Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

E-Cigarette Prevention Among Vermont Youth, Tyler W. Wark

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

E-cigarettes are increasingly used by U.S. adolescents, a trend that is particularly troublesome from a public health perspective because they have been linked to conventional tobacco smoking. In Vermont, recent data from 2015 reports that 30% of high school students ever used electronic vapor products. At present the scientific, regulatory, and lay communities all have a dearth of quality information regarding e-cigarettes and their potential adverse health effects. This school-based intervention aims to promote awareness and educate at-risk youth in the Milton School District about e-cigarettes through an educational fact sheet and health blog post.

Breast Density Notification: A Primary Care Summary, Nicole Lin Mendelson

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

On January 15^th, 2017 Vermont Senate Bill 157 took effect requiring healthcare facilities that perform mammography to provide patients information that identifies their individual breast tissue classification. 40-50% of women fall into the category of having increased breast density. Increased breast density reduces the sensitivity of mammography and increases the chance that cancer will not be detected. Additionally, women who have dense breasts are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer. Supplemental screening provides an opportunity to increase detection of breast cancer, but comes with an increased rate of false positives. With this new law in place, …

Learning By Doing: The Md-Pa Interprofessional Education Rural Rotation, Ryan Palmer, Curt Stilp

Faculty Publications - College of Medical Science

While much investment has gone into developing interprofessional education (IPE) curriculum for healthcare professional students, many of these efforts have focused on classroom rather than clinical environments. Implementing robust IPE experiences into clinical training is often complicated by obstacles such as differing rotating schedules and differing curricular requirements. The Combined Medical-Physician Assistant Student Rural Rotation (Med-PARR) at the Oregon Health and Science University takes a practical approach to these challenges. Med-PARR students participate in focused IPE activities that overlay, or 'float', on top of each trainee's profession-specific curricular requirements. Through critical reflection, goal setting, and a community-based project, students get …

Promoting Awareness Of The Opioid Epidemic In Rural Vermont, Kathleen Olson

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Vermont is in the middle of an opioid epidemic. Heroin use fatalities are on the rise and the number of people in treatment for opioid use disorder in Rutland County has tripled in recent years. Despite this widespread problem, community members of Rutland County feel that there is reluctance to talk about opioid misuse and lack of awareness. This project aims to bring awareness, provide resources, and encourage people struggling with opioid use disorder to seek treatment.

Promoting Skin Cancer Awareness, Sree Sahithi Kolli

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the nation and the cost to treat it is around 8 billion dollars a year. Sun exposure is linked to all three types of skin cancer and incidence of melanoma is highest in Caucasians compared to other races. In Brookfield, CT which is comprised of a predominantly Caucasian population, there is a lack of awareness of skin cancer detection and prevention. One of the best ways to promote skin cancer awareness is through education about the different types of skin cancers and sun safety behaviors. The idea is to start the conversation …

Professional Nursing Value Development In Nursing Students Who Participate In International Service Learning, Heather Ferrillo

Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: International Service Learning (ISL) is becoming widely used in nursing education as a means to provide global learning opportunities. Concrete outcomes for these experiences have not been clearly supported in previous research. Determining if ISL experience facilitate the development of Professional Nursing Values (PNV) can support the use of ISL as a viable pedagogy. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine if there were a difference in PNV development in students who participate in ISL as part of their clinical experiences compared to those who do not. The hypothesis was that there was a difference in the …

Developing Student Skills To Actively Engage In Feedback Conversations: A Pilot Study, Neil Tuttle, Andrea Bialocerkowski

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Students often have passive or counterproductive responses to feedback. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a feedback training module containing online learning and live simulation. It was hypothesized that 1) student confidence in feedback skills would increase following the module, and 2) compared with a control group who undertook the module after their clinical placement, the feedback group who undertook the module before their placement would perform better on clinical placement on the sections of the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice related to communication, but those related to clinical skills would not be affected. Methods: …

Rutland City Public School At Risk Youth Mentorship, Michael J. Marallo

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

This after school program’s purpose is to address the unique challenges of Rutland, VT Middle/High School students with multiple psychosocial risk factors (as determined by comparison to the ACE questionnaire) through mentorship, health and life skills education, and by guiding the development of positive coping skills. Activities will allow for self-expression outside of the classroom in a safe environment. Focus will be placed on assisting paraeducators and teachers with meeting goals that are appropriate for each individual student.

