Keegan Barnes

As a public health analyst at RTI, Keegan Barnes leverages data-driven solutions and innovations in clinical informatics to advance public health. With extensive experience working with federal clients, Mr. Barnes excels in evaluating health interventions and synthesizing research to inform evidence-based practices. His expertise spans a wide range of topics, including behavioral health, electronic health record (EHR) integration, mobile health, artificial intelligence (AI), and patient-centered outcomes research.

Mr. Barnes’ multidisciplinary background, with dual degrees in Biological Physics and Philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, enriches his analytical approach to public health challenges. He can navigate complex research topics with technical precision and philosophical inquiry, making him adept at addressing both the scientific and ethical dimensions of health informatics. 

Mr. Barnes has contributed to initiatives, such as the Bio Kohj initiative with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aimed at enhancing effective detection, surveillance, and communication of emerging health outbreaks. He also supported the National Institutes of Health RECOVER Initiative, which investigates long-term COVID-19 recovery by synthesizing community engagement data through media channels and assisting in the development of a database to manage intervention briefings. He also oversaw the development of an augmented reality tool for first responders, where he led interdisciplinary teams to drive innovation in public health technology.

His work with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) allowed Mr. Barnes to delve into the intricate world of standards-based health data ecosystems. His participation in Health Level Seven (HL7) Clinical Decision Support working groups, coupled with his efforts in reviewing Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) implementation guides and refining value sets, showcases his understanding of the standards development process.