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Design of Protocol for National Substance Misuse Rehabilitation Cohort Study

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Brief

To design a national cohort study protocol aimed at measuring the rehabilitation outcomes for people with substance misuse problems who have availed of rehabilitation services in Ireland.

Background

The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) was established in July 2000 to advise the Government in relation to the prevalence, prevention, treatment/rehabilitation and consequences of drug use in Ireland, based on an analysis of research findings and information available to it.   The NACD is currently in the process of developing a research programme under the National Drugs Strategy (interim) 2009-2016 on the extent, nature, causes and effects of drug use in Ireland.  Action 55 of the Strategy recommends that consideration be given to including the areas of research recommended in the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation (2007) in the new NACD research programme.  One of the key research/information gaps identified by the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation related to the need for research on the outcomes of rehabilitation services.    

Commission

In line with Action 55 of the National Drugs Strategy (interim) 2009-2016 and the research recommendations from the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation 2007, the NACD wishes to commission external researchers to design a protocol for a cohort study aimed at measuring the rehabilitation outcomes for people with substance misuse problems in Ireland.    

Details of the objectives of the Study, which will focus on people with drug use and alcohol related problems, are set out in an annex to this document.  The key elements of the research task are:

1.  Overview of Research

(a) The Committee requires an analysis of all research/information available in relation to substance misuse rehabilitation cohort studies.   This will primarily involve an international literature review, though relevant research in an Irish context should also be considered. In order to assist with the study design and the collation of data for the cohort study, the literature review should include a review of the methodologies adopted, including their strengths and weaknesses, and the collation of questionnaires used in other rehabilitation studies surveyed.   

(b) It is also intended that the literature review will address the question of the optimum length of stay in residential treatment /rehabilitation services.  In this regard, the literature review should refer to the Report of the HSE Working Group on Residential Treatment & Rehabilitation (Substance Abuse), 2007 and other relevant international research in this area.

2. Design of Research Protocol for National Study

The second part of the research task will involve developing the research instrument and methodology for the Cohort Study having regard to the following issues:

• the need to define rehabilitation;
• the need to define a new episode of treatment and or rehabilitation;
• the need to determine the study timeframe and the follow up periods;
• the need to agree the outcomes to be measured, why they should be measured and what the outcomes will tell us;
• the need to determine whether the study will have a qualitative component; and
• the need to address the issue of sample size and the subsequent recruitment of agencies and cohorts.

Requirements

Tenderers must submit a written proposal dealing with the following:

• Methodology to be adopted and how their approach will ensure that the main objectives of this phase of the Study are achieved;
• Project management and capacity to undertake the work to the proposed timetable;
• Track record;
• Qualifications: Researchers interested in tendering for this contract should hold a research-based higher qualification, preferably, at PHD level and have a publication track record including peer reviewed journal articles;
• Cost.

Duration of Project

The Committee is keen to undertake this work immediately and to have it completed within two months. Therefore, the successful candidate will be expected to be in a position to commence work no later than Monday, 22nd February 2010.  The first draft of the report will be expected six weeks from the award of the contract. The final report will be due eight weeks from the date of the award.  A liaison schedule will be agreed as part of the contract.

Evaluation of the submissions will be based on the following criteria:

Research Methodology

Understanding of the project
Understanding of the work involved
Feasibility of the approach suggested

Project Management

Ability to deliver key outputs on time
Clarity in description of milestones
Qualifications and capacity of personnel
Track Record

Value for Money

A full and detailed breakdown of fees and costs (excluding VAT) is required.  Tenderers should indicate the estimated number of person/days for completing the work.   The NACD reserves the right to reject any or all of the proposals submitted and will not be obliged to accept the lowest or any tender.

Data Protection and Intellectual Property

Researchers/contractors must comply with data protection legislation.   The successful bidder will be expected to demonstrate steps they will take to protect and store the data from corruption, infiltration and technical damage. The Intellectual Property issues are dealt with in the sample contract which is on the NACD website. Submission of a tender proposal will be taken as acceptance of these terms.

Financial Details

The researcher must set out a description and justification for the costs of implementing the brief.   A separate financial report will also be required on completion of the project before final payment is made.

A Freedom of Information Declaration

A Freedom of Information Declaration must be completed and returned with the tender.  This is available to download from the NACD website.

Closing date for submissions

Six copies of your proposal together with a signed Freedom of Information Declaration (form attached) and an up-to-date Tax Clearance Certificate should be sent to the NACD offices and include a short CV of those leading and managing this Study no later than.
3.00pm, Monday, 1st February 2010

Please mark your envelope Ten-Rehab 2010

Please note that proposals will not be accepted via email