Self Reported Knowledge Of Concussion Symptoms And Management By Middle And High School Club Lacrosse Coaches, Logan Ellis

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

TITLE: Self-reported knowledge of concussion symptoms and management by middle and high school club lacrosse coaches

AUTHORS: Logan Ellis

BACKGROUND: With an increase in sport participation across all levels, concussion prevalence has increased as well as reliance on coaches to recognize a concussed player. Little research has been done investigating how effective our current educational materials are with Lacrosse coaches of grades 6-12.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross- Sectional

LEVEL of EVIDENCE: Level 4

METHODS: Self-administered, online survey that included closed ended questions regarding recognition of signs and symptoms, consequences of inappropriate care, perception of own knowledge, …

Evaluating Medical Students’ Proficiency With A Handheld Ophthalmoscope: A Pilot Study, Gregory Gilmour, James M. Mckivigan

College of Health & Human Services (TUN) Publications and Research

Introduction: Historically, testing medical students’ skills using a handheld ophthalmoscope has been difficult to do objectively. Many programs train students using plastic models of the eye which are a very limited fidelity simulator of a real human eye. This makes it difficult to be sure that actual proficiency is attained given the differences between the various models and actual patients. The purpose of this article is to introduce a method of testing where a medical student must match a patient with his/her fundus photo, ensuring objective evaluation as well as developing skills on real patients which are more likely to …

Staying Current In Your Field Of Interest: Tips For Aspiring Students As Researchers, Dor D. Abelman

Health Studies Publications

Undergraduate students are becoming increasingly involved in research. They already posses the skills required to make meaningful contributions to their field of interest. Some important components of their success relates to a student's ability to stay up to date in the research of their field, and to learn practical skills pertaining to the publishing process. This article hopes to help with this through presenting easy-to-follow summary tables and short paragraphs on tips for success. Topics include staying up to date in a practical way, getting involved, reaching out for help, and publication. For students, by students, this report is relatable …

Impact Of Conflict On Medical Education: A Cross-Sectional Survey Of Students And Institutions In Iraq, Ashton Barnett-Vanes, Sondus Hassounah, Marwan Shawki, Omar Abdulkadir Ismail, Chi Fung, Tara Kedia, Salman Rawaf, Azeem Majeed

Dartmouth Scholarship

Objective: This study surveyed all Iraqi medical schools and a cross-section of Iraqi medical students regarding their institutional and student experiences of medical education amidst ongoing conflict. The objective was to better understand the current resources and challenges facing medical schools, and the impacts of conflict on the training landscape and student experience, to provide evidence for further research and policy development. Setting: Deans of all Iraqi medical schools registered in the World Directory of Medical Schools were invited to participate in a survey electronically. Medical students from three Iraqi medical schools were invited to participate in a survey electronically. …

The Future Of Global Health Education: Training For Equity In Global Health, Lisa V. Adams, Claire M. Wagner, Cameron T. Nutt, Agnes Binagwaho

Dartmouth Scholarship

Background:

Among academic institutions in the United States, interest in global health has grown substantially: by the number of students seeking global health opportunities at all stages of training, and by the increase in institutional partnerships and newly established centers, institutes, and initiatives to house global health programs at undergraduate, public health and medical schools. Witnessing this remarkable growth should compel health educators to question whether the training and guidance that we provide to students today is appropriate, and whether it will be applicable in the next decade and beyond. Given that “global health” did not exist as an academic …

Medicine Outside The Clinic: The Growing Need For Physicians In Sexual Education Policy, Zachary Sanford

Marshall Journal of Medicine

Sex and sexuality are both topics of immense social and personal importance, owing their openness or constraint in large part to the society in which they are discussed. In homogenous groups it may be possible to reach firm consensus on what is, or is not, appropriate to consider a sexual norm and use an overarching set of religious or spiritual morals to reaffirm this decision. However, in western society and specifically in the United States, a theme of integration and amalgamation of wildly different cultures has presented an interesting case study in searching for common ground on basic social issues. …

Assessment Of Texan Pharmacists' Attitudes, Behaviors, And Preferences Related To Continuing Pharmacy Education, Fadi M. Alkhateeb, Omar F. Attarabeen, Alameddine Sarah

Pharmacy Practice & Administration

Background: Whether the available Continuing Education (CE) programs meet pharmacists’ continuously increasing needs and preferences is open to question.

Objectives: to investigate pharmacists’ perceptions and attitudes concerning available CE programs, evaluate the pharmacists’ choices with regard to selecting among different CE programs, and investigate the factors that are associated with preference to utilize online CE programs.

