The Canadian Behavioural Trials and Interventions Training Platform

High-risk human behaviours, such as poor medication and vaccination adherence, low quality diets, physical inactivity, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, are key causes of most chronic diseases. Evidence-based interventions have been developed that have been shown to result in reliable health behaviour change. Unfortunately, this evidence has not been implemented into action and evidence-based behaviour change interventions are rarely included in the current Canadian healthcare system where they could have optimal effects on population health. Our platform will bring together international experts from healthcare, government, industry, academia, and behavioural medicine (i.e., the study of how behaviours that impact disease development can be changed to improve people's lives). The outstanding interdisciplinary team will develop and deliver a variety of innovative training opportunities for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical and allied health students. The focus of the training opportunities will be on developing knowledge and acquiring skills on how to appropriately develop and test behaviour change interventions. In addition, we will also create training that will help with putting these interventions into healthcare practice. A variety of innovative, adaptable training opportunities will be created. For example, graduate students might need a 3-credit university course, whereas, nurses and doctors might need a half-day training workshop available with continuing medical education credits. This will ensure that the right training can be delivered to the right person at the right time, ultimately improving care for individuals at risk for a number of chronic diseases.