SPOR SUPPORT Units

What are SUPPORT Units?

Support for People and Patient-Oriented Research and Trials (SUPPORT) Units are specialized, multidisciplinary research service centres. Once in place, they will be located in provincial/territorial jurisdictions across Canada, SUPPORT Units will provide the necessary expertise to those engaged in patient-oriented research.

SUPPORT Units establish state-of-the-art core competencies in often highly specialized methodological areas and promote collaboration among researchers engaged in patient-oriented research. These Units also lead and facilitate decision-making within the health services setting and foster the implementation of best practices. Using an integrated knowledge translation model, they provide training, and are directly involved in local research decision-making. A collaborative leadership approach ensures that the design is appropriate to the needs of the jurisdiction, so the SUPPORT Unit is well positioned to achieve the intended impact.

The objectives of a SUPPORT Unit are to:

  • Identify the needs of patients and knowledge users and facilitate research that addresses these needs;
  • Provide a critical mass of highly specialized and multidisciplinary methodological expertise in patient-oriented research and its application;
  • Assist decision makers and investigators to identify and design relevant research studies, conduct biostatistical analyses, manage data, teach project management skills, and ensure studies meet all relevant regulatory standards;
  • Advance methods and training in comparative effectiveness research and develop the next generation of methodologists;
  • Provide timely access to linked data and integrate existing or new databases.

Health Research Investment

SUPPORT Unit business plans are being developed by representatives from each jurisdiction. It is anticipated that the financial framework for each SUPPORT Unit will be between $2 million and $10 million per year per jurisdiction. CIHR will match financial commitments invested by the jurisdictions.

CIHR SUPPORT Unit Contacts

David Peckham, Director
Strategic Programs Design and Analytics
Email: David.Peckham@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Phone: 613-954-1951

Linda McKenzie, Deputy Director
Strategic Programs Design and Analytics
Email: Linda.McKenzie@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Phone: 613-948-2600

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