Method: A 17-question survey was developed and mailed to a random sample of 600 Texan pharmacists. In addition to collecting basic demographic information, the survey investigated pharmacists’ choices with regard to delivery and content of CE programs, motivations to participation in CE programs, and …

Practc: Practice Readiness Academic Clinical Training Collaborative –– Gap Analysis To Advance Clinical Training For Nurse Practitioner Students, Jennifer Hartlaub, Mary Ann Muzi, M. Jamie Cairo, John R. Brill, James Weese, Kristin Rivera, Susan Hafemann, Ann M. Rohrer, Julia Schumacher, Terri L. Vandenhouten

Kristin Rivera

Background: Multiple factors have created a perfect storm of health care provider shortages in the United States. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), long established as high-quality, cost-effective health care providers, are meeting health care needs across the nation in a variety of settings, and in Wisconsin will be needed to augment the primary care workforce. With 5.7% of its registered nurses credentialed as APRNs, Wisconsin lags behind the national average of 8.7%. However, current capacity to educate this workforce is strained, requiring innovative data-driven clinical education models. Purpose: To identify gaps in the current clinical educational framework for nurse practitioner …

Breastfeeding Intention Within A Rural Postpartum Population: Does Education Matter?, Brooke Hawkins

DNP Scholarly Projects

Purpose: The purpose of this scholarly project was to determine breastfeeding intention in a rural population after receiving education from a certified lactation consultant.

Review of the Literature: The benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child are clearly stated in the literature. Despite the known benefits, rates of breastfeeding are decreased within rural populations. Previous research suggests education about breastfeeding benefits is beneficial in increasing these rates. In particular, previous studies focused on the contributing factors affecting a mother’s decision to breast or formula feed. However, few studies were found strictly evaluating breastfeeding intention after receiving formal …

New Journals For Publishing Medical Case Reports, Katherine G. Akers Phd

Library Scholarly Publications

Because they do not rank highly in the hierarchy of evidence and are not frequently cited, case reports describing the clinical circumstances of single patients are seldom published by medical journals. However, many clinicians argue that case reports have significant educational value, advance medical knowledge, and complement evidence-based medicine. Over the last several years, a vast number (~160) of new peer-reviewed journals have emerged that focus on publishing case reports. These journals are typically open access and have relatively high acceptance rates. However, approximately half of the publishers of case reports journals engage in questionable or "predatory" publishing practices. Authors …

Evaluation Of Educational Intervention And Management Of Patients With Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus, Elissa Johnson

DNP Projects

Background: Diabetes is a costly disease with devastating consequences. Patients with poor glucose control whether due to inadequate medical care or limited self-care are most at risk for complications. Evidence supports the efficacy of multifaceted interventions in the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patient education, assessing behavioral and psychosocial elements, and focusing on lifestyle change (e.g. diet and exercise) are interventions shown to enhance self-efficacy and promote patient empowerment (Knight, Dornan, & Bundy, 2005).

Study Design: A retrospective chart review of 104 patients with established T2DM was conducted along with a qualitative interview with providers focused on management …

E-Cigarettes: What Primary Care Providers Need To Know, Jennifer S. Albert

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

E-cigarettes are gaining in popularity, yet our understanding of their health effects remains uncertain. Many people believe that they can aid in smoking cessation, however the evidence is inconclusive. The conflicting information in the public media has led some providers in Central Vermont to recommend e-cigarettes to their patients. This intervention aims to educate primary care providers about e-cigarettes by creating and distributing a fact sheet that can guide patient-provider interactions.

The Importance Of Collecting An Accurate Family Medical History, Danielle T. Leahy

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Family medical history has been recognized as an important non-modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even several types of cancer. However, a number of studies have shown that patients’ recall of their family history is often inaccurate and missing important information such as family members’ age at onset or diagnosis of a disease. Additionally, there is substantial variation regarding how often family physicians are actually obtaining FMH during visits. Patients’ understanding of the importance of obtaining an accurate FMH and even their perception of familial risk of common chronic diseases is also highly variable …

Improving Awareness Of Low Health Literacy And Strategies To Overcome It, Sherilyn Destefano

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

This project outlines an intervention delivered at a family medicine residency program in Bangor, ME to increase residents' knowledge of the impact of low health literacy and supply them with communication techniques to help improve patient understanding. Over 36% of U.S. adults have basic or below basic health literacy skills and low health literacy has been shown to lead to poorer health outcomes, increased health disparities, and increased cost. Our presentation focused on communication techniques like Teach-Back, an evidence-based strategy that assesses patient understanding by asking patients to repeat back healthcare instructions in their own words, that has been shown …

Pap Smear Compliance Study At Emmc, Bangor Maine, Do Gwak

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Many factors contribute to the accurate reporting of pap smear compliance in patients population. The factors identified during the study are system failure of EMR to track pap smear records and lack of communication among different clinics.

