Development and Enhancement of Localized Networks to Optimize the Delivery of Spinal Cord Injury Care in Canada

About RHI

The Rick Hansen Institute (RHI) is a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization that drives innovation in spinal cord injury (SCI) research and care. By facilitating an international network of researchers, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, people with SCI, and their supporters, we strive to improve the lives of people living with SCI in Canada and around the world.

Background

The objective of RHI’s Care Program is to achieve evidence-informed equitable care for Canadians who sustain a SCI, with a focus on the following areas: preventing secondary complications, maximizing functional recovery, supporting long-term health, wellness, and community participation.

In order to achieve this, we fund innovative initiatives selected through strategic investments and open competitions that align to our program objective.

Description of this RFA

Significant effort and funding from RHI and other organizations have been invested in the development of evidence-informed clinical resources (e.g. evidence-informed practice, clinical practice guideline, clinical pathway) and toolkits to promote optimal and equitable care.  However, implementation and adoption of these evidence-informed clinical resources are challenging and therefore the intended benefits of this available evidence on care and outcomes have yet to be realized. 

To promote implementation and adoption of SCI evidence at the regional/provincial level, RHI is requesting applications for initiatives that will lead to strong localized networks that engage various SCI stakeholders and relevant organizations to facilitate and champion practice and policy changes to optimize the local delivery of care for people with SCI in Canada.

The intended outcomes of the RFA include:

• New points of interconnection amongst stakeholders (Emerging network) - This will be achieved by innovative leaders who can successfully bring together otherwise unconnected stakeholders.
• Stronger localized networks (Existing network) - This will be achieved through bringing stakeholders together to work on initiatives that are realistic, achievable, and sustainable.

These networks will serve as a platform for stakeholders to form partnerships to identify common goals, co-create action plans, and pursue opportunities for further collaborations focused on optimizing the local delivery of SCI care in a way that is meaningful to the SCI community and of local relevance.  Through the synergistic collaborations in these networks, we hope efficiencies will be achieved by explicit leveraging of each partner’s unique strengths and resources.

Applicants are invited to submit proposals that align to these intended outcomes for improving SCI care in Canada. The following are examples of activities that will be considered, however applicants are encouraged to think creatively and to go beyond what is mentioned below.

• Develop a new regional or provincial network or enhance an existing one
  • Example: Host a meeting bringing together stakeholders to co-create or validate a shared term of reference, an action plan or an implementation plan related to care
• Complete a needs assessment that addresses priority community care needs articulated by the SCI community and that will inform the implementation of an evidence-informed clinical resource
• Develop an implementation plan for addressing needs and priorities related to care identified from an existing needs assessment
• Develop and implement a communication strategy to share ongoing local/regional SCI initiatives and efforts related to care

The proposed initiative must be distinct in its objectives from those for which applicants currently receive funding.

For the purposes of this RFA, stakeholders include but are not limited to:

• Community-based organizations and other charities or non-profit organizations with a focus on SCI
• Clinicians, researchers, trainees, and other persons with specialized knowledge or interest in SCI
• Individuals with lived experience of SCI
• Health authorities including administrative, operational, or other leaders within these organizations

Preferences of this RFA are initiatives that include stakeholders from multiple representation groups (e.g. health care provider, researcher, individual with lived experience of SCI, community organization, and representative of an indigenous community).

Award Amount and Duration

The total amount available for this competition is $75,000 CDN.

Up to 3 awards will be funded, each for a maximum of 1 year and to a maximum award amount of $25,000.

Awards can only be used to support direct initiative expenses. Ineligible expenses include:

• Rent
• Capital expenses (e.g. computers, office equipment, furniture, and fixtures, etc.)
• Indirect expenses (overhead, administrative costs)
• Travel and accommodation expenses in excess of rates as per RHI’s policy (see Appendix 1)
• Activities that are not part of the initiative

Eligibility Criteria

The Principal Applicant or Co-Principal Applicants must:

• Be affiliated with a Canadian organization eligible to hold RHI funds (see below)
• Be in a position which allows him/her to pursue and lead independent initiatives, including the proposed initiative
• Accept RHI’s conditions of funding (see Appendix 1)

The Host Organization must:

• Be a qualified donee registered with Canada Revenue Agency
• Not be a private, for-profit organization

All Team Members must:

• Have the support of their organization to participate in the initiative
• Have an active, meaningful role in the planning and implementation of the initiative

Applicants must disclose all real or perceived conflicts of interest.

