Martina Clarke, PhD

The role of health information technology (HIT) in clinical practice is growing, especially electronic health records (EHRs) use because of government funded financial incentives. My research areas include: user-centered design, usability evaluations of HIT, needs assessment, and clinical workflow analysis. In other words, my research is focused on integrating information technology into healthcare in a way that does not negatively impact clinicians and patients.

I am also interested in understanding health disparities gaps in HIT use and developing culturally tailored interventions that address those disparities. Digital literacies and access to internet connection as referred to as the “super social determinants of health” because they impact all other social determinants of health (SDOH). Access to accurate health information and health services are increasingly and sometimes only accessible online, which excludes underserved populations.

Another research area of interest is reducing documentation burden related to HIT use among shared living providers (SLPS) and other direct support professionals (DSPs). SLPs are individuals that allow persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to reside in their residential home while providing support in daily living activities, community integration, and many other activities. This is an important topic because despite their relevance, the daily concerns and needs of caregivers are often overlooked by legislators and policymakers, which is amplifying the DSP workforce crisis.