Research in the Amy Knight Lab focuses on methods by which information technology can improve the quality of health care. We investigate the role computer systems can play in expanding patient-doctor communication, streamlining healthcare tasks for both medical students and practitioners, and establishing a higher standard of care. Our studies have explored the effectiveness of semi-automating daily progress notes for improved documentation, peer assessment of professional performance among hospitalists, ways to enable patient-centered care using information technology and other topics.

Research in the Paul Auwaerter Lab focuses on tick-borne diseases, include Lyme disease. We’re also interested in point-of-care information technology. Recent research includes investigating the significance of positive test results for Lyme disease in low-prevalence regions and examining the geographic expansion of Lyme disease in the southeastern U.S. from 2000 to 2014.

Research in the Cheryl Dennison Lab aims to improve cardiovascular care for high-risk groups through multidisciplinary and health information technology-based methods. Our studies focus on reducing system and provider obstacles to implementing cardiovascular guidelines in various health care environments. Additional research interests include chronic illness management, quality of care, interdisciplinary teamwork and provider behavior.

Research in the Daniel Ford Lab seeks to understand the relationships between depression and various chronic medical conditions. Recently, we've focused on depression and coronary artery disease as well as tactics for improving care for patients with medical comorbidity. Our research was among the first to document depression as a risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke. Our team is also interested in exploring how information technology can be used to improve the care of patients with depression and tobacco abuse.

The Jonathan Weiner Lab researches the impact of electronic health records (EHRs), e-health and other health information technology (HIT) on populations, integrated delivery systems and public health agencies.

Research in the John Matthew Austin Lab explores health care performance measures, with a goal of improving patient care by enabling healthcare providers to view data about their performance, track patient outcomes and comply with best care practices. Our lab is currently working to develop performance measures for the ICU part, and we are part of The Leapfrog Group, an annual survey of U.S. hospitals that compares hospital performance on national measures of safety, quality and efficiency. Our research also explores the use of scientifically sound decision-support tools for guiding improvements in healthcare delivery systems.

Researchers in the Harold Lehmann Lab study evidence-based medicine. We are currently examining the informatics infrastructure of research and the secondary use of electronic health record data for research. The team is also evaluating the value of classic evidence reports versus social media versus links to community services for community health workers.