Katherine Tucker

Hypertension Research and Cardiovascular Risk

I have over 20 years’ experience of working in academic research relating to human health. My research expertise is in cardiovascular pathology and diagnosis.

Pregnancy and cardiovascular risk

Having high blood pressure during and following pregnancy can occasionally lead to very serious problems such as pre-eclampsia or stroke. I joined the hypertension team in 2011 to work on a new research area examining the use of self-monitoring of blood pressure during and following hypertensive pregnancy. This research has developed to include; three pilot studies, an accuracy study, systematic reviews, surveys, qualitative research projects and two large trials  

Hypertension in the general population

Self-monitoring of blood pressure has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. To understand how it should best be implemented, and which groups would benefit most, we completed an international individual patient data meta-analyses in self-monitoring in the hypertensive population and obtained further funding to examine the effects of co-morbidities. BP-Smart

The best way to reduce the health risks associated with hypertension is to reduce blood pressure, however around a third of people with hypertension do not have their blood pressure properly controlled. We are carrying out an in-depth analysis of the implementation of a digital intervention designed to help GPs and people with hypertension to manage their condition together; with patients measuring their blood pressure at home and input from a GP or specialist when needed. The project will involve qualitative and quantitative analysis methods.

Funding

I have received SPCR, CLAHRC and ARC funding for research into self-testing and self-management during and following pregnancy, and for research into hypertension in those with multi-morbidity. I have been a senior investigator for 11 grants totalling over £3.25m, of which I have led 5. These include interdisciplinary projects collaborating across the University, the School for Primary Care Research, the ARC network and beyond.  As part of this I line manage researchers, midwives and supervise PhD, MSc and undergraduate students.

NIHR Oxford and Thames Valley ARC Career Development Lead

I am the training and career development lead for the Oxford and Thames Valley Applied Research Collaboration (ARC). The ARCs aims to support the development of the next generation of researchers by providing training and development opportunities.

I regularly sit on interview panels for fellowships and attend governance meetings. I co-design and participate in training events and take an active interest in strategic planning for training and capacity building within the Thames Valley and the NIHR Academy, for example sitting on the Academy Mentorship Steering group.

Locally, in the Thames Valley research community, I build and support collaborative links to develop research skills and opportunities across the area. I am currently working with a mixed team from Oxford Brookes University, the Oxford BRCs, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Health Education England and NIHR to define and improve the career pathways for Allied Health care Professionals.

I represent the Department of Primary Care at Divisional and University level by sitting on the Medical Sciences Division Research Staff Advisory Group and as a member of the Oxford Research Staff Society (OxRSS).