Early Career Shaping a Unique Perspective

Dr. Roberts's career as a health services researcher began when she was a frontline nurse. This was formative in shaping her long-term research goals. Working within the confines of an imperfect healthcare system gave her first-hand insights that have informed her role as a researcher. 

Dr. Roberts shares some of the takeaways that remain at the forefront of her work today stating that, "there is enormous variation in the processes of care that cannot be explained by illness of patients or limitations of resources alone."When asked to elaborate on these processes, she explains that,"for much of care delivery, the standards of practice are often based on experience rather than evidence." Going on to say, "Much of the standards and routines that govern care decisions and processes are essentially provider-centric in their orientation, rather than representing patient-centered care."

As a nurse manager, Dr. Roberts implemented programs to contribute to the improvement of quality and safety of care, striving to evaluate the efficacy and impact of these interventions – she understood she needed additional training and education in the area of measurement and evaluation