Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide, yet many people do not receive the support they need to manage their condition effectively. My research focuses on improving how health information is delivered to patients, particularly those with cardiovascular disease, so they can better understand their condition and take an active role in their care. A key area of my work is cardiac rehabilitation—programs that support recovery and prevention through education, exercise, and lifestyle change. I develop and evaluate educational interventions, including digital platforms such as Cardiac College™, to make information more accessible, engaging, and tailored to diverse populations. I also focus on addressing gaps in care for women, who often experience differences in symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Through initiatives such as the WE-CARE study, I work with patients and healthcare providers to design and test education that reflects women's specific needs and lived experiences. Overall, my goal is to ensure that high-quality, evidence-based patient education is accessible globally, improves health outcomes, and supports more equitable healthcare systems.
Working Together to Improve a Women's Stroke Toolkit
Study Status: completed
Institute: Krembil Research Institute
Study Purpose: Women recovering from stroke often receive a lot of information, but it may not always be easy to understand or use. This study aimed to answer the question: What is the best way to adapt the Women's Post-Stroke Educational Toolkit so that women recovering from stroke can easily understand and have access to the information? We worked together with women who have lived experience of stroke to improve the toolkit and create different types of resources that better meet their needs.
Background: Many women continue to experience challenges after stroke, including problems with memory, concentration, fatigue, emotions, physical challenges, and challenges with daily activities. These challenges can make it difficult to understand written health information. The Women's Post-Stroke Educational Toolkit was developed to provide trusted information, but it is important to make sure it is easy to use and accessible for everyone. Working with women who have experienced stroke will help us create resources that are more engaging, easier to understand, and better support recovery.
Study Methods: Women with lived experience of stroke took part in four online group discussions over the 2026 summer. During these sessions, participants reviewed the Women's Post-Stroke Educational Toolkit, shared their experiences recovering from stroke, discussed what information is most important, and helped decide which topics should be adapted. They also provided feedback on different ways to present the information, such as videos, animations, graphics, or other media formats. Participants completed short evaluation surveys throughout the project. The research team used this feedback to develop and improve educational resources and make recommendations for future versions of the toolkit.
Key Findings: Five women with lived experience of stroke helped identify ways to make the toolkit easier to understand and use. They highlighted the importance of clear, accessible information and prioritized videos featuring women's experiences. Their feedback guided the development of six educational videos covering important aspects of recovery after stroke.
Health Conditions:
Stroke
Understanding Women's Knowledge About Menopause: A Review of Research
Study Status: completed
Institute: Krembil Research Institute
Study Purpose: Many women have questions about menopause (the natural stage of life when monthly periods end and reproductive hormones decrease) but may not receive the information they need. This study reviewed published research to better understand what women know about menopause, where knowledge gaps exist, and what educational tools are currently available. We also identified how menopause knowledge has been measured and whether current questionnaires are accurate and consistent. The findings will guide the development of a new, carefully tested tool to measure women's knowledge about menopause and support the creation of better educational resources and healthcare.
Background: Menopause is a normal stage of life, but it can affect many aspects of a woman's health. Symptoms may include hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, and changes in sexual health. Menopause is also linked to long-term health conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Research suggests that many women feel unprepared for menopause and do not receive enough information about symptoms, ways to treat their symptoms, or ways to stay healthy. Understanding what women know - and what they still need to learn - can help improve education and healthcare.
Study Methods: This study is a scoping review, which means we collected and summarized published research from around the world. We searched several websites where research studies are stored to identify studies that examine women's knowledge and awareness of menopause. We reviewed how researchers have measured menopause knowledge, what topics have been studied, and what knowledge gaps have been identified. No participants were recruited, and no new information was collected directly from women.
Key Findings: Our review included 152 studies examining women's knowledge and awareness of menopause. We identified 14 different questionnaires used to measure menopause knowledge, but only 10 had been evaluated for at least one aspect of their reliability or validity. These findings highlight the need for better-tested questionnaires to accurately assess women's knowledge and help guide future educational programs.
Health Conditions:
Women’s Health (Gynecology)
Helping Chinese-Speaking Patients Learn About Heart Disease and Make Healthier Choices Through Translated Education Materials
Study Status: active
Institute: KITE Research Institute
Study Purpose: This study explored what informal caregivers want and need to know to best support their loved ones with heart disease while in cardiac rehabilitation.
Background: Heart disease is a major health concern worldwide, and Chinese-speaking immigrants in Canada often face challenges due to language barriers, which can make it harder to access health information. By offering education in their preferred language, this study aims to help patients gain the knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their heart health.
