Learn more about CREST.BD: a unique, multi-disciplinary research and knowledge exchange network. The presentation highlights the CREST.BD Network's community-based participatory approach to research, inter-disciplinary structure, research foci and knowledge exchange activities. The slideshow was originally presented in a poster session during the 2012 International Review of Bipolar Disorders in Nice, France. For more information visit: www.crestbd.ca.

1. Collaborative RESearch Team to study psychosocial issues in
Bipolar Disorder (CREST.BD):
‘Advancing bipolar disorders research
via collaborative
knowledge translation’

2. Introduction
• Multidisciplinary network of researchers, health care providers and community
members researching and exchanging knowledge about psychological and social
factors in BD
• Aim of enhancing the wellness of people living with the condition
• Create and test innovative ways of exchanging knowledge and expertise
• People with lived experience of BD, their health care providers and families are
actively engaged in the cycle of research and knowledge exchange

3. CREST.BD Network Structure
Listening Members: Community Consultation
Group, online and social media community
Collaborators & Partners : Clinician & advocacy
organizations, formalized Project Advisory Group
Core Team Members: (Peer) Researchers &
healthcare providers, core staff

4. Mixed Methods Qualitative Quantitative
Knowledge Translation
Methods
•Membership: academic researchers, people with
lived-experience, family members, health care providers
•Multidisciplinary: psychology, psychiatry, criminology,
nursing, gerontology, genetic counselling
•Expertise: wide range of BD specialisation
•Focus: integrated knowledge translation (KT)
Stigma
•Emphasis: community-based participatory
Psychosocial
Treatment
research methods
Psychopathology Clinician Researcher Recovery Support Staff

5. Results
Development of four pillars of research
Quality Psycho-
Wellness of Stigma social
Life Treatments
Advancing CBT & PE,
research into BD Advancing quality Advancing BD CPD
self-management of life assessment stigma research courses, family-
strategies & in research, daily & treatment focused
dissemination life & clinical care interventions therapies, geneti
tools c counselling

6. Results Cont’d
Focus on knowledge translation (KT) strategies to swiftly and
effectively disseminate research findings in core pillars
Knowledge Develop ‘research
Theatrical performance
dissemination & snapshots’ – general
(live show & DVD
engagement via audience summaries of
events) targeting
website, social media & research grants &
stigma
video share sites publications

7. Conclusion
CREST.BD Model has potential to pay dividends in improving the
quality & effectiveness of BD research:
• Allows for development of research hypotheses that are of high relevance to
those affected by BD
• Improves research recruitment and retention, and quality of data
• Increases relevance and pragmatism of new treatment interventions
• Empowers patients & reduce BD-related stigma

8. Acknowledgment:
CREST.BD’s work is made possible by a 3-year Network Catalyst –
Knowledge Translation grant provided by Canadian Institutes for Health
Research, Canada’s federal funding agency.