What is the BEAM STUDY?

About BEAM

BEAM stands for better access to and integration of mental health and addiction services through navigation. The BEAM study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of implementing the Family Navigation Project (FNP) in Sudbury-Manitoulin.

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BEAM Navigation Study

Navigation is a model of integrated care that helps clients find their way through complex and fragmented systems. This can be especially important for youth with mental health and/or addictions (MHA) concerns and their families. Youth with MHA concerns are particularly vulnerable to becoming lost in the MHA system. Their families may also experience disruptions to daily functioning and productivity, along with heightened stress, burden, and overwhelm. By bringing this evidence-based navigation model for youth and their families to Sudbury-Manitoulin, we hope to improve health outcomes for all.

We are implementing the evidence-based FNP model in Sudbury-Manitoulin

We are implementing the evidence-based FNP model in Sudbury-Manitoulin

This is a community-based participatory research study

  • Community-based participatory research means researchers collaborate with community groups to ensure the research is meaningful to them.
  • We want FNP Sudbury-Manitoulin to be designed according to the unique needs of the communities we serve.
  • Findings are driven by, and mobilized back to, the community.5

We are implementing the evidence-based FNP model in Sudbury-Manitoulin

This study uses an implementation science approach

  • Implementation science is the study of methods and strategies that promote the integration of research findings and evidence-based practices into real-world settings.
  • An implementation science approach means researchers focus on understanding barriers and facilitators to implementing programs so that they can be adopted and delivered effectively and sustainably.6

We are implementing the evidence-based FNP model in Sudbury-Manitoulin

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of FNP in Sudbury-Manitoulin through a clinical trial

  • This study will involve an adaptive pragmatic mixed-methods clinical trial.
  • Adaptive clinical trials allow for planned changes to the approach as we collect data and learn more about how things are working.7
  • A pragmatic approach allows for the evaluation of navigation in a real-world setting.8
  • A mixed methods approach means quantitative (numbers-based) data will be complemented by qualitative data (participant stories).9
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Study Phases

①

Pre-implementation and needs assessment, discovery, and planning 

This phase involves: 

A scoping review of published literature about navigation program implementations

An environmental scan of MHA resources in Sudbury-Manitoulin

Experience-based co-design sessions with local interest-holders to develop the Sudbury-Manitoulin model 

  • Round 1 of sessions complete 
  • Round 2 of sessions planned for fall 2026

 

②

Evaluate outcomes experienced by youth and families through an innovative clinical trial 

This phase involves: 

Evaluating the process of implementing FNP in Sudbury-Manitoulin 

Evaluating the impact of FNP on youth and families in Sudbury-Manitoulin 

Adapting the service as needs, gaps, or areas for optimization are identified

    ③

    Share what we learned and package the implementation strategy to be adapted for other communities 

     

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    Latest Blog Posts

    The Family Navigation Project’s Core Components

    The Family Navigation Project’s Core Components

    by | Jun 10, 2026

    The Family Navigation Project’s Core ComponentsWhen implementing a service, it is important to identify its core components. Core components refer to the indispensable, non-negotiable elements that, if removed, would fundamentally alter the service. In the case of the...

    Funding

    The research study is made possible through the generous support of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Sunnybrook Foundation.

    We want to ensure FNP Sudbury-Manitoulin can continue helping youth and families for years to come. If you would like to support these efforts, please get in touch.

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    FNP operates on the traditional, treaty, and unceded territories of many nations. FNP is grateful to work on these lands and is committed to working in solidarity with Indigenous communities.

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