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

> **NIH NIH K24** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $116,748

## Abstract

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...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10949150
- **Project number:** 1K24HL175228-01
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Mark D Huffman
- **Activity code:** K24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $116,748
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-15 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10949150

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10949150, HEARTLINK: Harnessing Effective Approaches for Research and Training in Global Cardiovascular Dissemination, Implementation, and Knowledge Translation (1K24HL175228-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10949150. Licensed CC0.

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