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

• Applications Open: August 22, 2022
• Applications Close: October 14, 2022
• Anticipated Notice of Decision: November 2022

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions have seen increased consideration in healthcare in recent years.[i] Many military members, Veterans, and their families are turning to CAM approaches to enhance the options for the management of pain and associated problems.[ii] Based on CPCoE research conducted on the research priorities of Canadian Veterans living with chronic pain, there is a need to understand the utility of CAM interventions for the whole person approach to chronic pain. While there is increasing knowledge about the effectiveness of various CAM modalities, more research is needed to understand how these approaches can be implemented and integrated within health systems.

This research project is aimed at researching one or more CAM approaches for Veterans living with chronic pain using an implementation science or health technology assessment framework. Examples of research topics include, but are not limited to: conditions for relevance, clinical considerations, and/or barriers and facilitators for funding eligibility with Veterans Affairs Canada. This will be a one-year project.

For the purposes of this research, CAM approaches are defined as approaches that are not typically part of conventional medical care or that may have origins outside of usual Western practice.[iii] Examples include, but are not limited to: mindfulness, breathing and relaxation techniques, meditation, dietary herbs, acupuncture, and Tai Chi. A more detailed list of CAM approaches examples can be found here.

The total funding available for this 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 Centre of Excellence. Applicants can reference the CPCoE Rating Scale used here. All applicants will be notified of the results of the adjudication. Successful applicants will be asked to submit a full knowledge mobilization plan. 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.