Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 19 of 19
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Polypharmacy And Fall Risk Education In Elderly Adults, Mohamad K. Hamze
Polypharmacy And Fall Risk Education In Elderly Adults, Mohamad K. Hamze
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
The primary care office is often the setting for medication management and risk-reduction and PCPs frequently reconcile and manage the prescriptions of numerous specialists who see a patient separately. For patients >65, one must consider the necessity of prescribed medications that may contribute to increased fall risk in this age group. Patients themselves may be uncertain of the types of medications they may be taking that potentially put them at increased risk for falls or adverse outcomes of falls. Thus, they may benefit from easily accessible educational materials on commonly-prescribed medications in these categories so that they may work with …
Promoting Exercise In The Elderly Population Through An Informative Handout, Stephen Brand
Promoting Exercise In The Elderly Population Through An Informative Handout, Stephen Brand
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Physical activity has been shown to reduce risk of morbidity, mortality and prolongs life expectancy in the elderly population. However, many factors can inhibit one’s ability to exercise, including economic strain. Fortunately, a program known as SilverSneakers provides access to fitness centers and fitness classes designed for seniors which is included with certain eligible Medicare plans. This project aims to promote physical activity in patients aged 65 or greater who may not be aware of the potential access they have to local health clubs in the greater Southern Connecticut area.
Resources To Decrease Social Isolation In The Elderly, Alexandra Novelli
Resources To Decrease Social Isolation In The Elderly, Alexandra Novelli
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Social isolation has significant negative impacts on both the physical and mental health of the elderly. Older Vermonters face additional barriers to social engagement including living in a rural environment, lack of access to transportation, and financial barriers. The aim of this project was to provide information about opportunities for social engagement for older individuals by distributing a pamphlet at Colchester Family Practice in Colchester, VT.
Updating Evidence-Based Patient Education Resources For Sleep: Sleep Hygiene And Benzodiazepine Discontinuation, Carolyn Geraci, Madeline Fritz
Updating Evidence-Based Patient Education Resources For Sleep: Sleep Hygiene And Benzodiazepine Discontinuation, Carolyn Geraci, Madeline Fritz
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
There is a major need for patient education around the topics of sleep hygiene and benzodiazepine sleep aid discontinuation in the family medicine clinic setting. Current patient-focused educational materials need updating and are not comprehensive enough. We therefore created new handouts and smartphrases which integrate into the electronic medical record system with the goal of educating patients on these topics.
Walk And Talk, Carly H. Watson
Walk And Talk, Carly H. Watson
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Implementing outdoor walks into the daily routine of residents at long-term care facilities.
Increasing Oral Health Care For The Elderly In Plattsburgh, Ny, Megan E. Prue
Increasing Oral Health Care For The Elderly In Plattsburgh, Ny, Megan E. Prue
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Poor oral hygiene can have many adverse systemic effects in the elderly, including aspiration pneumonia. This project explored ways to increase dental care in the elderly, with the aim of decreasing rates of pneumonia along the way.
Zoom Support: Virtual Health In The Times Of Covid, Patrick Clarke
Zoom Support: Virtual Health In The Times Of Covid, Patrick Clarke
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Assessing the feasibility of implementing a "how-to" video for elderly or disabled persons utilizing Zoom to access telehealth.
Interventions For Fall Prevention In Community-Dwelling Older Persons, Gregory S. Roy
Interventions For Fall Prevention In Community-Dwelling Older Persons, Gregory S. Roy
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Falls in individuals over the age of 65 is a pervasive problem resulting in significant health and economic burden in our country. Thus, effective fall prevention strategies are an important public health measure, especially in an age group that is growing rapidly. Research has shown a multifactorial approach to fall prevention addressing environmental hazards, strength and balance, medications, and medical comorbidities to be most effective. Despite there being strong evidence to support this, many individuals are unaware of the factors that put them at risk and ways to mitigate them. An educational pamphlet containing evidence-based strategies to reduce fall risk …
Availability Of Shingrix Vaccine In St. Albans And Its Benefits Vs Zostavax, Ibrahim Sobhi-Luther Hussein
Availability Of Shingrix Vaccine In St. Albans And Its Benefits Vs Zostavax, Ibrahim Sobhi-Luther Hussein
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Across the United States, including St. Albans, Vermont, a shortage of Shingrix Vaccine has left many patients without effective protection from shingles. The purpose of this project was to identify how patients could obtain the vaccine within a reasonable amount of time, and avoid being placed on long wait-lists at pharmacies. Four different pharmacies in St. Albans were contacted. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians explained what patients can do to receive the vaccine with less hassle. These tips will be given to patients in handouts at NOTCH along with information about the significant benefits of Shingrix vs the previous Zostravax.
