HEARTLINK: Harnessing Effective Approaches for Research and Training in Global Cardiovascular Dissemination, Implementation, and Knowledge Translation

PROJECT SUMMARY In this K24 application, I seek to enhance my capability as a leader in patient-oriented cardiovascular research and mentorship at Washington University. The proposed research includes new advanced implementation research using the NHLBI-funded Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program, which I co-lead

with Dr. Dike Ojji from University of Abuja and is among the largest hypertension control programs in Africa. Specifically, I seek to understand not just if, but how, why, and in what context implementation of the World Health Organization’s HEARTS technical package improves hypertension care at multiple levels—patient, site,

and system. To do so, my research explores multi-level mediation of team based care (the “T” in HEARTS) on blood pressure at site and patient levels, as an exemplar. I also seek to define trajectories of retention, also known as persistence, in longitudinal hypertension care. Based on these results, I will use mixed methods

including new patient oriented data collection through key informant interviews and discrete choice experiments to understand reasons and preferences for retention trajectories and re-engagement in care. I will be supported by outstanding dissemination and implementation science researchers at Washington University

to advance my own research skillset through these research aims. This proposal also includes the dual goal of improving my mentoring skills. Short-term goals focus on expanding my mentoring of patient oriented clinician investigators for NIH K or similar awards and securing additional R and D grants, as well as new P grants, to support both my research and that of my mentees.

Medium- and long-term goals aim to establish a best-in-class mentorship program in global cardiovascular patient oriented research at Washington University in collaboration with the World Heart Federation and to facilitate successful transitions for US and international mentees from K to R-level funding (n=6 currently). I will

participate in additional mentorship training, leadership programs, and research skill development activities during the award period, including related to the responsible conduct of research and global health ethics through the NIH-funded Compass program. I will use the Mentor Competency Assessment as a tool to monitor

my performance. I will use the NIH-sponsored Translational Science Benefits Model to disseminate my research and will help my mentees incorporate this approach into their own methods. My exceptional mentoring team comprises experts like Drs. Elvin Geng, Victor Dávila-Román, Margaret McNairy, and Dike Ojji,

who bring a wealth of relevant experience and skills in advanced dissemination and implementation research, research training programs, global health, and women in global health. We will meet regularly to refine my mentoring strategies and skills. This integrated approach ensures that I can provide top-tier mentoring while

generating new, high-impact patient oriented research.