Clin-STAR Awardee Spotlight
Gwen Bernacki, MD, MHSA
University of Washington / VA of Puget Sound, Seattle WA
Cardiology
Clin-STAR Transdisciplinary Aging Research Pilot Grant - 2022
Exploring the Quality of Supportive Care for Caregivers of Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Acute Kidney Injury
Older adults with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with acute kidney injury (AKI) are a high-needs, high-cost population with limited life expectancy with great needs of their caregivers. Patients hospitalized with AKI have a >2 fold increased risk of death following hospitalization with ADHF and are far more likely to be older, >75 years. In practice, caring for older patients with ADHF with AKI is distinguished not only by cardiorenal syndrome, but also geriatric syndromes that affect the illness experience for patients and their caregivers as well as risk/benefit ratio for treatment decisions.
The primary objective is to characterize family caregivers of older adults with ADHF and AKI with the goal of better understanding perceived burden and ability to support older adults with ADHF with AKI as they face decisions about increasing technologically-driven solutions to address their care. Despite being a growing population, supportive care needs, quality of life, and outcomes of family caregivers of older adults with ADHF with AKI are poorly understood. I will address this gap by exploring supportive care needs and burdens of caregivers of older adults with ADHF with AKI though quantitative survey and in-depth qualitative interviews of family caregivers.
My proposed project aims to provide an understanding of experiences of caregivers of older patients with ADHF with AKI to identify opportunities to improve care. This foundational work will form the basis of a career development award piloting a communication intervention geared toward clinicians, older adults with ADHF with AKI and their caregivers that addresses supportive care needs and promotes collaborative decision-making.
Pilot Mentor
Dan Matlock, MD, MPH
University of Colorado / Anschutz Medical Campus VA
Research Interests: Geriatrics
Age-related condition studied in pilot:
- Alzheimer's disease/Dementia
- Cardiovascular Disease
Impact of pilot:
- Clinical
- Caregiving
Clin-STAR Grantee Interview
How did you first find out about Clin-STAR and the pilot grant program?
Communication from Dr. Susan Zieman, Medical Officer, National Institute on Aging, Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology (DGCG).
What inspired you to pursue aging research and how does your perspective as a non-geriatrician specialist contribute to your research activity?
I have been interested in pursuing aging research since my first year of medical school where I was MSTAR awardee. I see the vital role of geriatricians in my work as a cardiologist and researcher.
In your view, what does Clin-STAR mean to the field and what does it mean for you to receive a Clin-STAR pilot grant now?
Clin-STAR is the perfect vehicle for my work! I am truly honored to receive a Clin-STAR pilot grant.
What’s exciting about your research’s potential impact to your career, field, and patients?
I hope this work lays the ground work for future grants, and moves the field forward to positively impact older adults with heart-kidney failure.
How have you collaborated with your mentor or co-investigators?
I have co-authored papers with Dr. Matlock. I rely on his input and expertise for much of my work.