Are you a rehabilitation professional looking to take your skills to the next level and make a meaningful impact in your field? Well, you’re in luck! Physiopedia is thrilled to announce the continuation of the successful Implementation Science Mentoring and Training as part of the ReLAB-HS Activity for 2024 – apply before 1 February 2024 to join.

The 8-week Implementation Science Mentoring and Training is a ReLAB-HS-funded activity to raise awareness and knowledge of implementation science in the rehabilitation field. It is suitable for any rehabilitation professional who implements evidence-based rehabilitation interventions as part of their role. For example, this could include rehabilitation programmes, practices, principles, procedures, products or policies that are designed to help your patients address the impact of physical, cognitive, psychosocial and mental health problems and conditions. Through this programme you will improve your ability to implement change through evidence-based rehabilitation interventions, programmes or practices.

The programme comprises online courses, live webinars and discussion forums, designed to arm trainees with knowledge about planning, implementing and assessing evidence-based projects in their own settings. There are three phases to progress through, the final of which supports trainees in finishing their own Implementation Plans under the expert guidance of the programme mentor, Lucio Naccarella. You can read how the training and mentoring was structured through the different phases for our 2023 cohort as well as more detail on what implementation science is below, to get a taste for this programme.

This mentorship will run over an 8-week period, starting 4 March 2024 and is free of charge. Registration for expression of interest is now open until 1 February 2024. All applications will be reviewed and the mentorship group will be announced by 9 February 2024. Find out more about the 2024 mentoring and training and apply here.

Experience of trainees on the 2023 programme

Last year’s training began with with 32 trainees working towards Phase 1 of the training – a 1.5-hour Implementation Science Short Course on Physiopedia Plus (Plus). Progressing to Phase 2, trainees then completed four training modules alongside personalised mentoring whilst engaging in key learning activities. In Phase 3, trainees completed the programme by submitting their Implementation Facilitation Plans. Notably, many of the rehabiltiation professionals who completed Phase 3 in 2023 all hailed from Georgia – showcasing the power of group working and collaboration at a country level. These rehabilitation professionals worked together to select and implement an evidence-informed rehabilitation initiative in their respective settings, applying implementation science concepts and approaches.

Graduates of the programme also enrolled in the 2023 ReLAB-HS Global Rehabilitation Leadership Institute training, demonstrating a hunger for leadership development. This trend emphasises implementation science’s real-world applicability and potential as a valuable addition to the rehabilitation sector.

What is implementation science?

It’s essential to understand that implementation science is not a quick fix but a powerful mindset that addresses barriers to evidence-informed rehabilitation practices with tremendous long-term benefits.

This training and mentorship equips trainees with practical knowledge on applying implementation science practices in their rehabilitation plans and gives them the opportunity to work alongside an expert mentor in creating their plans during Phase 3 of the programme.

We invite you to be part of this transformative experience in 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, the Implementation Science Mentoring and Training is designed to empower you with the skills and mindset needed to overcome challenges and contribute to advancing evidence-informed rehabilitation practices. Join us on this exciting journey of growth, collaboration, and impact. Together, let’s shape the future of rehabilitation! Apply now to take part.