Caring For An Aging Loved One, Meredith Ann Lackie
Caring For An Aging Loved One, Meredith Ann Lackie
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Caregivers serve as a critical extension of US health care system. Approximately 80% of adults requiring long-term care currently live at home in the community, and unpaid family caregivers provide 90% of their care. Among caregivers, 81 % feel inadequately trained for the skills they perform and those who report the highest burden are more likely to be less educated, to live with the care recipient, and to perceive they had no choice in assuming the caregiver role. The goal of this project was to identify local resources available for caregivers and to understand the barriers to accessing these supports. …
Shingrix: Educating Patients On The New Shingles Vaccine, Sarah Natasha Jost
Shingrix: Educating Patients On The New Shingles Vaccine, Sarah Natasha Jost
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Herpes zoster (shingles) is a viral infection that results in a painful rash and has a myriad of long-term complications, including post-herpetic neuralgia- chronic pain that does not resolved despite resolution of the rash. Over the last 20 years, incidence of shingles has increased by nearly 50% and now there are 2 vaccines available to prevent shingles. Shingrix was approved by the FDA in 2017 and has garnered public attention for its efficacy. I developed a brochure that gives patients information about shingles, Shingrix, and answers some frequently asked questions.
Physical Activity And Fall Prevention In Older Adults, An Educational Intervention, Caleb Daniel Knight
Physical Activity And Fall Prevention In Older Adults, An Educational Intervention, Caleb Daniel Knight
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Falls in adults over 65 years of age constitute a significant health burden in our country, and this age group is growing rapidly. Falls are addressed with a multifactorial approach, addressing comorbidities, medications, and the physical environment, however, an effective point of intervention accessible by most older adults is physical activity. A brief educational presentation about the morbidity and mortality associated with falls, and the protective effects of physical activity, was provided to Meadowbrook Healthcare subacute nursing home residents in Plattsburgh, NY. Questions were encouraged and answered afterwards, and copies of the presentation were left for the residents to review …
Shingles & Pneumococcal Vaccines: Recommendations For Older Adults, Benjamin Flinn
Shingles & Pneumococcal Vaccines: Recommendations For Older Adults, Benjamin Flinn
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
As the immune system tends to weaken over time, patients aged 50+ begin having increased risk for certain potentially preventable diseases, especially shingles and pneumonia. Although there are vaccinations to protect against these diseases, there are many significant barriers preventing patients from receiving the vaccines that they need, including potentially confusing guidelines, concerns over risks, and recent changes to vaccine recommendations. This project aims to produce a clear and concise educational brochure to help overcome some of these barriers, and to drive patient-provider conversation about their vaccine recommendations.
Connecting Seniors In Franklin County Vermont To Community Resources, Autumn Reilly
Connecting Seniors In Franklin County Vermont To Community Resources, Autumn Reilly
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Vermont currently has the second oldest population in the country and the elderly population is continuing to increase. Senior citizens define aging successfully as having good health, strong friendships, and being able to participate in activities. In order to meet the needs of seniors it is important to find ways to better connect them with available community resources. The aim of this project was to create a pamphlet of community resources available to seniors in Franklin County, Vermont to aid in connecting them to community involvement and support.
Recognizing Depression In Elderly Patients, Maia Sakradse
Recognizing Depression In Elderly Patients, Maia Sakradse
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Recognizing depression in elderly patients can be challenging. Lack of awareness of mental health issues amongst elderly patients, ideas that depression is a normal part of aging, and confusing symptoms of depression as symptoms of other conditions are just a few of the challenges. Providing patient information about the signs and symptoms of depression in older patients may help encourage patient to talk to their doctors about depression.
Preventing Falls In The Elderly, Rebecca Robbins
Preventing Falls In The Elderly, Rebecca Robbins
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, leading to 27,000 deaths every year and almost 3 million emergency room visits. Many view falls as just part of getting older; however fall risk can be significantly diminished through appropriate screening, education and community programs. Through literature review and talking to members of the local community, I learned about how fall risk is assessed along with what education and programs are provided for those at increased risk of falling. This project sought to educate patients about simple steps that can be made to decrease their fall …
Reducing Falls: Merging Research And Community Resources, Alison Mercier
Reducing Falls: Merging Research And Community Resources, Alison Mercier
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
1/3 of older adults over the age of 65 fall, 10% of these falls can lead to serious injuries like hip fractures. The average length of life for someone who fractures their hip is 6 months. The risk and reasons for falling are multifactorial and often take a long time to assess. There are a few evidence based recommendations for reducing fall risk, yet a lack of awareness of these recommendations, and community resources to address this need. This project aimed to create a standardized assessment tool based on literature research and available community resources to facilitate fall risk assessment …
Identifying Depression In The Elderly, Gayathri Prabhakar
Identifying Depression In The Elderly, Gayathri Prabhakar
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Depression among the elderly is significantly under-diagnosed and inadequately treated. With Vermont's rapidly aging population, particularly in Addison County, increased diagnosis and treatment, whether behavioral or pharmacological, will lead to increased quality of life for aging individuals and their caretakers. This study aimed to increase patient education about the signs of depression as well as available community resources available to help this patient population.
Influenza Vaccination In The Elderly, Ayse Nur Celebioglu
Influenza Vaccination In The Elderly, Ayse Nur Celebioglu
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Influenza is responsible for an estimated 300,000 hospitalizations and 23,000 deaths annually, the majority of which occur in elderly populations. Despite a physiologic vulnerability to this infection, every year millions of seniors do not receive the seasonal flu vaccine. This project set out to understand the myths surrounding influenza vaccinations in the elderly and to educate them on the different types of vaccines available.