Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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.

Educating Patients On The Covid-19 Vaccination, Jenna Wells, Sara Brennan

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Patients are frequently coming into clinics with misinformation and frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. The goal of this project was to address these frequently asked questions by educating patients and sparking conversation regarding the vaccine when patients came to their clinic appoints. This was accomplished via a handout that was given to patients on arrival.

Nutritional Habits: Encouraging Simplicity And Consistency, Alim Esemenli

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Nutrition plays a crucial role in development of diseases that are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the Unites States. However, due to reasons such as time limitations, lack of clear guidelines, and what seems like a sense of hopelessness felt by providers and patients alike upon lack of results, discussions around nutrition may lack in frequency, consistency, and/or adequacy of duration, Research shows that flexibility of mindset, as well as achievability and sustainability of nutritional goals, play a key role in achieving success in weight This project proposes a three-page document that can potentially help primary care …

Patient Perceptions On The Covid-19 Vaccine, Claudia E. Russell

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

With COVID-19 cases and deaths on the rise in Vermont and nationally, it will be important for as many people who are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccines when available. The WHO considers vaccine hesitancy to be a major threat to public health. This study aims to examine patient attitudes and concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. An informational brochure about the recently approved Pfizer and Moderna vaccines was then distributed to all participants.

Increasing Patient Access To Lgbtq+ Healthcare Through Expanding The Vermont Diversity Health Project, Rachel Harrison

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Numerous studies have documented various disparities in health outcomes and barriers to healthcare access for LGBTQ+ individuals. One major way to combat this is to increase access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ patients and increase provider knowledge of how to best care for them. Through expanding the Vermont Diversity Health Project database of providers and having providers participate in LGBTQ+ Best Practices trainings (both hosted by Pride Center of Vermont), we may reduce LGBTQ+ health disparities in our local community.

Nutritional Barriers For Patients With Diabetes: A Quality Improvement Project, Emma C. Levine, Taylor D. Marquis

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

The goal of this study was to look at health care providers perspectives on what the nutritional barriers patients with diabetes faced and compare that with the patient's perspectives. We also assessed patients knowledge on certain foods and if they have carbohydrates. We used this information to create a Notecard that could be given to patients.

Patient Attitudes And Education About The Covid-19 Vaccine, Zeynep Tek, Faith Wilson, Claudia Russell

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

We gave patients a survey about if they were interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and if not why across three different sites in Vermont and Connecticut. We also made and handed out a pamphlet about commonly asked questions about the vaccine and what the state's distribution plan was. A majority of patients were interested in the getting the vaccine, and those who were unsure were worried about the long term side effects.

Covid-19 Vaccine Information And Patient Opinions, Faith E. Wilson, Zeynep Tek, Claudia Russell

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available in Vermont, many patients have questions about the safety and efficacy, who it will be available for, when they can expect to get the vaccine, if their doctor would recommend it for them. These important questions are taking valuable time during already short patient visits, and as information is constantly evolving it is difficult to give a concise answer to many questions. This project outlined the basics of the vaccine and answered many FAQs.

Addressing Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy, Aram S. Garewal

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States is a major roadblock in the fight against a raging pandemic. Education on mRNA vaccine technology, efficacy, and safety may help reduce public hesitancy. An educational handout was created and distributed at the Brookfield Family Practice to help alleviate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the local community.

Covid-19 Vaccination: Educating Patients On Vaccine Availability And Distribution Plans In Lewiston, Me, Erick Maclean

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

In December 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued emergency use authorizations for two COVID-19 vaccines. Many patients at the Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency clinic had questions related to the vaccines and the plans for vaccine distribution in Maine. With the prevalence of misinformation related to the COVID-19 vaccines on the internet, there existed a need for accurate, easily understandable information to assist with patient education about the vaccines.

Evaluating Patient And Provider Knowledge Of Safe Pharmaceutical Disposal Procedures In Vermont Through A Public Health And Environmental Lens, Emily R. Straley

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Patient and provider knowledge of safe pharmaceutical disposal procedures is crucial from both a public health and environmental standpoint. Unfortunately, studies have shown that Vermont residents are largely unaware of safe drug disposal programs in their communities. This project evaluated patient knowledge of drug disposal practices and awareness of safe pharmaceutical disposal procedures at Hinesburg Family Medicine. A short phrase was created to better disseminate information about safe drug disposal in Hinesburg, which can be added to a patient’s after visit summary. Many patients report never discussing medication disposal with their physician. Therefore, increased provider communication regarding leftover and unused …

Streamlining Teledermatology In Primary Care, Hakeem Yousef

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

The use of telemedicine as a tool to aid in seeing patients has increased dramatically since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Skin problems are one of the many medical issues seen via telemedicine, and many patients and providers may find some difficulty maneuvering through this new age of technology

Smoking Cessation Associated Weight Gain: The Role Of Diet And Exercise Counseling In Quitting Smoking, Benjamin D. Kagan

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Weight gain is a common unintended consequence of quitting smoking due to a combination of physiologic and behavioral factors. Counseling focused on diet and exercise reduces weight gain associated with smoking cessation. Reduction of weight gain related to smoking cessation maximizes the health benefit of quitting tobacco.

