration of time off work in first responders affected with musculoskeletal injuries or mental health issues.

Purpose: To identify predictors of return to work, duration of time off work, and claim closure for first responders experiencing injuries or illnesses, and summarize the claim data.

Methods: First responder claims collected between January 2012 and July 2017 were obtained from a disability management company. Known predictors of return to work were extracted from the data including age, sex, diagnosis, years of service, claim lag, medical report lag, and the return-to-work duties.

The Quality, Readability, Completeness, and Accuracy of PTSD Websites for Firefighters.

Firefighters appear at an increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because of PTSD-related stigma, firefighters may search for information online. The current study evaluated the quality, readability, and completeness of PTSD online resources, and to determine how the online treatment recommendations align with current evidence.