Zègre-Hemsey and Kitzmiller receive Carolina Next Funding

Jessica Zègre-Hemsey, PhD, RN, FAHA, and Becky Kitzmiller, PhD, MHR, MSN, RN, BC, have secured funding from Innovate Carolina for their project, “Building the infrastructure to support a novel data source pipeline for the ACS continuum (BINDS-ACS).” This initiative has been selected by the Chancellor’s Office as part of the Carolina Next effort to establish a Digital Health Ecosystem.

The goal of this work is to establish a prehospital data repository that links novel data of individuals presenting to the emergency department with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS), commonly known as a heart attack. Data include, but are not limited to: prehospital electrocardiography (ECG), hospital data elements (clinical laboratory data [e.g., troponin], cardiac catheterization laboratory data, hospital diagnoses, and 30-day follow-up information.

Conducting prospective research on time-sensitive conditions such as ACS, particularly in dynamic environments like ambulances and emergency departments, presents significant challenges. The establishment of this repository will provide a valuable resource for ongoing research collaborations within the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and beyond.

Collaborating with Drs. Zègre-Hemsey and Kitzmiller on this project are faculty members Leslie Davis, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FACC, FAHA, FPCNA, Saif Khairat, PhD, MPH, and Jennifer Leeman, DRPH, MPH, MDIV.

This initiative aligns with the overarching goals of Carolina Next: Innovations for Public Good, a strategic initiative aimed at translating the university’s vision and aspirations into tangible, impactful projects. The funding received will contribute to the creation of a Digital Health Ecosystem, fostering innovation and collaboration across disciplines.

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