Review of novel, emerging and alternative mental health interventions for women Veterans

Funding opportunity

Researchers are invited to apply for a new grant funding opportunity sponsored by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) to conduct a literature review with the aim of improving understanding of novel, emerging and/or alternative interventions for women Veterans’ mental health.

Anticipated timeline and budget

Background

Women have been historically under-represented in military mental health research, limiting knowledge of their unique experiences and mental health needs. The landscape of available mental health services, supports and interventions available to Veterans is evolving rapidly, and many novel, emerging and adjunct therapeutic approaches have proliferated in the last decade. In alignment with current research and governmental priorities, VAC aims to increase knowledge in this area to optimize supports for women Veterans.

Research objectives

This funding opportunity is seeking submissions from researchers to conduct a literature review exploring which novel, emerging, and/or adjunct mental health interventions are most promising in their capacity to address women Veterans’ mental health needs. Researchers may also choose to focus their review on evaluating the evidence for one or more specific interventions while demonstrating their applicability to women Veterans’ mental health.

Researchers are encouraged to use a broad search strategy so that applicable research relevant to women’s’ mental health within different militaries and contexts is included. Research conducted internationally, including the United States of America, United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, should be considered. Researchers are also encouraged to expand the search strategy beyond Veterans to include serving military members.

Studies from grey literature should be captured in addition to peer-reviewed literature. Sub-analysis or interpretation may be needed to demonstrate generalizability to the Canadian Veteran population.

Researchers are expected to follow established methods for reviews (i.e., PRISMA). Some members of the research team should have previous experience with conducting and publishing high-quality literature reviews.

Desired outputs

• Systematic or scoping review in the format of a manuscript, ready for submission to a scientific peer-reviewed journal (please include any publication fees in your application).
• Appropriate PRISMA checklist.
• Comment on any additional considerations for developing a relevant policy approach or strategy relating to mental health supports and benefits for women Veterans.
• Sex and Gender Equity in Research (SAGER) guidelines followed.
• Search strategy should be broadly focused to include
  • international literature and grey literature, including policy documents and clinical guidelines, if relevant;
  • Veterans and serving military members
• Final Report that includes Abstract, Introduction, Methods, Data analysis, Results, Discussion and References, and the other specifications described above.
• Quarterly progress reports provided to VAC.
• Virtual presentation of findings to VAC (may take place after the project end date).

Applicant qualifications and requirements

• Principal investigator on the project must have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• Research team must demonstrate experience conducting literature reviews.

All appropriate academic research guidelines must be followed, including, when required, a research ethics board approval from any accredited academic institution in Canada. If applicable, all documentation will be required prior to funding being issued.

Application deadline

Please download and submit the Research Funding Application form.

Enquiries

Questions about this funding opportunity can be sent to the VAC Research office.