RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 838 Intersectoral mobilisation to bridge the gap between research and practice in work disability prevention JF Occupational and Environmental Medicine JO Occup Environ Med FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP A560 OP A560 DO 10.1136/oemed-2018-ICOHabstracts.1584 VO 75 IS Suppl 2 A1 MF Coutu A1 MJ Durand A1 The Mist-Caprit Team YR 2018 UL http://oem.bmj.com/content/75/Suppl_2/A560.1.abstract AB Introduction Best practices exist at the individual and organisational levels to facilitate return to work (RTW) following long-term absence for various health reasons. Yet implementation remains a challenge because of the complex multi-stakeholder context involving different social systems. The question then becomes, ‘How can we bridge the gap between research and practice?’Methods A collaborative research project based on a conceptual framework of sustainability science was used. The framework proposes phases and associated methods. Our study first sought to build a common vocabulary to help collaboratively frame a shared problem, using a group consensus technique. To ensure a common understanding of the problem among participants, we conducted a rapid literature review and held discussions with stakeholders on the effects of ethnocultural, gender and ageing factors on the RTW process in a work disability context where medical professionals have deemed workers ready to RTW following diverse health issues. We then used a consensus technique to enable participants to jointly construct possible solutions and establish research priorities regarding implementation of adapted best practices.Results A total of 8 multidisciplinary researchers, 2 postdoctoral students, and 12 stakeholders representing patients, employers, unions, healthcare professionals, and legal and insurance systems participated. A bipartite (researcher/stakeholder) governance structure was put in place to facilitate the process. A tool to promote a common vocabulary was developed collaboratively and comprised 79 terms and definitions. To ensure common understanding of the problem, a summary was developed with the advisory and knowledge transfer committee in the governance structure, and a Web-based capsule was produced. A series of consensus groups identified 8 research priorities.Discussion A collaboration between researchers and stakeholders that is structured by a conceptual framework allows them to jointly identify, in the short term, both the problem and possible activities to bridge the gap between research and practice.