Candidate: Although the majority of my training has been clinical, I have developed a unique area of research applying social network theory to examine kidney transplant disparities in hemodialysis patients. My short?term goals are to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete the proposed research and to conduct theoretically?grounded, translational research in kidney transplantation. My long?term career goals are to become an experienced, independent researcher applying social network theory and analytic techniques to improve outcomes for disadvantaged patients with kidney disease. Career Development Plan: My career development plan combines didactic coursework, professional training, and mentored instruction. Specifically, I propose to earn through the College of Public Health and Center for Biomedical Informatics a Master's in Epidemiology and participate in training activities to increase my knowledge of and proficiency in public health, epidemiology, health behavior theory, health communication, social network theory, transplant epidemiology, biomedical ethics, social network analysis, and computing. Research Plan: Women and ethnic minorities are less likely to be informed of the option of transplantation, referred to a transplant center, and complete the medical evaluation needed to be placed on the kidney transplant waiting list. The goal of this research study is to identify and characterize the complete social networks of hemodialysis (HD) patients. We will measure the relative influence of HD social networks on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards transplantation. We will use repeated survey measures as well clinical observations to construct models of these social networks. Finally, we will conduct a transplant education intervention pilot study that tests the diffusion of knowledge and behaviors through the hemodialysis clinic social network.

Public Health Relevance

There are significant and persistent disparities in access to kidney transplantation and as a result most patients with end stage renal disease receive hemodialysis (HD). HD is unique as it is a treatment performed in a group setting which lends itself to forming social networks. The goal of this research study is to identify and characterize the social networks of HD patients and measure the influence of HD social networks on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards transplantation using repeated surveys and a network targeted educational intervention.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Project #
1K23DK111943-01A1
Application #
9386146
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDK1)
Program Officer
Rankin, Tracy L
Project Start
2017-09-01
Project End
2022-06-30
Budget Start
2017-09-01
Budget End
2018-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Temple University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
057123192
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19122