The below dates pertain to the Expression of Interest. Following review of the Expressions of Interest, full Research Funding Applications will be solicited by the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence.

• Applications Open: June 1, 2022
• Applications Close: July 15, 2022
• Anticipated Notice of Decision: August 2022

A recent study on the research priorities of Canadian Veterans showed a need to better understand how different physical therapy modalities can impact chronic pain in the Veteran population. When Veterans transition to civilian life, they may receive benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada for physical therapies to manage their chronic pain related to military service. Common physical therapies covered include physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic care.¹

However, it can be difficult for Veterans to navigate what physical therapies will be most beneficial for their specific chronic pain needs in the short and long-term.

This project is aimed at understanding, and disseminating information on, how to support Veterans understand the benefits of physical therapies and make decisions on which physical therapies will be best suited for their chronic pain management. This will be a one-year knowledge mobilization project.*

*CPCoE defines knowledge mobilization projects as the creation of a knowledge mobilization strategy, dissemination plan, and associated product(s). This process includes identifying main message(s), knowledge user(s), knowledge goal(s), and knowledge product(s) in consultation with people with lived experience. Examples of these items are highlighted below. Awarded applicants will be supported by the CPCoE knowledge mobilization team in building their knowledge mobilization strategy.

• Main Message(s): a clear and concise headline explaining key takeaways
• Knowledge User(s): stakeholder groups such as Veterans and their families, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, partner organizations, etc.
• Knowledge Goal(s): create awareness, influence clinical practice, influence policy, etc.
• Knowledge Product(s): public-facing plain language summary, infographics, posters, videos, webinars, evidence briefs, social media campaigns, etc

• Conduct an environmental scan of existing tools that inform Veterans on the benefits of physical therapies and/or support them in deciding which physical therapies will be best for them, with an emphasis on physiotherapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic therapy;
• Where possible, evaluate the identified tools and compare/contrast if one or more tools is more effective than others, with particular attention to content on the short versus long term benefits of specified physical therapies;
• Conclude if these tools address the specific needs of Canadian Veterans suffering from chronic pain, or if additional tools need to be developed to cater to this population;
• Summarize the findings from existing tools, or develop a new tool;
• Create a knowledge mobilization strategy and dissemination plan, including: main message(s), knowledge user(s), knowledge goal(s), and knowledge product(s), including specific knowledge on short versus long term benefits of specified physical therapies.

The total funding available for this one-year knowledge mobilization project is $100,000 CAD.

• The proposed project must aim to improve the lives of Canadian Veterans, and their families, suffering from chronic pain;
• The Principal Investigator identified must be an independent researcher affiliated with a Canadian postsecondary institution with an academic appointment that continues until the conclusion of the funding period;
• The Principal Investigator identified must have successfully completed a course in Sex and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+) from a recognized Canadian institution and submit a Certificate of Completion for verification.

CPCoE uses an e-mail application process. Please complete the Expression of Interest and the Terms and Conditions and submit both documents in PDF format, along with all required attachments, via e-mail to research@vcp-vdc.ca.

All Expressions of Interest are adjudicated by the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence. All applicants will be notified of the results of the adjudication. Successful applicants will be asked to submit a Research Funding Application. Applicants who are not successful will be withdrawn from the competition.

Click here to view our Funding Guidelines, which provide further information on application, review, results, funding, integrity, and Sex and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA)+. All applicants are expected to read these guidelines thoroughly before applying. Applications that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be considered.