REPAR
An established foundation for rehabilitation research in Quebec
The Quebec Rehabilitation Research Network (REPAR) was created in June of 1994 following a call for tenders by the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ) in the fall of 1993 for the creation of theme-based networks to fulfill the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ (MSSS) priorities.
Two consortiums, the Rehabilitation Research Network of Montreal and Quebec West (RRRMOQ) and the Rehabilitation Research Consortium of Quebec East (CORREQ) were created in 1989.
These consortiums, who had an objective to develop research involving institution-based healthcare professionals, were amalgamated with the REPAR with a protected budget for the first four years. These consortiums (whose objective was to encourage clinicians to pursue graduate studies, initiate small projects between clinicians and independent researchers, spread knowledge, and gain access to methodological support), helped in achieving a better understanding of the role that research plays. These consortiums also assisted in developing an infrastructure that encourages research and collaboration between clinicians and university-based researchers for the purpose of conducting research that focuses on client needs.
In 1996-97 and 1997-98, REPAR’s structure was focused around five administrative units, including four university units (Université Laval, McGill University, Université de Montréal and Université de Sherbrooke), the RAMS unit (musculoskeletal problem team) and two consortiums. This structure, derived from the original REPAR partners, was modified in 1998-99 in response to FRSQ expectations for a network centered around research themes. In the transition year of 1998-99, the administrative units were maintained, but the consortiums were dissolved as separate REPAR entities and three research themes were created. From 1999 to 2010, REPAR was organized entirely around research themes. Following the revision of the charter in 2011, these research themes were replaced by strategic research groupings, a mechanism to integrate all members of the network. The areas around which the strategic groups are formed are periodically reevaluated based on evolving rehabilitation needs and new research findings. The network’s Board of Directors and Scientific Council have been modified to align with this new structure.