Dr. Shelton’s research focuses on optimization of health care access for vulnerable populations to decrease health disparities and enhance value and efficiency of emergency care. Her work is aimed at increasing patient and community engagement in the health care system to optimize emergency department access and service utilization for vulnerable populations.In particular, Dr. Shelton’s research focuses on enhancing patient-provider communication, especially among urban populations and communities of color, to overcome linkage barriers to follow-up care and self-management.