Objective 6: Optimize clinical and implementation research to improve health and reduce disease

For maximum return on NHLBI investments in research and research training, it is important to prioritize strategies that support integration of evidence-based interventions within clinical and public health settings. New methodologies, research frameworks, and resources must be developed to refine the conduct of clinical studies and implementation research, while also improving the overall efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of the research enterprise. Current challenges include recruiting research participants of all backgrounds, effectively research participants, effectively translating knowledge gained from these studies into programs and policies that improve health at the clinic and community levels, and engaging in a strategic, meaningful, and sustainable way with community partners at every stage of the research process to build trust and enhance the impact of this research. Commitment to addressing these challenges is paramount, as is the careful attention to building and nurturing meaningful and sustainable community-engaged research partnerships, especially in communities disproportionately burdened by health disparities. Also important are multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary collaborations that make the most of clinical and implementation research efforts.

Envision a future in which we can...
  • Easily and safely link EHRs and personal health data (e.g., from patient-reported outcomes and wearables) to help streamline clinical research and empower research volunteers to self-identify.
  • Accelerate the translation of discovery into practice by leveraging HLBS research platforms (e.g., clinical epidemiology registries, clinical trial networks, implementation science programs) to engage the clinical care and patient communities; leverage the use of EHRs, patient registries, and existing datasets; and create a seamless interface between clinical research and practice.
  • Build sustainable community partnerships to support research and advance health equity.

Overarching Objectives

  1. Understand normal biological function and resilience
  2. Investigate newly discovered pathobiological mechanisms important to the onset and progression of heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders
  3. Investigate factors that account for differences in health status among populations
  4. Identify factors that account for individual differences in pathobiology and in responses to treatments
  5. Develop and optimize novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to prevent, treat, and cure heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders
  6. Optimize clinical and implementation research to improve health and reduce disease
  7. Leverage emerging opportunities in data science to open new frontiers in research on heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders
  8. Further develop and sustain a scientific workforce capable of accomplishing NHLBI’s mission