Key Dates

Submission Process

Step 1: Registration of Intent

Applicants must register their intent to submit a full application by emailing with the following:

• Name of Applicant(s)
• Name of Host Organization
• Proposed Initiative Title
• Proposed Total Budget

Step 2: Full Application

Applicants must complete the Application Cover (Appendix 2) and include the following:

1. Lay Summary (200 words max) & 5 Key Words
2. Proposal (5 pages maximum for sections a - f, excluding appendices)
   1. Background
      • What is the problem or gap this initiative is being address? How big is the problem or gap?
   2. Objective
      • What is the initiative doing to address the problem or gap?
   3. Activities Design
      • How is the initiative addressing the problem or gap? Why are the proposed activities the best approach?
   4. Description of Proposed Partnership
      • List all partners including name, affiliated organization, representative group (e.g. health care provider, researcher, individual with lived experience of SCI, community organization, indigenous community).
      • Justify all required expertise to be involved (the relevance and benefit for each partner).
   5. Expected Results
      • List the expected project activities, participation (reach), short-/medium-/long-term outcomes in a logic model (see resources and templates here).
      • Discuss the likelihood of success in achieving the expected outcomes and how this will be measured.
      • Complete checklist (Appendix 3) of RHI’s performance indicators that the initiative will contribute to.
      • Describe potential impact and potential for sustainability/scalability.
   6. Operational Readiness
      • Describe experience and qualifications of the team to execute the initiative.
      • Describe the team’s ability (time commitment, resources) to deliver the expected results on time.
   7. Budget Request and Work Plan
      • Provide a detailed budget (use RHI budget template - Appendix 4) and provide justification.
      • Discuss actual and planned leveraging opportunities, if any, and impact to project scope, timeline, and budget.
      • Provide a work plan that is related to the budget and that includes a breakdown of major tasks, milestones, deliverables, and timeline in a Gantt chart.
   8. CV of All Team Members
      • Detailed CV formatted for CIHR or other formats as appropriate to reflect member’s role (e.g. non-researcher clinicians, community organization staff, etc.) may be used.
3. Attachments
   1. Letters of Support (e.g. from institutions/organizations, from partners)
   2. Additional Information (e.g. evidence of existing relevant partnerships (Terms of Reference, meeting minutes), copies of relevant approvals)
   3. Conflict of Interest Form signed by Principal Applicant(s) and Co-applicants (see Appendix 5 for policy and Appendix 6 for the form)

Formatting and Submission

Please format your application as follows:

• Font: Calibri 11-point
• Margin: 1.0 inch all sides
• Spacing: 1.5 line
• Header: Insert name of Principal Applicant(s) (Last, First) on the right-hand side
• Footer: Insert page number on the right-hand side
• Budget: Use the RHI template (Appendix 4)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Those formatted for other institution (e.g. CIHR) may be used

Please compile your application into a single and indexed (i.e. include a table of contents) PDF and submit it electronically to before the deadline. You will receive an acknowledgement of your application within 2 business days of submission. Please contact us at the same email address if you do not receive an acknowledgement after that time.

Applicants may withdraw their application at any time prior to the closing date and time. At closing, all incomplete and late applications will be rejected.

Review Process

Evaluation Criteria

• Merit and Feasibility: Is the initiative within the scope of the RFA? Is there evidence of excellence and scientific merit of the initiative? Are the initiative’s objectives realistic given the scope, schedule, and identified resources?
• Strategic Alignment: Does the initiative align with RHI’s strategic plan, vision, and mission?
• Achievable Value: Is the output or outcome meaningful and of value? Is there evidence of meaningful engagement with people with SCI throughout the initiative to make sure the outcome is meaningful to the SCI community?
• Fulfilling a Defined Need: Does this initiative address a clearly defined need? Is the potential impact of the initiative clearly articulated?
• Evaluation Plan: How will the outcomes be measured?
• Operational Readiness: Is the team appropriately trained, resourced, and capable of carrying out the initiative? Is there evidence of meaningful engagement with all team members to successfully carry out the initiative?

Questions

All questions regarding this RFA are to be directed to RHI by email at .

