Katherine Tucker

Hypertension Research and Cardiovascular Risk - with particular interest in Women's Health

I have over 25 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 large randomised controlled trials, pilot and feasibility studies, accuracy studies, systematic reviews, surveys, intervention development with co-design, cost analysis, and qualitative research projects. I am a co-investigator for the SNAP2 trial, which seeks to optimize care for people after a hypertensive pregnancy.

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 of self-monitoring in the hypertensive population. 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-OxTV funding for research into self-testing and self-management during and following pregnancy, and for research in those with multiple long-term conditions. I have been a senior investigator for 18 grants totaling £8m, of which I have led 8. 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 and midwives and supervise PhD, MSc, and undergraduate students.

NIHR Oxford and Thames Valley ARC Career Development Lead

I am the Academic Career Development lead for the Oxford and Thames Valley Applied Research Collaboration (ARC-OxTV). 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.