Building your leadership capacity: Be a "CarFitter"

Background: CarFit is a free community event which provides a quick, yet comprehensive review of how well vehicle safety features are adjusted to the driver (Gaines et al., 2011). Occupational therapists have a unique role in... [ view full abstract ]

Background: CarFit is a free community event which provides a quick, yet comprehensive review of how well vehicle safety features are adjusted to the driver (Gaines et al., 2011). Occupational therapists have a unique role in the delivery of this program. The potential of CarFit in raising the profile of the profession is such that the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists has chosen to invest resources in bringing CarFit to Canada.

Objective: The goal is to present the steps that were undertaken to adapt an American program, implement it in Canada and ensure that occupational therapists are leading the way.

Results: Several steps were undertaken in implementing CarFit to Canada. Following the principles of the logic model framework, these steps included the adaptation to the Canadian cultural and legal context, the implementation through the development of partnerships and the planning of its sustainability through capacity building. Critical lessons related to 1) fostering an open communication, 2) using the information technologies efficiently and 3) setting a timeline that is realistic and conducive for delivering quality outputs will be presented. More than 90 occupational therapists were trained as CarFit Event Coordinators and/or Technicians since 2014 throughout the country.

Conclusion: For occupational therapists, being involved in CarFit is a new opportunity to demonstrate their leadership in serving their communities and enact their public health promotion role. The learning related to the communication and strategic management gained from this experience will inspire and support the implementation of other innovative community involvement programs.