Our research centers on evaluating and improving the patient experience with novel technologies in cardiac care with a focus on quality of life.
Patient Outcomes in Healthcare
We are currently focusing on improving patient quality of life and outcomes through conducting research on the patient-provider relationship and patient-centered care.
Quality of LIfe
Dr. Sears is a nationally recognized expert in the psychological care and quality of life outcomes of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients.
Cardic Devices
In 2021, Expertscape.com named Dr. Sears one of the top 50 experts/ prolific authors in the world on implantable defibrillators over the last 10 years amongst the 27,847 authors on the topic.
Current Projects
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Using His/Left Bundle Pacing vs. Left Ventricular Epicardial Pacing in Patients with Heart Failure
We will be collaborating on this project with Baylor College of Medicine that has been awarded a grant by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.
Atrial Fibrillation and Aortic Dissection
We are examining lifestyle factors in order to develop novel behavioral interventions, aided by the use of activity-tracking wearable devices, with the goal of improving patient outcomes. We are also interested in the impact of cardiac devices on patient’s psychological well-being. A particular area of interest is shock anxiety in those with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Currently, our states of interest include atrial fibrillation and aortic dissections.