Rural Research and Quality Improvement Grant Program
RhPAP plays an important role in advocating for rural Albertans, raising awareness of their healthcare needs, and showcasing the successes and innovations in rural healthcare.
Through the Rural Research and QI Grant Program, RhPAP partners with key stakeholders across Alberta to support research and initiatives that aim to improve healthcare access and quality in rural and remote communities. This program focuses on research related to the education, attraction, and retention of healthcare professionals in rural Alberta.
What is Quality Improvement?
Quality improvement (QI) is a structured approach to enhancing the quality of care in healthcare settings. It focuses on improving processes (eg. procedures, training, and education) and systems (eg. technology, leadership, and teamwork) to reduce errors, improve outcomes, and provide a better overall healthcare experience.
In rural and remote areas, where resources can be limited, QI is especially important. By improving the way things are done, rural healthcare facilities can deliver high-quality care that meets the needs of their communities.
What We Fund
RhPAP’s Rural Grant Program funds research and QI projects that develop innovative solutions to improve healthcare access and quality in rural and remote Alberta communities. Note: Projects aimed primarily at developing or promoting commercial interests are not eligible for funding.
See examples of RhPAP-supported research here.
What We Don’t Fund
• Medical/capital equipment used for routine patient care services • Remuneration for principal or co-investigators • Proposal development costs • Indirect/overhead costs or related institutional assessments • Salaries • Laboratory or office furniture • Office equipment • Entertainment or hospitality costs • Membership fees • Transfers to other researchers or accounts • Commercial enterprises, or studies associated with commercial interests
Eligibility and Requirements
Eligible applicants include:
• Physicians or health care professionals practicing rural healthcare with demonstrable connections to rural communities
• Healthcare organizations
• Post-secondary institutions
• Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
• Alberta-based entities
Concurrent and/or Previously Funded Projects
Applicants who have held or are currently holding an RhPAP grant may apply for another project if:
• they clearly identify the current project underway or previous project(s) funded;
• all progress reports and conditions from prior project(s) are up-to-date and in good standing;
• projects are unique and distinct from one another; and/or
• the new project is not a continuation or extension of a previously funded project.
RhPAP will not consider new proposals from recipients who have not met reporting requirements.
Application Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are approved on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been awarded in a fiscal year. Applications must be submitted and sent electronically, along with any supporting documents, to research@rhpap.ca.
Resubmissions
Applicants resubmitting a proposal that was previously declined for funding must indicate on the application form that it is a resubmission of a prior proposal. Applicants must directly respond to all RhPAP feedback from the prior application in an appendix (one page statement) to the project proposal.
Funding
The RhPAP Board of Directors oversees the disbursement and stewardship of all grants. The Education Committee reviews applications based on the following criteria and makes a funding recommendation to the Board for a final decision:
• Impact on rural and remote health care delivery • Alignment to RhPAP’s strategic priorities • Clear and compelling description of need • Feasibility of project to address need • Achievable and measurable outcomes • Innovation in addressing a problem or need • Budget appropriate to scope • Leveraging existing strengths, resources, and programs • Quality improvement • Knowledge translation and scalability • Encourage interdisciplinary team approaches
Funding available for the Rural Grant Program is determined annually by RhPAP’s Board of Directors, considering available funds and priorities. Projects may receive funding for up to one year, with a maximum of $25,000 per project. Funding is not renewable.
Guidelines for Funded Projects
Notification of Funding
Successful applicants will receive details on any funding conditions or clarifications to be addressed prior to receiving project funding. Applicants must confirm acceptance of funding and address any conditions prior to the formal funding agreement.
Funding Agreement
A formal funding agreement outlining the terms and conditions for the grant will be established between RhPAP and the recipient upon the funding being accepted and all funding conditions being met.
Nature of Funding Agreement
Approved project funds are released according to terms and conditions outlined in the funding agreement. No employment, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship is created between RhPAP and the funded parties by virtue of the funding agreement. The grant is accepted by the grantee parties with the understanding RhPAP is not obligated to provide any additional financial support or other support in connection with the grant or project to which the grant is applied or for any other reason. Neither of the grantee parties may assign any rights or obligations under the funding agreement without RhPAP’s prior written approval.
Reporting Process
All recipients must submit progress and financial reports as per their funding agreement, including a final report within 60 days of project completion. RhPAP will provide a template for these reports.
Acknowledgements, Publishing, and Intellectual Property
All work resulting from RhPAP-funded projects must acknowledge RhPAP’s support. Acknowledgements should read as follows: “The study has been made possible through a grant from RhPAP.” or “This project is funded by RhPAP.”
In the event that RhPAP-funded research leads in due course to the development of technology, processes, intellectual property, or inventions that will be best brought into public use and benefit in partnership with commercial entities, researchers are to be guided by the policies of their host institution in these matters.
Questions?
For more information on applying for research or quality improvement funding, please email research@rhpap.ca.