Improving genetics-guided care for heart and cancer patients at Northwestern
Transforming health at the intersection of implementation science, learning health systems, and genomics at Northwestern Medicine
This project will bring genetic information and smarter electronic health record tools into cancer and heart care to help patients get the right genetic information when it matters.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196196 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, this project focuses on using genetic test results to improve everyday care for people with cancer and heart conditions. The team will link genetic and patient-reported data into Northwestern’s electronic health record and build tools that help doctors act on those results. They will use a learning health system approach—trying changes in clinics, collecting results, and continuously improving what works. The project also works with other sites so useful tools can be shared more widely.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people receiving care for cancer or cardiovascular conditions within Northwestern Medicine or affiliated network sites, especially those getting or eligible for genetic testing.
Not a fit: People without cancer or cardiovascular conditions, those not receiving genetic testing, or individuals outside the participating health systems may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make genetic results easier to use in care, leading to more personalized and timely decisions for patients with cancer or heart disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior efforts like the eMERGE consortium have demonstrated that genetics can be integrated into EHRs and support clinical care, though broad routine use still faces implementation challenges.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Franklin, Patricia D — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Franklin, Patricia D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.