SUMMARY
The research interests of Summer V. Allen, M.D., include understanding how to improve the patient experience, engage the patient in the care process, and on innovations in health care delivery. Dr. Allen also has a research focus on women's health and education.
Focus areas
- Engaging and activating patients
- Patient experience
- Minimally disruptive medicine
- Shared decision-making
- Health care delivery models
- Breast cancer
Significance to patient care
By utilizing a shared decision-making model, Dr. Allen is working to guide patients in their options for breast cancer screenings. Her work in minimally disruptive medicine seeks to reduce the burden of illness and treatment for patients by focusing on the pursuit of patient goals and capacity-based support. She is working to improve the patient's experience as he or she interacts with the health care system and engages in personal health decisions.
Dr. Allen's research will progress the understanding that patients define health as a state of wellness, and not the absence of disease. Her work aims to engage patients in the health care delivery process and to translate this into how care is provided.