Study Methods: We are recruiting 168 Chinese-speaking adults who are attending heart health programs in Toronto. Participants will take part in 24 weekly education sessions. Some sessions are delivered in group classes, while others are self-paced online lessons with support from healthcare providers. The program also includes videos, guides, and interactive activities to make the learning engaging and practical.
The study will assess whether participants improve their understanding of heart disease, increase their physical activity, eat more fruits and vegetables, and practice better self-care. We will also gather information on how satisfied participants are with the education materials and how helpful they found the program.
The results of this study will help healthcare providers understand how to best support Chinese-speaking patients and may guide the development of similar education programs for other communities. Ultimately, the goal is to show that providing heart health education in a patient’s own language can improve understanding, encourage healthier behaviors, and support better long-term heart health.
Health Conditions:
Heart disease and disorders
Making the Mediterranean Diet Work in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Study Status: active
Institute: KITE Research Institute
Study Purpose: Cultural food preferences, availability of ingredients, and costs can make it hard to stick to the Mediterranean Diet. Our study, called MAP-CR (Mediterranean Diet Adaptation Priorities for Cardiac Rehabilitation), aims to find the most important ways to adapt the Mediterranean Diet for people attending Cardiac Rehabilitation programs in diverse communities. However, following the Mediterranean Diet can be challenging for people living outside the Mediterranean region.
Background: To do this, we are working with two groups:
1. Nutritionists from Cardiac Rehabilitation programs across Canada to share their knowledge about healthy eating and the challenges of adapting the Mediterranean Diet.
2. Patients in Cardiac Rehabilitation programs to share their experiences, preferences, and challenges when trying to follow a healthy diet.
We will combine what we learn from nutritionists and patients using a structured process called the Delphi method. This process helps experts and patients work together to decide which ideas are most important.
Health Conditions:
Heart disease and disorders
Understanding the Educational Needs of Informal Caregivers in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Study Status: completed
Institute: KITE Research Institute
Study Purpose: This study explored what informal caregivers want and need to know to best support their loved ones with heart disease while in cardiac rehabilitation.
Background: Informal caregivers - family members or friends who provide unpaid support - play an important role in helping people recover from heart conditions during cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Despite their vital contributions, caregivers often do not receive the information or support they need to feel confident and capable in their role.
Study Methods: We surveyed 86 caregivers and then interviewed 16 of them in depth. Most caregivers had not received formal training in caregiving, and many found it difficult to access reliable information about heart disease and rehabilitation. Caregivers wanted practical guidance on managing medications, supporting lifestyle changes, helping with safe exercise, and knowing when to seek medical help. They also emphasized the importance of emotional support, stress management, and connecting with others in similar caregiving situations.
Key Findings: From these findings, we created the H.E.L.P. framework, highlighting four key areas of support:
* Helpful Resources: Access to practical tools and professional guidance.
* Empowerment: Knowledge and confidence to provide safe, effective care.
* Lived Experience Network: Opportunities to connect with other caregivers for advice and support.
* Psychological Support: Strategies for managing stress and maintaining well-being.
Our results show that educational programs for informal caregivers should be flexible, practical, and include both emotional and peer support. Supporting caregivers in these ways can improve their own well-being while helping patients recover more successfully in cardiac rehabilitation.
Health Conditions:
Heart disease and disorders
Women’s Voices in Cardiac Rehab: Shaping Heart Health Education
Study Status: completed
Institute: KITE Research Institute
Study Purpose: This study worked with women who have personal experience with heart disease to improve Cardiac Rehabilitation educational resources.
Background: Women are less likely than men to take part in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), partly because educational materials often do not address their specific needs.
Study Methods: * Eleven women with heart disease took part in five online workshops over several months.
* The workshops were guided by trained facilitators, including a woman with heart disease who led discussions.
* During the workshops, women shared their experiences, gave feedback on existing materials, and suggested ways to make them easier to understand and more useful.
* The research team used structured tools to track attendance, participation, and satisfaction, and summarized key points after each session.
* Women’s feedback was collected and organized to identify the most important changes for improving the materials.
Key Findings: 1. Make materials easier to access and understand - simplify language, improve website navigation, and offer written, audio, and visual options.
2. Use storytelling: share personal experiences to motivate and connect with others.
3. Include diverse perspectives: represent women from different backgrounds and life situations.
4. Offer multiple formats: provide videos, infographics, and interactive content alongside written materials.
5. Reach more women: share materials through doctors, community groups, and online platforms.
Health Conditions:
Heart disease and disorders, Rehabilitation Services
To read more, please visit:
https://plainlanguagesummary.uhnresearch.ca/