Appendices

→ Download this RFA

• Appendix 1 - Conditions of Funding
• Appendix 2 - Application Cover
• Appendix 3 - KPI Checklist
• Appendix 4 - Grant Budget Template
• Appendix 5 - COI Policy
• Appendix 6 - COI Form
• Reporting Template

Advancing the Evidence and Implementation of Activity-Based Therapy to Enhance Neuro-restoration in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

About RHI

The Rick Hansen Institute (RHI) is a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization that drives innovation in spinal cord injury (SCI) research and care. By facilitating an international network of researchers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, people with SCI, and their supporters, we strive to improve the lives of people living with SCI in Canada and around the world.

Background

The objective of the RHI’s Cure Program is to further our understanding of the biology and physiology of SCI and to develop promising therapies for neuro-restoration in acute and chronic SCI.

Description of this RFA

Definition of ABT

Activity-based therapy (ABT) is defined as interventions that target activation of the neuromuscular system below the level of the lesion, with the goal of retraining the nervous system to recover a specific motor task¹.  Many existing technologies (e.g. functional electrical stimulation [FES]) and emerging technologies (e.g. epidural stimulation, robot assisted gait training) are used to provide neuromuscular activation below the level of the lesion, task specific training, or both.  ABT that combines task specific training with neuromuscular activation below the level of the lesion offers possibilities for neuro-recovery impacting an individual’s motor, sensory, and/or autonomic function (e.g. standing and walking, grasping and reaching, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory functions, bowel and bladder function, sexual function, etc.). However, there is limited evidence on how to administer ABT (e.g. timing, method, dose) and the impact on outcomes, both of which need to be addressed to advance SCI care.

Focus of this RFA

In 2012, RHI supported the formation of a national community of practice in the area of standing and walking measures at Canadian SCI rehabilitation centres participating in the Rick Hansen SCI Registry. Since then, ten of the SCI rehabilitation centres have started to administer a set of standardized outcome measures and stage patients to document their walking ability. Through this work and other network activities, ABT was identified as an RHI priority area for neuro-restoration which led to a stakeholder engagement in early 2019 to create a Canadian ABT Strategy for SCI. Themes from the Canadian ABT Strategy along with additional stakeholder input have informed the priority areas for this RFA in research and care.

Applications from within and outside of Canada are invited that address one or more of the following priority areas involving human subjects and that have the potential to be implemented across the SCI continuum:

• Creating a network to facilitate dialogue between hospital and community groups to support the implementation of ABT for individuals with SCI
• Developing methods for tracking ABT (e.g. define measure of ‘intensity’ for ABT, standardize measures for data collection, use data to answer questions about outcomes or evaluate potential benefits of ABT)
• Studying optimal timing, methods, and dose of ABT (e.g. summarize current research evidence, build neuro-physiological evidence, evaluate technologies (e.g. FES, etc.) to provide ABT, develop decision support tools for an individualized approach)
• Developing and implementing clinical ABT protocols

Preference (if applicable)

• Projects that use the International SCI Data Sets and/or the NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke SCI Common Data Elements
• Projects that will make data available to other investigators (see section on “Preservation, Retention and Sharing” in Tri-Agency Statement of Principles on Digital Data Management)
• Projects that are collaborative and involve multiple centres
• Projects that consider the inclusion of sex and gender in project methodology
• Projects that offer payment to Patient Partners in Research (see CIHR)

Note on MaRS Innovation Challenge

To support the priority area of methods for tracking ABT activities across the care continuum, we are also launching another competition with MaRS. The objective of the MaRS Innovation Challenge is to develop new or validate existing technologies with commercialization potential that quantify clinical measures (intensity, dosage, and/or total amount of targeted body systems) and outcome measures (change in health outcomes, e.g. neuro-recovery, autonomic function, etc.).

For those interested in this area, we encourage you to apply to the MaRS Innovation Challenge which will be launched later in the fall.

Award Amount and Duration

The total amount available for this competition is $300,000 CDN.

Up to 3 awards will be funded, each for a maximum of 24 months.

The award is to support project activities. Ineligible project expenses include:

• Rent
• Capital expenses (e.g. computers, office equipment, furniture, and fixtures, etc.)
• Indirect expenses (overhead, administrative cost)
• Travel and accommodation expenses in excess of rates as per RHI’s policy (see Appendix 1)
• Activities that are not part of the project

Eligibility Criteria

The Principal Applicant must:

• Be affiliated or be partnered with an institution, either within and outside of Canada, eligible to hold RHI funds (see below)
• Have an academic, clinical, or research appointment which allows him/her to pursue independent projects, including the proposed project
• Engage in independent research activities for the entire duration of the funding
• Accept RHI’s conditions of funding (see Appendix 1)

Applicants must disclose all real or perceived conflicts of interest.

