The Patient Factor

Dr. Holden's research applies human factors engineering and psychology to study and improve the work performance of patients, informal caregivers, and clinicians. He and Dr. Valdez have co-organized many panels, workshops, and other activities in the emerging area of patient-centered human factors/ergonomics. In the past 10 years, Dr. Holden has led or participated in over 20 national-level research grants and over 100 peer-reviewed publications in the fields of human factors, patient safety and quality, biomedical informatics, and research methods. He is an Editor of Ergonomics, editorial board member of Applied Ergonomics, and Executive Council member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES).Dr. Valdez's research integrates quantitative and qualitative methods from human factors engineering, health informatics, and cultural anthropology to understand and support the ways in which people manage health at home and in the community. Her research has a specific focus on underserved populations, including populations that are racial/ethnic minorities, are of low socioeconomic status, or are living with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. She and Dr. Holden have led multiple initiatives focused on the emerging area of patient-centered human factors and ergonomics, including panels, workshops, and a special issue of Applied Ergonomics. Dr. Valdez's work has received support from the National Institutes of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the National Science Foundation, among others. She has served as chair of the Health Care Technical Group and Macroergonomic Technical Group for the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.