The Brain-Heart Interconnectome (BHI) Cross-Cutter Implementation Casebook is now available in English and French!
The BHI is a ground-breaking interdisciplinary research program aimed at accelerating the prevention, detection, treatment and care of brain-heart disorders. At the core of the BHI’s vision is the transformative way in which brain-heart research is conducted. Mitewekan ᒥᑌᐍᑲᐣ (Cree meaning “the spirit behind the heartbeat”) is an Indigenous health engagement and research hub and council led by Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Holders and people with lived/living experience from across Canada. Mitewekan guides the BHI on the contextualization and adaptation needed for culturally safe and responsive heart care and research.
To support the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in brain and heart research across Canada, Dr. Alexandra King and Prof. Malcolm King provide support to Mitewekan. This reflects their long-standing commitment to partner with Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous partners. At the heart of meaningful Indigenous engagement is a commitment to enduring relationships based on trust and mutual respect, as well as engaging on a spiritual level, facilitated through ceremony and Ethical Space.
This resource includes a collection of case studies highlighting seven cross-cutters that are implemented throughout the BHI and lead to research excellence and impact: Indigenous engagement, co‑production, IDEAS, patient engagement, training, open science and commercialization. This casebook profiles five research teams, including Mitewekan, that are integrating cross-cutters into their BHI-funded research projects in an exemplary manner.