DCRI Accomplishments showcases the publications, awards, and other achievements of our faculty members. Each quarter, a new collection will highlight the most recent accomplishments.

A new Duke Health research project aims to reduce cardiac arrest response times by using drones to quickly deliver treatment devices. Duke Health and partners in Forsyth County have launched a first-of-its-kind study in the U.S. to dispatch drones carrying automated external defibrillators – known as AEDs – during real 911 calls.

The Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) had a broad and visible presence throughout the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, Nov. 7-10 in New Orleans. Faculty and staff participated in more than 40 sessions across a wide spectrum of scientific and educational sessions. Their contributions spanned general and featured presentations, moderated discussions, digital poster forums, late-breaking and featured science, and hands-on simulations.

Chronic pain is one of the most burdensome conditions in the United States, with lower back pain comprising the largest subset of those conditions, and veterans bearing a disproportionate amount of this societal burden. Two Duke researchers will lead a new study to change that reality and raise the standard of pain care management with navigated care.