Mark E. Nunnally, MD

My research focuses on how clinicians think about complex problems in healthcare. By understanding how the mind tackles problems, we can improve tools such as the electronic medical record and infusion pumps, to make them easier to use and to help clinicians do their job more reliably.

Areas of particular interest to me include the design of infusion pumps, which deliver intravenous medications to patients, and medication reconciliation, the process clinicians use to keep track of what medical problems patients have and what medications they are taking as treatment—especially when they are admitted to the hospital and things get more complicated.

In the cases of both infusion pumps and medication reconciliation, the processes become a complex weave of technology, human interaction, stress, and high stakes. However, experts can infer things about such processes by “reading” certain details. My goal is to help them do this accurately, and to help them keep track of crucial information.

I also am involved in creating guidelines for healthcare professional societies. These help clinicians manage complex problems in healthcare. My specialty is sorting and grading evidence to support guideline recommendations.

Finally, I am interested in ways we can improve the environments of our intensive care units for patients, their friends and families, and the clinicians who work there. Noise, alarms, music, and emotional and spiritual support all factor into the experience.