Abstract
The Collaborative RESearch team to study psychosocial factors in bipolar disorder (CREST.BD) is a multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral network dedicated to both fundamental research and knowledge exchange on bipolar disorder (BD). The core mission of the network is to advance the science and understanding of psychological and social issues associated with BD, improve the care and wellness of people living with BD, and strengthen services and supports for these individuals. CREST.BD bridges traditional and newer research approaches, particularly embracing community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods. Membership of CREST is broad, including academic researchers, people with BD, their family members and supports, and a variety of health care providers. Here, we describe the origins, evolution, approach to planning and evaluation and future vision for our network within the landscape of CBPR and integrated knowledge translation (KT), and explore the keys and challenges to success we have encountered working within this framework.
Highlights
The Collaborative RESearch team to study psychosocial factors in bipolar disorder (CREST.BD) is a multidisciplinary, cross-sectoral network dedicated to both fundamental research and knowledge exchange on bipolar disorder (BD)
As team member Sara Lapsley describes in this opening quote, bipolar disorder (BD) is a potentially serious condition characterized by extreme mood states of mania and depression, as well as chronic subclinical mood dysfunction [1]
Case description In this article, we provide a Case Study of the establishment of a unique network centred in Canada, the Collaborative RESearch Team to study psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder (CREST.BD)
Summary
“I think it can be difficult for people to fully understand what it is like to experience the dizzying swings from elation to crushing depression inherent in bipolar disorder. To share knowledge about stigma in BD with both people with BD and intimacy with the narrative is underscored by the community-accessible their health care providers, one component of the team’s CIHR KTA grant locations where the play is held, the small audience size (approximately involves team member Victoria Maxwell (an actress and mental health 140 participants per show) and a post-performance question and answer educator who lives with BD) performing a new one-woman theatrical period where Victoria’s ‘character’ is cemented in reality as individuals performance entitled ‘That’s Just Crazy Talk’ commissioned as part of the engage with her present and vibrant self. CREST.BD’s knowledge users include researchers, people with lived experience, health care providers, community agencies and advocacy groups; at times, these stakeholders have different agendas. The performance indicators span four key domains that are considered important for evaluating knowledge networks, including resources and sustainability, structure and governance, efficiency, and effectiveness (see Figure 4: Four key domains for knowledge networks, [62])
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