Jennifer Lafata

Jennifer Lafata is a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy, focusing on cancer screening, shared decision-making, and health communication. Her work spans lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and leukemia, with an emphasis on health equity, adherence to treatments, and the role of health IT in improving patient outcomes.

• Key Research Areas: Shared decision-making, health disparities in cancer care, virtual healthcare visits, and secure messaging systems.

Her recent publications (2020-2021) analyze gaps in lung cancer screening beyond education, adherence to oral chemotherapy, and the impact of social determinants on health outcomes. She has contributed to frameworks for implementing cancer screening programs and improving patient-physician communication through technology.