Digital Commons Network^™

Program Development Of Incorporating Mindfulness-Based Practices Within Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Sarah Cottone, Zeida Gutierrez, Katie O'Hara

Fall 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project will address the limited literature and provide treatment results on the effective use of mindfulness exercises in pediatric occupational therapy for improved self-regulation. Purpose: This program aims to educate the pediatric clinic on the benefits of mindfulness and to develop mindfulness-based exercises to implement within pediatric occupational therapy sessions for self-regulation treatments. The purpose of the mindfulness exercises was to show efficient, effective, and noninvasive approaches to regulate a child’s emotions and sensory system.

Phase 1 Results: Cultural Adaptation Of A Mindfulness-Based Intervention For Latino Cancer Patients And Their Caregivers, Josheili Y. Llavona-Ortiz, Elizabeth Dominguez, Jaquelin Hernandez, Rosangela Silva, Kathrin Milbury, Larkin L. Strong

2023 Summer Experience

No abstract provided.

A Mindfulness Intervention For Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ashley N. Ries, Steven M. Gerardi Phd, Otd, Mss, Otr, Mary Horne Lcsw

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Every day, many United States veterans are suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Responses to trauma may vary from person to person; however, a diagnosis of PTSD includes the individual experiencing clinically significant distress in their social and occupational areas of functioning. The impact of PTSD on a veteran’s life could impact their ability to carry out activities of daily living, decrease the amount of social participation they have, and limit their ability to perform instrumental daily activities, such as grocery shopping. Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment, without judgment, and …

Psychosocial Health Intervention In The Intensive Care Unit (Icu): Occupational Therapy's Role, Rachel Kucharczyk

Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Capstone Posters

This capstone adovcated for the importance in addressing psychosocial health for individuals admitted to University Hospitals' Intensive Care Unit(s), specifically from an occupational therapy perspective. This capstone included the creation and implementation of a psychosocial health toolkit containing 50+ resources for therapists to utilize within their practice.

The Effect Of Yoga & Mindfulness On Chronic Aphasia, Marisa Perry

2023 SLP Posters

This presentation aims to describe the relationship between yoga/meditation and aphasia, lists considerations for implementation of yoga/meditation for people with aphasia, and identifies potential benefits of yoga/meditation for people with aphasia.

Cultural Responsibility: Whose Job Is It Anyway?, Shannon Coleman, Siobhan Cooke, Yu'vonne James, Elizabeth Younger

Instructional Modules for Professional learning Responding to Opportunities and Valuing Educators (IMPROVE)

This professional learning module (PLM) on cultural responsibility in the school setting is rooted in the recognition of the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. This PLM module was designed to help teachers, and those working within the school setting, understand, appreciate, and effectively address cultural diversity and its impact on students’ learning experiences.

View professional learning module.

Exploring The Effects Of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction On Pre-Clinical Medical Students: A Qualitative Methods, Longitudinal Pilot Study, Alyssa Heintschel, Scott Sabbagh, Patrick Herndon, Michael Moussa, Ruth Lerman

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction has become an increasingly popular practice in healthcare-affiliated populations. MBSR is a course designed to promote mindfulness and awareness within oneself through a combination of formal and informal practices. Studies suggest healthcare workers are at higher risk of experiencing stress and burnout; this is prevalent among pre-clinical medical students due to the rigorous nature of medical school coursework. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing an MBSR program to facilitate improvements in key areas of mental health among medical students throughout their training.

Investigating The Effectiveness Of A Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course Within Healthcare: A Qualitative Methods Study, Patrick Herndon, Michael Moussa, Alyssa Heintschel, Scott Sabbagh, Ruth Lerman

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Mindfulness practice has emerged as a promising means to address stress in healthcare workers (HCW). Virtually all HCW studies of the standardized, validated Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) curriculum have been conducted using homogeneous (HCW only) populations. This work examines the novel approach of comparing the effects of heterogeneous MBSR classes: HCW, oncology patients and family members (HCW-HE) as compared to homogeneous classes HCW and their family members only (HCW-HO)

Investigating The Effects Of A Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course On A Grouping Of Oncology Patients, Health Care Workers And Their Families On Measures Of Stress And Burnout In Health Care Workers: A Randomized Control Trial, Michael Moussa, Patrick Herndon, Alyssa Heintschel, Scott Sabbagh, Ruth Lerman

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can improve the mental health of health care workers (HCW). How will the inclusion of oncology patients (OP) in MBSR classes for HCW affect the mental health of HCW?

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction For Pre-Clinical Medical Students: Exploring Efficacy And Benefit, Scott Sabbagh, Alyssa Heintschel, Patrick Herndon, Michael Moussa, Ruth Lerman

Posters

INTRODUCTION
Studies suggest that healthcare-affiliated populations are at an increased risk of experiencing chronic stress and burnout. Mindfulness meditation has become an established method to address and alleviate their effects, though it has not been extensively studied in the medical student population. The primary goals of this study are to assess the feasibility and efficacy of an 8-week, 30 contact hour MBSR course for first and second year medical students, and to assess its impact on their reported levels of stress, burnout, fear of compassion, and mindfulness.

