Self-Help Resource Centre (SHRC)  Request for Proposal

(Submit by mail only, see the bottom of this page for SHRC address) 

 

RFP Title: 

A systemic review of literature on the effects of self-help/mutual aid use. 

 

Introduction

The mandate of the Self-Help Resource Centre is to promote self-help/mutual
aid strategies and support self-help initiatives. The Centre fulfills its
mandate by supporting existing self-help groups and by initiating programs
which utilize self-help strategies to promote participation of people with
common issues in supporting each other and finding solutions. 

 

Mutual Aid /Self-Help Groups (MASH) are natural and healthy ways for people
to organize themselves around common experiences, situations, interests or
issues. These initiatives are participatory in nature and are run by the
participants who provide each other with emotional, practical and
informational support. Self-help/mutual aid is identified as a form of
community participation. Self-help strategies enable people to investigate
solutions, develop networks and combine resources while fostering
self-worth, creativity and initiative. The self-help groups offer
opportunities for learning skills and sharing responsibilities and
leadership. 

 

Objectives

The purpose of this systemic literature review is to develop a better
understanding of the MASH process and its effectiveness. The review will
identify, appraise, select and synthesize research evidence relevant to the
use of MASH in health promotion, capacity development, empowerment and
community building. It will also help to assess the current state of
research in MASH by discerning what evidence-based support there is for the
continuing use of MASH in a variety of contexts and for the promotion of
MASH as a methodology with professionals who may suggest self-help/mutual
aid to clients and patients.  

 

The objectives of this review include the development of a clearly
formulated question about the effectiveness of MASH and use of a systematic
method to identify, select and critically appraise relevant research. The
literature review will provide the following elements:

o        An overview of the issue, along with the question and objectives
for the literature review 

o        Division of works under review into categories (e.g. those in
support of a particular position, those against, and those offering
alternative positions; categorizations according to methodology and degree
of confidence in evidence offered; types of outcomes and effects; content or
focus of the use of MASH such as health-related issues, types of family,
volunteer or community capacity building, etc.)

o        Explanation of how each work is similar to and how it varies from
the others 

o        Conclusions as to which articles are most convincing in their
methodology and opinions and make the greatest contribution to the
understanding and development of this area of research. 

The review will place each work in the context of its contribution to the
understanding of the MASH; describe the relationship of each work to the
others; identify new ways to interpret and shed light on any gaps in
previous research; identify areas of prior effort to point the way forward
for future research. 

The specific research questions/issues for this RFP may include these
sub-topics 

 

*	The factors in MASH groups used in various settings and for various
purpose which contribute to the health and wellbeing of participants,
contributing to the body of knowledge for evidence-based practice in MASH;
*	The various uses of MASH in building social capital and social
cohesion;
*	The various uses of MASH in health promotion with a specific focus
on smoking cessation, physical activity, healthy eating, workplace safety,
mental health and dealing with chronic disease;
*	For the various uses of MASH, which are demonstrating effectiveness
or showing preliminary evidence of success. 

 

Deliverables: 

The final product will be a systemic review including the following
elements:

*	A single focused question which will direct the literature review
*	Background including the research question (s)
*	Review goal and objectives
*	Search strategy including information on the database and resources
used
*	Selection criteria 
*	Main results and/or main conclusions of the review in answering the
question/s

*	Concluding implications for future review or inquiry
*	Citations

 Progress reports and Drafts must be submitted for review 

 

The proposal should include:

*	The methodology, including brief summary of the topics of study, a
summary of inclusion and exclusion criteria, how the critical assessment
(analysis) will be done;
*	The potential data sources (web-based, dissertations, academic and
peer-reviewed literature; materials available through foundations,
government publications, and other sources);
*	The proposed timeline, workplan and milestones with completion date
of first draft for September 1, 07
*	Budget including GST (not exceeding $7,000)
*	Information on the proposer's firm, background and experience with
similar assignments;
*	At least two referees who are able to comment on the proposer's
performance in terms of quality and client satisfaction;

 

Deadline and Notification:

The proposals are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday June 27th, 07.  Please submit your
proposals only by mail to:

Roya Rabbani, Executive Director, 40 Orchard View Blvd. Toronto, ON M4R 1B9

Only the successful candidates will be invited to meet with the research
team.

The applicant will agree to duly and prominently acknowledge SHRC in any
media release, journal articles, publications and presentations, or any
other public mention. 

 


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