Linda Carroll
I am interested in psychosocial factors in prevalence, onset and prognosis of musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., low back pain, whiplash-associated disorders) in both those seeking health care for these problems and those managing their pain problems without health care.
My methodological approach is largely longitudinal observational research. I focus on the use of primary (self-report) data through quantitative studies using self-report surveys and questionnaires (cohort studies), qualitative studies using individual interviews and mixed methods approaches.
Much of my current work focuses on individuals seeking treatment for musculoskeletal disorders such as whiplash injuries and low back strains/sprains. For this, I work closely with clinical practitioners and administrators of rehabilitation settings, both in identifying relevant questions for research, in conducting studies and for knowledge transfer.
In addition to creating new knowledge through conducting original studies, I am interested in synthesizing currently available evidence through systematic reviews (including best evidence synthesis methods) and in the process of translating the best available evidence into evidence-based and practically useful clinical practice guidelines (CPG's).
This can best be done through collaborative relationships among those producing evidence (researchers), those using the evidence in their clinical practice (health care practitioners), those involved in developing and implementing policy, and those receiving health care.
Degrees
PhD, University of Manitoba, 1983
MA, University of Manitoba, 1978
BA (Honours), University of Saskatchewan, 1972
Awards
Senior Health Scholar, Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, 2008
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, 2008
Health Scholar, Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, 2003
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, 2003
Jillings Award for Contributions to the Profession of Psychology, Psychological Association of Saskatchewan, 1996
Psychological Association of Saskatchewan, 1996
Selected Publications
Carroll LJ, Holm LW, Ferrari R, Ozegovic D, Cassidy JD. Recovery in whiplash-associated disorders: do you get what you expect? Journal of Rheumatology 2009; 36: 1063-1070.
Rothe JP, Carroll LJ. Viewing Vehicular Violence Through a Wide Angle Lens: Contributing Factors and A Proposed Framework. Canadian Journal of Criminology. In Press.
Carroll LJ, Holm LW, Hogg-Johnson S, Côté P, Cassidy JD, Haldeman S, Nordin M, Hurwitz EL, Carragee EJ, van der Velde G, Peloso PM, Guzman J. Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008; 33(4S): S83-S92. Reprinted in European Spine Journal in 2008 and Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2009.
Carroll LJ, Cassidy JD, Côté P. The Role of Pain Coping Strategies in Prognosis After Whiplash Injury: Passive Coping Predicts Slowed Recovery. Pain 2006. 124:18-26.
Carroll LJ, Cassidy JD, Côté P. The frequency, timing and course of depressive symptomatology after whiplash. Spine 2006; 31:E551-556.
Current Projects
How do expectations, coping and depression impact on recovery after a musculoskeletal injury? A mixed-methods approach
Principal Investigator
funded by the Workers’ Compensation Board Manitoba Scientific Research Competition
What does coping mean to the injured worker? A qualitative study
Principal Investigator
funded by the Workers’ Compensation Board (Alberta)
Community development and traffic safety
Co-principaI Investigator
funded by the Government of Alberta Transportation Board: Traffic Safety
How do expectations impact recovery after a musculoskeletal injury? A qualitative pilot study
Co-principaI Investigator
funded by the Universities Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Center (ERC)
Multiple sclerosis as a compensable consequence: A systematic review
Co-principaI Investigator
funded by WorkSafe BC
The return to work assessment study: Evaluating methods for evaluating abilities
Co-principaI Investigator
Funded WorkSafe BC - Focus on Tomorrow 2009