The Host Institution must:

• Be a qualified donee registered with Canada Revenue Agency
• Not be a private, for-profit organization

All Project Team Members must have the support of their organization to participate in the project.

Key Dates

Submission Process

Step 1: Registration of Intent

Applicants must register their intent to submit a full application by emailing with the following:

• Name of Applicant
• Name of Host Institution
• Proposed Project Title
• Proposed Total Budget

Step 2: Full Application

Applicants must complete the Application Cover (Appendix 2) and include the following:

Detailed application instructions are provided in Appendix 3.

1. Project Summary
   1. Lay Summary
   2. Scientific Summary/Abstract
2. Proposal (10 pages maximum for sections a - e and g, excluding appendices and attachments)
   
   1. Significance of Issue(s) to be Addressed by Project
   2. Project Methodology
   3. Expected Outcomes and Scalability
   4. Impact on Stakeholders and Knowledge Translation
   5. Risk Analysis
   6. Budget Request and Work Plan
   7. Qualifications of Team Members
3. Attachments
   1. Letters of Support (e.g. from institutions, from partner organizations)
   2. Additional Information (e.g. copies of relevant approvals)
   3. Conflict of Interest Form signed by Principal Applicant and Co-applicants (see Appendix 4 for policy and Appendix 5 for the form)

Formatting and Submission

Please format your application as follows:

• Font: Calibri 11-point
• Margin: 1.0 inch all sides
• Spacing: 1.5 line
• Header: Insert name of Principal Applicant (Last, First) on the right-hand side
• Footer: Insert page number on the right-hand side
• Budget: Use the RHI template (Appendix 6)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Those formatted for other institution (e.g. CIHR) may be used

Please compile your application into a single and indexed (i.e. include a table of contents) PDF and submit it electronically to before the deadline. You will receive an acknowledgement of your application within 2 days of submission. Please contact us at the same email address if you do not receive an acknowledgement after that time.

Applicants may withdraw their application at any time prior to the closing date and time. At closing, all incomplete and late applications will be rejected.

Review Process

A team of external reviewers will evaluate the submitted applications using the selection criteria outlined below.

Evaluation Criteria

• Merit and Feasibility: Is the project within the scope of the RFA? Is there evidence of excellence and scientific merit of the project?  Are the project’s objectives realistic given the project’s scope, schedule and identified resources?
• Strategic Alignment: Does the proposed project align with RHI’s strategic plan, vision, and mission?
• Achievable Value: Is the output or outcome meaningful and of value to the relevant stakeholders?  Is there evidence of meaningful engagement with people with SCI in the project design to make sure the outcome is meaningful to the SCI community?
• Fulfilling a Defined Need: Does this project address a clearly defined need and is the solution innovative, transformative, and/or disruptive?  Is the potential impact of the project clearly articulated?
• Evaluation Plan: How will the outcomes be measured?
• Operational Readiness: Is the applicant appropriately trained, resourced, and capable of carrying out the proposed project?  Is there evidence of meaningful involvement of the team to successfully carry out the project?

Questions

All questions regarding this RFA are to be directed to RHI by email at .

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¹Behrman et al. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2017 July; 41(Suppl 3 IV STEP Spec Iss): S39-S45

Appendices

→ Download this RFA

• Appendix 1 - Conditions of Funding
• Appendix 2 - Application Cover
• Appendix 3 - Application Instructions
• Appendix 4 - COI Policy
• Appendix 5 - COI Form
• Appendix 6 - Grant Budget Template
• Appendix 7 - KPI Checklist
• Reporting Template

" ... SCI remains a condition with relatively low prevalence, high resource needs, and expertise situated broadly across Canada. This presents a need to align resources – knowledge, people, physical assets – in ways that draw on the strengths within the system to connect Canada's SCI community across the spectrum of care and prepare it for the future." (page 6)

RHI is bringing together people within the SCI community and beyond to draw on evidence and expert knowledge to co-create a vision and achieve a national strategy for Spinal Cord Injury Care, Health and Wellness. While this is not a strategy for RHI, we are able to coordinate this process with our national reach and network.

As a first step we have worked with a team of consultants to develop a plan for co-creating a national strategy and would like to hear your thoughts on the plan Being Bold: Towards a National Spinal Cord Injury Care, Health & Wellness Strategy. In particular we are interested to know:

• What you think about the proposed ideas
• What may be missing and what you might add
• What you see as a priority for the SCI community

Your input will help shape the next steps. Please send your input to Charlene Yousefi, Knowledge Exchange Lead at  by Saturday, August 31st, or request a time to provide feedback in-person or over the phone.

