Research

In the Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, our research emphasis is on clinician and patient interactions. We use theoretical, observational and experimental methods with both quantitative and qualitative evaluations.

This research focuses on discovery, translation and dissemination of health services for patients and society. We study interactions between patients and clinicians at the point of care. Our studies include novel, mixed-method observational and experimental approaches to better understand the ways in which patients and clinicians engage in shared decision-making.

Dr. Montori and others on our research team engage in theoretical construction, human-centered design, and the implementation, evaluation and dissemination of evidence-based interventions. We promote care that fits — that is, care that is responsive to the problematic situation of the patient and that makes sense intellectually, emotionally and practically in the life of the patient. Our approach has led the field in research on minimally disruptive medicine.

Our investigators conduct research that ultimately seeks to help each patient receive the individual care they need and that fits them. We conduct projects in the real worlds of clinical care and of living — struggling and thriving with medical conditions.

Care and AI Laboratory

Within the KER Unit is the Care and AI Laboratory. This is a dedicated research group at the intersection of care and artificial intelligence (AI). In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the fundamental essence of patient care remains irreplaceably human. Patient care is a profound interaction where empathy, understanding and expertise converge to address the unique needs of each person seeking care.

Recognizing this, we understand that AI's predominant use has been in enhancing healthcare delivery efficiency and addressing information gaps. However, its potential to enrich the very essence of care has often been underestimated.

Mayo Clinic research collaborators

Our team also collaborates with numerous others at Mayo Clinic on our research projects. Current collaborators are:

  • Shubhangi Bagewadi, M.B.B.S.
  • Dawna I. Ballard
  • Dena Bazazian
  • Laurna Bullock
  • Jennifer E. Clark, M.D.
  • Nataly R. Espinoza Suarez
  • Alexander O. Everhart
  • Natalia Genere, M.D.
  • Daniel A. Gonzalez Mosquera, M.D.
  • Kieran E. Green, Ph.D.
  • Gordon Guyatt
  • Maria Kristiansen
  • Mirella N. Lapata
  • Annie LeBlanc, Ph.D.
  • Eddy P. Lincango
  • Ricardo J. Loor Torres
  • Dron M. Mandhana
  • Andrea P. Maraboto Escarria, M.D.
  • Zoe Paskins
  • Kathleen Pine, Ph.D.
  • Oscar Ponce Ponte
  • Cory Schaffhausen, Ph.D.
  • Cristian Soto Jacome, M.D.
  • Erica S. Spatz, M.D.
  • Gabriela M. Spencer Bonilla
  • Paul C. Tang
  • Freddy Toloza Bonilla
  • Viet-Thi Tran, Ph.D.
  • Anka C. Van Gastel
  • Claudia L. Zeballos Palacios