Ground-breaking Research Focused on Return-to-Work (RTW) Options for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Members and Veterans living with Amputation

For military amputees, return-to-work (RTW) issues involve more than just medical recovery. They include physical rehabilitation, prosthetic technology, workplace accommodation, military culture, policy frameworks, and stigma. Therefore, CIMVHR is requesting application for research focused on return-to-work for amputees both inside and outside the Canadian Armed Forces. Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Barriers and facilitators to RTW: Identify what helps and hinders CAF amputees returning to duty or transitioning to civilian employment. 2. Effectiveness of RTW programs: Evaluate current CAF/VAC rehabilitation and transition programs against best practices. 3. Prosthetic and assistive technology: Assess how new-generation prosthetics affect job readiness, fitness-for-duty, and occupational options. 4. Workplace accommodation models: Develop evidence-based guidelines for the CAF to support retention and reintegration. 5. Long-term outcomes: Explore career trajectories, financial security, and quality of life of amputee Veterans compared to non-amputee Veterans. 6. Comparative study: Examine RTW outcomes in Canada versus U.S., U.K., Australia, and NATO partners. 7. Policy gaps: Identify where CAF policy doesn’t adequately address the needs of amputee members (deployment, training, alternative roles).