Rachael Paine, PhD
My research is inherently aligned with the mission of the Whole Health Consortium, which seeks to promote equitable health and well-being through transdisciplinary research and innovative practices. At its core, my work centers on the idea that access to health information is a fundamental component of holistic well-being. Health literacy plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and navigate complex healthcare systems. I firmly believe that health information should not be the exclusive domain of experts but should be readily accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or level of expertise. To achieve this, I focus on the role of design in making health information more comprehensible and user-friendly. My research endeavors are grounded in human-centered design principles, specifically emphasizing how individuals seek and interact with health information online. For instance, I have conducted in-depth studies exploring the experiences of rare disease caretakers as they navigate the vast landscape of online health information. These studies have revealed valuable insights into the challenges individuals face when seeking health-related information and how user interface design can alleviate or exacerbate these challenges. By incorporating a user-centered approach, my research seeks to bridge the gap between complex health concepts and everyday individuals. More recently, I have expanded my focus to include maternal health, recognizing the critical role that accessible information plays in ensuring the well-being of expectant mothers and their families. My work aims to contribute to the Consortium's mission by revolutionizing how we approach health communication and information dissemination, ultimately empowering individuals and communities to pursue meaningful lives through informed decision-making. My research is dedicated to improving health literacy through thoughtful design, aligning perfectly with the Consortium's mission to revolutionize systems, practices, and policies that promote holistic health and well-being. I am committed to collaborating with the Consortium to further these goals and contribute to improving health outcomes for all.