wHAT IS A lOGIC MODEL?

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•  The goal of this patient-oriented project is to inform Canadian service dog organizations working with Veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) about recovery from problematic substance use for inclusion in their training programs. 
• Information shared is based on the latest evidence and specific attention is paid to the role of distance peer support in recovery.
• Our multidisciplinary team recognizes that recovery is variously defined and that common elements include seeking a life worth living, optimism that recovery is possible, recognition that it is a process, and acknowledgement that there is always hope. 
• Our team identifies problematic substance use as involving Veterans’ disconnection from other humans, as well as animals and the environment. Combining these areas is an innovative and inclusive approach to recovery. 
• In a stepped process over 3 years, we have been working alongside a dozen service dog programs working with Veterans medically diagnosed with PTSD, to understand if and how substance use and peer support is incorporated into their programs. 
• We developed (theory focused) and applied (practice focused) this evidence-informed substance use recovery toolkit with the service dog organizations and are mentoring its implementation. 
• An external contractor to the project, Proactive Information Services Inc., is evaluating the outcomes.

Now see how this information is presented in a logic model:

 Goal

• The goal is a re-statement of the primary aspects in the Theory of Change. The goal being “To have service dog organizations working with veterans diagnosed with PTSD address recovery from problematic substance use, by using evidence-informed practice, with specific attention to substance use and distance peer support in their training programs.”

Inputs

• The inputs include human resources, funding (SUAP and other funding), as well as in-kind contributions. These inputs allow for the project activities to take place.

Activities & Outputs

• The creation of knowledge projects leads to specific outputs for dissemination to service dog organizations.
• AUDEAMUS uses the modified curriculum with project participants.
• The creation of learning opportunities engages service dog organizations in a Community of Practice and webinars. In addition, community and media events serve as broader opportunities for community awareness and learning.

Immediate Outcomes

• Service dog organizations access the various evidence-informed knowledge products.
• Service dog organizations access evidence-informed information through participation in learning opportunities. 

Intermediate Outcomes

• Service dog organizations, as a result of accessing knowledge products and participating in learning opportunities, use the evidence informed information to change policies, programs and practice.
• Veterans in the project, as a result of being exposed to the modified AUDEAMUS curriculum, use knowledge and skills gained, taking positive action with respect to substance use and improved health outcomes.