Dr. Francis, PhD, RN, PHCNS-BC, is currently the Nurse Director for the Massachusetts General Hospital Newborn Family Unit which includes postpartum, antepartum, well newborn and Level II nursery. Her clinical background includes over 30 years in neonatal care and women's health. Her research focus is symptom assessment and management for preterm infants. Dr. Francis was appointed and has been a member of the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children Scientific Advisory Board for over 10 years. She is a presently a member on the IRB and serves as the co-chair for the Yvonne L. Munn Award. She has published and presented locally and nationally.

Research Summary

Dr. Francis studies how preterm infants demonstrate a pain response. Pain assessment is critical as preterm infants experience a disproportionate amount of painful procedures that can result in future negative health outcomes. Her group utilizes infrared thermography (IT), a low cost, noninvasive technology, to determine specific pain behaviors for the preterm infant population. Additionally, Dr. Francis is investigating facilitators and barriers for obtaining parental consent in the neonatal intensive care and special care nurseries. She hopes that this study will inform researchers about the needs of parents regarding information, education and access to research for this population.