Collaborative Initiatives For Mindful Education Through The Arts In Inclusive Classroom Environments, Shannon Vogel, Sheila Scott, Bobbi Schaminee

ABLE Assembly Conference Session Materials

No abstract provided.

Great River Legs, Laura Madeline Wiseman

Zea E-Books Collection

Great River Legs is a lyric collection of prose poetry, creative nonfiction, and found poetry. This creative response documents my 1,398 mile, 25-day bicycle ride from Muscatine, Iowa, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, between October 2017–March 2018. The journey took place in legs over breaks during the school year, with two additional back-to-back weekend rides that started the adventure.

In her latest book, Great River Legs, Laura Madeline Wiseman takes you on an intimate journey as she weaves in and out of a cross-country, long distance bike ride. In this beautifully curated book that includes prose poetry, creative non-fiction and …

Analysis Of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, And Threats For Cultural Adaptation Of Mindfulness Program For Latino Cancer Patients & Caregivers, Hannah Fuchs, Larkin Strong

Summer Experience 2021

No abstract provided.

Exploring Approaches To Equity In Environmental Education Access For Teens, Norah Cook

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Yoga Therapy On Quality Of Life In Pediatric Patients With Oncological Diagnoses: A Systematic Review, Katherine Tota, Taylor Harnish, Meredith Hartz

Student Research Poster Presentations 2021

Background: Yoga therapies have become more common as physical therapy treatment to improve mood, anxiety, and fatigue in adolescents and adults with cancer. A cancer diagnosis has physical, emotional, and social effects on children and their families. It is correlated with high rates of depression and anxiety, and has large financial implications for parents/guardians.

Study design: Systematic review

Purpose: This purpose of this study was to examine the effects of yoga therapy on overall quality of life in treatment of patients with a pediatric oncology diagnosis.

Methods and Measure: A review of literature took place in January 2021 using the …

Perceptions Of Self-Efficacy And Experiences Of Mindfulness On Pain And Anxiety In Patients Undergoing A Colorectal Surgery: A Prospective Mixed Methods Study, Rebecca Brown, Julie Fitzgibbons, Rachel Farrington

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2021

Introduction

• Pain and anxiety have a physiological response on the body.

• Increased heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure can lead to complications, and thus longer hospitalization along with decreased patient satisfaction.

The Use Of Technology For Mental Wellbeing In The Era Of Covid-19, Adam Fakhri

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Prevalence of mental health issues has increased during the time of COVID-19. There are many contributing factors to consider, the main one reported has been social isolation due to quarantine precautions. Members of the community have spent extended periods of time at home and away from their loved ones during this pandemic. Many patients have reported many life events occurring including deaths in the family without the ability to even mourn with their family members. This has taken a toll on the community, especially in Vergennes where this small tight knit community that has relied on its tight social bonds …

Improving Access To Meditation And Mindfulness For The Management Of Anxiety, Stress, And Other Chronic Diseases Of Chronic, Jesse Naumann, Alex Cohen

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Chronic diseases can have an enormous burden on not only an individual’s quality of life, but their economic output as well. The challenge is that many patients with a chronic disease are not fully treated despite many different medications and doctor’s appointments. Mindfulness is an extremely beneficial tool that can be used as an adjunctive treatment for different chronic health diseases including anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and many others. An enormous barrier is that many patients are unsure about what mindfulness truly is, and where one can go about accessing mindfulness resources. Our goal was to create a quick …

Improving Access To Meditation And Mindfulness For The Management Of Anxiety, Stress, And Other Chronic Diseases, Alex Cohen, Jesse Naumann

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Chronic diseases can have an enormous burden on not only an individual’s quality of life, but their economic output as well. The challenge is that many patients with a chronic disease are not fully treated despite many different medications and doctor’s appointments. Mindfulness is an extremely beneficial tool that can be used as an adjunctive treatment for different chronic health diseases including anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain, and many others. An enormous barrier is that many patients are unsure about what mindfulness truly is, and where one can go about accessing mindfulness resources. Our goal was to create a quick …

Resource To Address Pandemic-Related Anxiety And Depression For Pregnant Patients In Vermont, Mohammed Wali

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to patient deaths, strained health care systems, and economic uncertainty. Distress during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes for both parent and baby. A patient-friendly handout was created for pregnant patients to offer reassurance, incorporate mind-body recommendations to address stress, and offer screening tools to empower them to address mood concerns with their obstetric providers in the COVID-era.

Managing Chronic Low Back Pain, Joseph Michael Teague Mr.