Prostate Cancer: Screening, Current Guidelines And Patient Education, Timothy F. Flanagan

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Recent changes in prostate cancer screening guidelines may create an opportunity for patient education. By creating a succinct hand-out on prostate cancer screening, providers enable their patients to understand screening, and provide sites with opportunities for further learning.

Childhood Obesity: A National Emergency, Elaine E. Wang

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Childhood obesity rates and the related public health costs are rising every year. Many projects have addressed family education on the importance of diet and exercise. However, though patients reportedly understand this concept, they are still have challenges implementing their knowledge. We seek to address this discrepancy with an educational brochure based on suggestions for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

A Confidential Sms Texting Service For Lgbtq Youth Sexual And Reproductive Health, Matthew A. Shear

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Compared to heterosexual youth, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth are at higher risk for depression, tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, suicide, and unhealthy sexual behaviors. The #1 priority set by Vermont's LGBTQ youth was access to queer-inclusive sex education during middle and high school. In collaboration with OutrightVT, an LGBTQ youth service organization based in Burlington, we worked to expand access to a 24 hour text-messaging based reproductive health hotline 724-888-7277 (SASS).

The number and frequency of text messages submitted to the hotline pre- and post-intervention were used measure the increase in access/awareness.

Effectiveness Of Iterative Interventions To Increase Research Productivity In One Residency Program., Richard Alweis, Suzanne Wenderoth, Anthony A. Donato

Reading Hospital Internal Medicine Residency

BACKGROUND: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires residency programs to expose residents to research opportunities.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a series of iterative interventions to increase scholarly activity in one internal medicine residency.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the effectiveness of a series of interventions to increase resident and faculty scholarly productivity over a 14-year period was performed using quality improvement methodology. Outcomes measured were accepted regional and national abstracts and PubMed indexed manuscripts of residents and faculty.

RESULTS: Initially, regional meeting abstracts increased and then were supplanted by national meeting …

Practc: Practice Readiness Academic Clinical Training Collaborative –– Gap Analysis To Advance Clinical Training For Nurse Practitioner Students, Jennifer Hartlaub, Mary Ann Muzi, M. Jamie Cairo, John R. Brill, James Weese, Kristin Rivera, Susan Hafemann, Ann M. Rohrer, Julia Schumacher, Terri L. Vandenhouten

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: Multiple factors have created a perfect storm of health care provider shortages in the United States. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), long established as high-quality, cost-effective health care providers, are meeting health care needs across the nation in a variety of settings, and in Wisconsin will be needed to augment the primary care workforce. With 5.7% of its registered nurses credentialed as APRNs, Wisconsin lags behind the national average of 8.7%. However, current capacity to educate this workforce is strained, requiring innovative data-driven clinical education models.

Purpose: To identify gaps in the current clinical educational framework for nurse practitioner …

Developing An Evidence-Based Public Health Informatics Course, Xinyu Yu, Yue Xie, Xuequn Pan, Susan Mayfield-Johnson, Jessica Whipple, Elena Azadbakht

Faculty Publications

Objectives: This study assessed the need to develop a public health informatics (PHI) introductory course and determine contents of such a course.

Methods: Community assessments employing focus group interviews and an online survey were utilized to determine course need and content.

Results: Results revealed a need to provide PHI training to graduate public health students and suggested broad course content requirements. Results indicated lack of awareness of libraries and librarians as sources of public health information.

Conclusions: A graduate PHI course was developed and delivered. Additionally, implementation of a subject guide increased the library's profile.

How Useful Is Youtube In Learning Heart Anatomy?, Athanasios Raikos, Pasan Waidyasekara

Athanasios Raikos

Nowadays more and more modern medical degree programs focus on self-directed and problem-based learning. That requires students to search for high quality and easy to retrieve online resources. YouTube is an emerging platform for learning human anatomy due to easy access and being a free service. The purpose of this study is to make a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the available human heart anatomy videos on YouTube. Using the search engine of the platform we searched for relevant videos using various keywords. Videos with irrelevant content, animal tissue, non-English language, no sound, duplicates, and physiology focused were excluded from …