Experience and Influence of Lifestyle Redesign^® Training in French-Canadian Occupational Therapists

Background. While it is a well-recognized and cost-effective preventive occupational therapy (OT) intervention, the impact of the Lifestyle Redesign^® training, including its French version, is unknown. Purpose. This study aimed to explore experience of French-Canadian OTs and students about the Lifestyle Redesign^® training and its influence on their knowledge and behavioural intention. Method. A cross-cultural validation and action research were used including a pre-experimental component (OTs questioned before and after the training). Semi-directed focus groups were digitally audiotaped and transcribed, which then underwent thematic content analysis. Findings. Aged between 22 and 60, 24 women (20 OTs and four OT students) completed the French version of the Lifestyle Redesign^® training. Participants welcomed access to a French version of the approach and reported that the themes covered were adapted to the Quebec context, but a more "turnkey" and socio-constructivist course should be considered. The French Lifestyle Redesign training was found to increase participants' knowledge (p < .01) but not their intention to offer the approach to their older clientele over the next year. Conclusion. Lifestyle Redesign^® is a culturally promising training and its French-Canadian version can be further optimized to best support OT needs, foster adoption into practice, and address emerging realities.