Challenges With Diet During The Covid Pandemic, Cinduja Nathan

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on many individual's lives and their families. It has caused many people to change their lifestyles and daily routines. This project focuses on how diet has changed during the COVID pandemic and explores the reasons for these diet changes. 23 patients from the Central Vermont Medical Center were given surveys and their responses were analyzed and recorded. Out of the 23 patients, 20 patients reported that they noticed a change in their diet as a result of COVID 19. Of the 20 patients who noticed a change in their diet, 5 …

Assessing And Improving Awareness Of Safe Prescription Drug Disposal In Hinesburg, Vermont, Kaitlyn Peper

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Millions of Americans misuse prescription drugs each year and over half of these people obtained a prescription from friends or family. Additionally, medications that are disposed of improperly lead to contamination of the environment. This project aimed to assess awareness of proper medication disposal amongst patients at Hinesburg Family Practice and to increase communication with patients regarding options for prescription drug disposal in Hinesburg, Vermont.

Improving Sleep: Patient Education On Sleep Hygiene Techniques, Anya Srikureja

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Approximately one third of adults in the United States sleep less than the recommended 7 hours a night. Insufficient sleep is associated with increase risk of chronic diseases and all-cause mortality. While pharmacologic sleep aids are available, cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended as an effective, first line treatment for insomnia. This project aimed to create patient education materials on sleep hygiene techniques that could be easily distributed by providers through the electronic medical record in order to help improve sleep for the patient population in Vergennes, Vermont.

Low-Cost At-Home Cardio Solutions For Patients During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Anna G. Quinlan

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

No abstract provided.

Helping People Overcome Barriers To Exercise Through In-Office Pt Exercise Evaluation Referrals, Matthew Charles Hill Brandt

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Utilization of a poster in a primary care exam room advertising Physical Therapy Exercise Evaluations in an effort to help patients overcome barriers to exercising. The goal of the project is to capture people in the contemplative/preparatory stage of behavior change and help them reach the action and maintenance phases to improve health.

Tailored Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity (Sogi) Education: Assessing Network Needs Through A Survey Of Knowledge And Attitudes, Luke M. Higgins

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

No abstract provided.

The Design And Impact Of A Rural Community Supported Doula Program, Kalin Jean Gregory-Davis

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

The purpose of this study is to describe the design and impact of a rural community supported doula program. The Washington County Mental Health Doula Project is a unique collaboration between the Central Vermont Medical Center and Washington County Mental Health Services, whereby doula support services are offered for at risk patients during their pregnancy, through the birth process and the post partum period, and up to one year post delivery. Many more typical doula programs are of significant cost to the patient, making this support inaccessible to those that may need it the most. This program is unique in …

Dental Basics For The Pcp, Tierra Lynch

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Oral health is a key component of overall systemic health. However, dental care remains a severely under met need in healthcare today, especially in rural settings. Thus, the primary care physician may find herself presented with a variety dental pathology and may feel underprepared for this challenge.

The purpose of this project is to develop concise, evidence based resources regarding the identification, stabilization, and management of common dental pathologies for the primary care physician. Additionally, a database of local resources for patients including basic oral care and local dental clinics for those without insurance will be compiled. This project will …

Assessing Perspectives And Targeting Education About The Covid-19 Vaccine Within The Hudson Headwaters Health Network, Malla K. Keefe

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

No abstract provided.

Infant Care In Our Community: Development Of An Infant Care Guide, Justin G. Schulz

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Improving health outcomes for infants and parent-provider communication at FQHCs by designing patient/parent focused health education literature.

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 …

Telemedicine After The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Quality Improvement Project, Alexis B. Miller

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

This project evaluates patient and provider preferences and perspective on the future of telemedicine use in primary care as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. As our healthcare system adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, use of telemedicine surged practically overnight. The pandemic created a necessity for rapid innovation in telemedicine, including accessibility and insurance coverage. As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and more events move back to in-person, what does this mean for the future of telemedicine? This project surveyed patients attending both in-person and telemedicine primary care appointments to assess their satisfaction, preferences for in-person versus …

Waist Circumference As A Vital Sign, Brad R. Fiske

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Conversion of research protocol into QI project at Norwalk Community Health Center. Goal is to implement waist circumference as a vital sign.

At Home Blood Pressure Monitoring, Aneesh Singal

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Blood pressure measurements in the office are often falsely elevated and do not reflect a patients at-home measurements. This project explores the values of home blood pressure monitoring and includes a pamphlet for use at the Colchester Family Medicine office. It has information on how to check blood pressure, which cuffs to buy, and how to enter home measurements into Epic so the physician can easily view them.

Evaluation Of Growth In Clinical Genetics Competency Among Pcps Participating In The Uvmhn Genomic Dna Testing Program, Christina Hansen

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Recently UVM Health Network Family Medicine practices have implemented “The Genomic DNA Test” pilot program to begin a concerted effort toward offering genetically informed primary care to all patients. The program aims to increase the number of participating primary care providers stepwise over time. However, some providers may find integration of genomic testing and discussion of clinical genetics issues with patients to be challenging given the relatively recent change toward emphasis on these topics in medical training curricula. The aim of this project was to develop a pilot survey to gather information from current participating providers about how participation in …

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 …