My Work
I completed my doctoral training in communication at the University of Kentucky, where I cultivated in-depth knowledge of qualitative methods and communication theories that inform communication in healthcare. In my current position, I merge theory and practice to advance scientific knowledge and develop theoretically informed interventions that help improve communication for patients, families, and clinicians, particularly in the context of rare diseases. My research aims to improve the care of patients with rare diseases and to improve communication in situations of uncertainty.
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I have experience using the following research and data analysis methods:
- Semi-structured interviews
- Structured interviews
- Mixed method surveys
- Participatory design workshops
- Focus groups
- Dyadic interviews
- Thematic analysis
- Univariate statistics (t-test, ANOVA, chi-square, Pearson correlation)
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Read more about my previous and ongoing projects below.
Research Area: Care and Communication in Rare Diseases
Primary Care and Care Coordination in Rare Diseases
(2022 - Current)
This project is a multisite research collaboration with Washington University in St. Louis, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We are using qualitative research methods to address barriers to care coordination for children with rare vascular anomalies.
Funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (5R03HS029407-02; PI: Anna Kerr, PhD)
Electronic Health Record Tool for Patients with Rare Diseases
(2023 - Current)
In collaboration with Washington University in St. Louis, our team is developing and piloting a novel electronic health record (MyChart) communication tool for families affected by rare complex lymphatic anomalies, designed to improve clinical communication and care coordination.
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Funded by the Lymphatic Malformation Institute
(PI: Bryan Sisk, MD)
Coping Experiences of Parents of Children with Rare Diseases
(2019 - 2024)
In this collaboration with Boston Children's Hospital, our team used qualitative dyadic interviews to further understand the dyadic coping mechanisms of parents of children with rare vascular anomalies. The results of this study have been published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer.​
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Funded by the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (PI: Anna Kerr, PhD)
Unmet Care and Communication Needs of Families with Rare Diseases
(2020 - 2023)
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This project was a multi-phase collaboration with Washington University in St. Louis to identify the unmet care and communication needs of families affected by rare vascular and lymphatic anomalies. Our team partnered with patient advocacy groups including the CLOVES Syndrome Community, K-T Support Group, and Lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s Disease Alliance to complete one-on-one interviews and a cross-sectional online survey. The results have been published in Pediatric Blood & Cancer, Patient Education and Counseling, the Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases, the Journal of Vascular Anomalies, and the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.
Funded by: University of Pennsylvania Orphan Disease Center; CLOVES Syndrome Community, K-T Support Group, and Lymphangiomatosis and Gorham’s Disease Alliance
(PI: Bryan Sisk, MD)
Multidisciplinary Care, Uncertainty, and Decision Making in Rare Diseases
(2010 - 2016)
In this collaboration with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, our team used observation, surveys, and interviews to understand parents uncertainty, communication, and decision making experiences while navigating multidisciplinary care for their children with rare vascular anomalies. The results of this study have been published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing.​
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(PI: Anna Kerr, PhD)
Research Area: Physician's Communication about Medical Uncertainty
Phase I: Understanding Residents’ Communication about Diagnostic Uncertainty
(2017 - 2024)
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In this collaboration with the Nationwide Children's Hospital Pediatric Residency Program, we examined pediatric residents' goals and challenges when communication with patients and senior physicians about uncertainty. The results have been published in Health Communication and Hospital Pediatrics. You can also hear more about our work on a recent episode of the PedicastCME podcast.
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Funded by the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (PI: Anna Kerr, PhD)
Phase II: Managing Diagnostic Uncertainty: Communication Skills Training for Pediatric Residents and Faculty
(2020 - 2024)
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Using data collected in Phase I, our team developed a theory-driven communication skills training program for communicating about uncertainty with patients, families, and physicians. Our training program included a series of online modules with educational material, case vignettes, and multiple choice knowledge assessments. We also developed an OSCE (objective structured clinical examination) with a relevant patient case and patient, learner, and observer evaluation tools. We presented the pilot data from our evaluation at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Educating Leaders Conference.
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Funded by:
National Communication Association; American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (PI: Anna Kerr)