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Chronic Low Back Pain remains a leading reason for ambulatory care visits, a leading primary diagnosis for ambulatory care visits, a leading cause of global burden, and the leading cause of lost workdays in the US. US Health expenditures for adults with chronic low back pain total over 102 billion. Chronic low back pain increases the risk of unemployment, poverty, obesity, smoking, and depression. Physical therapy (PT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have been proven to reduce chronic low back pain intensity and duration, improve function, reduce healthcare utilization and cost, and reduce sick time. This project investigated community resources …

The Use Of Mindful Breathing As Part Of The Healthcare Intake Process, Deena Chanowitz, Lauren Struck

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Most Americans visit the doctor’s office for an acute or chronic condition or for preventative care. No matter what the reason, a visit to the doctor’s office can be stressful for a patient. Our study was designed to determine whether a patient’s experience of the visit can be improved using a mindful breathing exercise. We developed a system for teaching a two minute breathing exercise, with a brief questionnaire to evaluate how the patient feels before and after the intervention. We presented our study design to practitioners in primary care offices in VT and CT who were receptive to the …

Mindfully Empowered Health (A Handout), University Of New England Applied Nutrition Program

All Student-Created Educational Resources

This educational handout focuses on delivering the concept of Mindfulness to adolescent young women when choosing healthier food choices alongside appropriate portion sizes recommended by the 2,000 kcal/diet MyPlate Plan. Acknowledging that teen girls have a greater desire for autonomy in their food and exercise choices, the first side educates them on ways to monitor their healthy to not so healthy food choices utilizing the Traffic Light Diet concept. Colorful pictures alongside each section illustrate which choices correlate to “always appropriate”, “pause”, and “stop and think” foods. Portion size control is depicted through everyday objects so that the user can …

Mindfulness: An Underutilized Tool For Patients And Providers Alike, Candice Wolf

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

A healthy body begins with a healthy mind, and a healthy mind begins with mindfulness. Mindfulness means paying attention on purpose and without judgment. It has been shown to reduce: anxiety, blood pressure, gastrointestinal distress symptoms, PTSD, pain, insomnia, depression, and healthcare cost. 63% of American’s are stressed about the future of the nation, money, work, the political climate, violence, and crime. Primary care providers have the opportunity to introduce patients to mindfulness to compliment and/or potentially replace current alternative pharmacologic options.

Sleeping Mindfully, Jinal Gandhi

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Insomnia is a disorder of hyperarousal that affects up to 30% of adults. Insomnia is based on cognitive dysfunction that causes us to worry and neuroendocrine factors that upregulate our autonomic nervous system. Studies have shown that just 10 minutes of daily mindfulness practice can improve sleep. Mindfulness is able to work at the root of both causes of insomnia. It improves our ability to relax through increasing attentional factors that impart control over stress hormones and helps reduce ruminative thoughts.

Happy Mind, Bailey Bourgeois, Erica Jacobs, Allison Wisneski, Amanda Torres, Antii Makkonen

Nexus Maximus

Center City is home to a vast majority of overworked 30 year old's with limited social lives and high stress levels which causes mental depletion and higher anxiety. Our solution to this problem is a mindfulness app for mobile phones that this specific group can participate in. The app would not only give you advice on your commute to work, but also give you invites to nearby social events and discounts to a number of stores in the area.

Nexus Maximus V

The 2018 Challenge: "Improving Lives Through Healthy Communities" Teams will evaluate and seek innovation that supports the health …

Management Of Mental Health Illness: An Actionable Non-Pharmacologic Approach, Cody J. Couperus

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Mental health illness is a pervasive and incurs tremendous cost onto society. Patients benefit from a multi factorial approach to treatment including non-pharmacological methods. This project includes development of a handout utilizing compiled resources and motivational interviewing to facilitate patient use of these interventions.

[Introduction To] Writing And The Body In Motion: Awakening Voice Through Somatic Practice, Cheryl Pallant

Bookshelf

Based upon the author’s lifetime practices as a dancer, poet and teacher, this innovative approach to developing body awareness focuses on achieving self-discovery and well-being through movement, mindfulness and writing.

Written from a holistic (rather than dualistic) view of the mind-body duality, discussion and exercises draw on dance, psychology, neuroscience and meditation to guide personal exploration and creative expression.

Mindfulness As An Effective Strategy For Anxiety Relief In Adolescent Patients, Desiree N. Dibella

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Anxiety disorders affect 6.8 million adults over the age of 18 in the United States, and anxiety disorders are the most common mental health illness in children.

Risk Factors for anxiety disorders in young adults include the following: -Shyness, or behavioral inhibition, in childhood -Being of the female sex -Having few economic resources -Exposure to stressful life events in childhood -Anxiety disorders in close biological relatives -Parental history of mental disorders -Elevated afternoon cortisol levels in the saliva Teens and young adults increasingly suffer from anxiety disorders with the CDC reporting the rate of anxiety disorders among 3 to 17 …

The Sheridan Notebook, Brandon Mcfarlane, Kristine Villeneuve, Devin Murray

Faculty Books

The Sheridan Notebook is an integral component to a series of studies that seek to better understand (1) the impact of adult colouring on creativity and mindfulness, and (2) the educational potential of adult colouring. A growing volume of research suggests there is a noteworthy connection between mindfulness and creativity: mindful individuals through presence, openness, acceptance, and self-inquiry are able to adopt many perspectives and pursue multiple solutions when solving problems—characteristics held by highly creative and innovative individuals.

This book synthesizes adult colouring with the “In and Out” note-taking technique—developed at the International Center for Studies in Creativity—to provide students …