Accelerating Spinal Cord Injury Research Into Solutions

What programs does RHI support?

In order to meet our Strategic Objectives, RHI developed a framework that focuses our work, determines future activities and ultimately, contributes toward our vision of a world without paralysis after spinal cord injury. Within this framework, four priorities have been identified against which we measure our progress:

1. Engaging Consumers

RHI's Consumer Program is an enabling strategy for all programs and aims to effectively and meaningfully engage people with lived experience in research through (see Roadmap):

• Connecting researchers who want to meaningfully and respectfully engage people with lived experience in their research as participants or partners in research
• Championing integrated Knowledge Translation (iKT) and applying the principles of iKT by involving knowledge users including people with lived experience in projects
• Leveraging existing external capacity building opportunities (webinars, workshops, online platforms) to enhance knowledge and skills of researchers in meaningful engagement of people with lived experience
• Supporting opportunities to increase knowledge and awareness of evidence-informed SCI resources among people with lived experience to improve self-management and informed decision-making

2. Accelerating Research Towards a Cure

RHI's Cure Program supports work leading to better diagnosis of, and promising treatments for SCI. Areas of focus for RHI's Cure Program for 2019 to 2022 include the following (see Roadmap):

• Biomarkers to Assess Impairment 
  • Developing, applying and validating SCI biomarkers (including neurochemical biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood, the microbiome and imaging)
• Neuro-Protective and Neuro-Restorative Therapies
  • Developing hemodynamic management protocols for acute SCI management
  • Developing and evaluating rehabilitation strategies (e.g. high intensity therapy or activity-based therapy) and neuro-restorative technologies (e.g. spinal stimulation, functional electrical stimulation) as well as relevant outcome measures/data sets
  • Developing evidence-informed resources to implement activity-based therapy and existing neuro-restorative technologies

3. Improving SCI care across Canada 

RHI's Care Program aims to achieve evidence-informed equitable and optimal care across the SCI continuum. Areas of focus for RHI's Care Program for 2019 to 2022 include the following (see Roadmap):

• Describing and understanding the SCI Population
  • Updating SCI epidemiology and health care costs in Canada
• SCI Care and Long-term Health, Wellness and Participation
  • Assessing and selecting clinical guidelines and indicators for implementation
  • Supporting care and self-management (e.g. physical activity) by creating evidence-informed resources for both clinicians and people with lived experience across the SCI continuum
  • Enhancing and refining the SCI standards and Qmentum Accreditation Program with key partners
  • Supporting the development of a National SCI Care, Health and Wellness Strategy with partners and stakeholders to generate consensus on the priorities and an action plan
  • Supporting the co-creation and implementation of regionally relevant and innovative solutions
• Data, Informatics and Evaluation
  • Supporting evidence-informed decision-making policies and implementation of best practices through data platforms (e.g. Rick Hansen SCI Registry)
  • Validating outcome measures/data sets and developing reports (static and interactive) and other clinical tools (e.g. ISNCSCI Algorithm)
  • Incorporating advanced analytical methods (e.g. machine learning, artificial intelligence) with SCI data (collection, linking, analysis, reporting)
  • Evaluating impact and return on investment (value/health economics)

4. Increasing the Development and Commercialization of Innovations 

RHI's Commercialization Program aims to accelerate the research to implementation continuum by: (see Roadmap)

• Supporting companies to identify their target market, generate scenarios, and evaluate the feasibility of projects through proficiency in data analytics, model simulation, clinical studies and project managemen
• Increasing the efficiency by utilizing RHI's pan-Canadian and international networks
• Maximizing market reach through RHI's expertise in knowledge translation and implementation of best practices
• Connecting innovators with funding sources

How does RHI select projects for funding?

• General criteria for funding include:
  • Strategic alignment
  • Achievable value
  • Meets defined need
  • Impact
  • Operational readiness
  • Additional criteria specific to the funding opportunity
• Rigorous review process
  • Scientific excellence, consumer relevance, operational feasibility, return on investment
  • Review committee provides recommendations to CEO who makes the final decision
• Open competition and strategic investments
  • In general, intakes occur twice a year
  • Funding competitions are available here

For more information please contact:

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Moving Research into Action

Thanks to participant ideas and involvement, Praxis 2016 was a remarkable success that inspired new ways of thinking and collaborating to develop practical solutions for overcoming challenges to translating research into improved outcomes for individuals living with spinal cord injury.

Following the conference, a number of subsequent meetings, hosted by other organizations in the SCI community, were held and were driven by similar objectives. To capture this momentum, the Praxis Action Plan was developed – a goal-oriented document which highlights current, ongoing and potential activities identified as vital to advancing solutions for SCI.

The Action Plan was developed as a direct result of stakeholders’ interest and commitment to further unify the SCI community as we work towards our collective goal of moving research into action and providing concrete solutions for people living with SCI. RHI was honoured to play a central role in its development and coordination and will continue to encourage and enhance essential activities which support and advance the action items outlined in the Action Plan.

The Action Plan is based on six key themes:

If you are already involved in one or more of the activities outlined in the Action Plan, thank you for your extraordinary efforts. If you are reading through this plan and see an activity that you would like to learn more about or get involved, we encourage you to take action! Contact the activity leads to see how you can contribute.

By working together, we can do more to deliver high quality, sustainable health care for people with SCI.

Download the Praxis Action Plan

Our Work

Our efforts focus on accelerating the identification of cures for spinal cord injury. We aim to translate research results into medical and technological interventions that lead to improved health outcomes, and optimized SCI care across Canada. Our work focuses on reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life for individuals with acute and chronic SCI. 

We invite you to learn more about our work.