Kevin Real

Kevin Real is a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Kentucky, part of the College of Communication and Information. His research focuses on healthcare communication, particularly in healthcare organizations, teams, and built environments, emphasizing patient safety and care processes.

He holds a Ph.D. in Communication from Texas A&M University (2002), an M.A. from Texas A&M (1998), and a B.A. from the University of Akron (1996). His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to healthcare and education.

Key research interests include healthcare design (e.g., nurse stations, NICU layouts), interprofessional communication, and the impact of organizational structures on patient outcomes. He has led projects funded by institutions like the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates.

Dr. Real has received multiple awards, including the Wethington Excellence in Research Award (2006, 2010, 2011, 2018) and a Teaching Excellence Award (2007). His publications span journals like Health Communication and Health Environments Research and Design, with a focus on healthcare communication dynamics and organizational risk management.

His research explores how physical environments shape communication among healthcare teams, with recent studies analyzing decentralized nursing stations and patient room designs. He also examines workforce trends and safety in the construction industry, bridging healthcare and occupational studies.