→ View the Report

To obtain RHI logo files or to address questions regarding logo use, please contact Carey Lee (, 604 827 2426) or Katherine Chow (, 604 827 0786).

Download RHI Logo Usage Guidelines (PDF) →

RHSCIR Data Access Documents

RHSCIR Data Use and Disclosure Policy (PDF)

Application for Disclosure of RHSCIR data (MS Word)

RHSCIR Data Executive Scientific Committee Terms of Reference (PDF)

RHSCIR Data Access Committee Terms of Reference (PDF)

RHSCIR Data Steward Terms of Reference (PDF)

RHSCIR Data Executive Scientific Committee Review Form (MS Word)

RHSCIR Data Element Checklist (MS Excel)

RHSCIR Calculated Data Element Specification (MS Excel)

Costs for Data Access Requests (PDF)

Complaints Policy

Purpose

At the Rick Hansen Institute, we value your feedback and take your complaints seriously. The objective of this document is to set out our policy and procedures when receiving complaints from external stakeholders to ensure complaints are addressed in a timely, fair and consistent manner. We aim to resolve complaints, whenever possible, to your satisfaction and use complaints to improve our programs, operations and performance.

Scope

This policy applies to complaints from external stakeholders.

Complaints reported under this policy that fall under other policies will be dealt with under those specific policies. For example:

• Complaints about suspected or known illegal and inappropriate conduct that affects others (e.g., the SCI community, the general public) will be handled under RHI’s Whistleblower Policy.
• Privacy concerns or complaints will be handled under RHI’s Privacy Policy.

What is a Complaint?

A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction with RHI, our work, our employees or representatives.
A complaint does not include feedback on matters unrelated to RHI, or a frivolous or vexatious complaint.

Procedures for Making a Complaint

When to Report?

Please report your complaint as soon as possible. This allows your complaint to be investigated and addressed promptly.

Who to Report to?

Level 1: We recognize that many problems will be raised and resolved easily and quickly by speaking to your primary contact at RHI. If you are unable to resolve the issue informally, please write to your primary contact and/or their supervisor so that they have an opportunity to resolve the matter.

Level 2: If you are not satisfied with the response to the complaint or you have no primary contact at RHI, please report your complaint via email to feedback[at]rickhanseninstitute.org, or mail (or other means of delivery) to Feedback, Rick Hansen Institute, 6400-818 West 10^th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada.

What to Report?

In your communication, please outline the details of your complaint, the consequences as a result and the resolution you are seeking. Where applicable, please state details about previously raising this concern with an RHI employee/representative.

Investigation and Follow-Up Procedures

We aim to resolve all complaints quickly and appropriately (for example, with a corrective action, an explanation, an apology, or information on action taken), and, where possible, confidentially.

We will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 7 business days and will attempt to resolve the matter within 20 business days. However, inevitably some issues may take longer to resolve or cannot be handled directly and consequently, the response time may be longer.

We may seek further information from you or the RHI employee/representative involved in the complaint in order to appropriately resolve the complaint.

Anonymous complaints will be investigated to the best of our abilities; however, a proper investigation may not be possible if we cannot get further information from you.

Reporting

All level 2 complaints will be reported to a Senior Management Team member and brought to the attention of the CEO. These complaints will also be logged in a database to identify potential trends. A summary of these complaints (brief description and resolution) will be reported at least annually to the Audit and Finance Committee.

Our Vision and Mission

Our Vision

A world without paralysis after spinal cord injury.

Our Mission

To lead collaboration across the global spinal cord injury community by providing resources, infrastructure and knowledge; and to identify, develop, validate and accelerate the translation of evidence and best practices to reduce the incidence and severity of paralysis after SCI, improve health care outcomes, reduce long-term costs, and improve the quality of life for those living with SCI.

The work that supports our vision and mission

To advance our vision and mission, our activities are based on four distinct but inter-related program areas: Cure, Care, Commercialization and Consumer. These programs are intersected by six supporting strategies: translational research, best practices implementation, informatics, network development, consumer engagement and Best & Brightest. All of RHI's projects and initiatives fall under one or more of these programs and strategies.

Learn more about Our Strategic Direction

Learn more about Our Work