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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Health Impacts Of Remote Work, Tin Nhan Nguyen
Health Impacts Of Remote Work, Tin Nhan Nguyen
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Remote work has increased in frequency in the past few years with a notable rise in Connecticut. While working from home has certain benefits, it can also increase the risk of certain physical and mental health issues. An educational pamphlet on the health impacts of remote work with suggestions to reduce negative effects was developed and distributed to community members.
Creating A Screening Tool To Prevent Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv), Ankrish B. Milne
Creating A Screening Tool To Prevent Intimate Partner Violence (Ipv), Ankrish B. Milne
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
No abstract provided.
Listen To Her Heart: Bridging The Gap In Recognizing, Preventing, & Treating Ascvd In Women, Stephen J. Foley
Listen To Her Heart: Bridging The Gap In Recognizing, Preventing, & Treating Ascvd In Women, Stephen J. Foley
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is traditionally considered a male disease, yet it is the leading cause of death in women. This may be associated with the significant lack of research of ASCVD in women, leading to poor recognition, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The American Heart Association reports that a majority of women experience prodromal symptoms more than one month before a heart attack or stroke, and these symptoms are often underestimated. This project intends to help address the question: How can earlier detection of ASCVD risk in women reduce missed signs of acute myocardial infarction/stroke and thereby reduce preventable ASCVD …
How Prepped Are Our Providers?: Assessing Vermont Primary Care Providers’ Knowledge And Awareness Of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Options For Hiv Prevention, Christopher Flynn
How Prepped Are Our Providers?: Assessing Vermont Primary Care Providers’ Knowledge And Awareness Of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Options For Hiv Prevention, Christopher Flynn
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
In recent years, a number of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications and dosing strategies have become available to patients to help prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The primary objective of this research was to assess current PrEP awareness and prescribing practices of family medicine providers at the Hinesburg Family Medicine practice in Hinesburg, VT.
Implementing An Intimate Partner Violence Screening At A Connecticut Family Medicine Practice, Nikkole Turgeon
Implementing An Intimate Partner Violence Screening At A Connecticut Family Medicine Practice, Nikkole Turgeon
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem throughout the United States. The aim of this project was to implement a validated IPV screening form into the work flow of the Newtown Primary Care office and increase awareness about IPV throughout the office. The Hits, Insults, Threatens, Screams (HITS) screening form was implemented and resources from local domestic violence agencies were obtained for the office. A system was set up for patients who screen positive to be referred to the in-house therapist and to local domestic violence agencies. Future steps could include further training and education for the …
Wound Care In The Homeless Population- Chcb And Safe Harbor Clinic, Niveditha Badrinarayanan
Wound Care In The Homeless Population- Chcb And Safe Harbor Clinic, Niveditha Badrinarayanan
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Most of the clinician interactions in the homeless community has prioritized acute needs over chronic complaints like wounds. An inherent distrust of the healthcare system is also common in the homeless community due to lack of access to care, transportation, insurance, et. This project is aimed at encouraging preventative care in the homeless community with respect to wound care to reduce their concerns about unaddressed complaints and also decrease the burden on the providers during their healthcare visits.
Sun-Safety: Assessing Barriers And Promoting Sun-Safe Practices For Vermonters., Joy A. Benner
Sun-Safety: Assessing Barriers And Promoting Sun-Safe Practices For Vermonters., Joy A. Benner
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Skin cancer continues to be the most common cancer in Vermont and the United States. About one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Vermont currently ranks second highest in the country for melanoma skin cancer rates. Rates continue to rise and skin cancer is impacting patients at younger and younger ages. Although several factors play into development of melanoma, a large risk factor for developing skin-cancer in one's lifetime is UV exposure. One way to combat this is to encourage regular sun-safe practices, such as daily sunscreen use, seeking shade, and wearing sun-protective clothing. The aim …
Identifying Barriers To Sunscreen Use And Sun Safety Education, Seneca Hutson
Identifying Barriers To Sunscreen Use And Sun Safety Education, Seneca Hutson
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
No abstract provided.
Addressing Geriatric Falls In The Outpatient Setting: A Prevention Initiative, Brian W. Gross
Addressing Geriatric Falls In The Outpatient Setting: A Prevention Initiative, Brian W. Gross
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
With approximately 25% of older aged 65 or greater falling each year, and 20% of these incidents resulting in serious injury, falls are of significant concern for both the geriatric community and the healthcare system at large. In 2017, Vermont ranked 41st in the nation with respect to the percent of older adults with self-reported falls in the past 12 months, according to the United Health Foundation’s “America’s Health Rankings" report. Many patients at risk for falling remain uneducated regarding environmental, pharmacological, and/or behavioral risk factors that may be contributing to their fall risk. In addition, providers often have limited …
Mindfulness: An Underutilized Tool For Patients And Providers Alike, Candice Wolf
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.
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 …
Osteoporosis: What To Be Aware Of As A Patient, Jonathan H. Borden
Osteoporosis: What To Be Aware Of As A Patient, Jonathan H. Borden
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
The prevalence of Osteoporosis is increasing with the growing elderly population in our nation. Studies show that the incorporation of osteoporosis risk screening into primary care intake protocols significantly decreases the rate of osteoporotic fractures in patients. This project aimed to increase osteoporotic screening within a primary care office in St. Albans VT via the development and distribution of an “Osteoporosis: What to be aware of as a patient” brochure to patients that met the criteria for being at risk of being osteoporotic (women ages 65+, women who are post-menopausal but younger than 65, men ages 70+).
Osteoporosis Education: An Insight Into Risk Factors & Prevention, Alan Lee
Osteoporosis Education: An Insight Into Risk Factors & Prevention, Alan Lee
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
In longitudinal studies of women residing in northern latitudes (i.e. Vermont), bone loss was most pronounced during winter months when sun exposure and weight-bearing activities are more limited. Although information about screening and treatments for osteoporosis are widely available to patients, there appears to be a gap in education about risk factors that predispose one to this silent yet deadly disease as well as strategies for prevention according to several community interviews that I conducted. In response to my conversations about osteoporosis, I decided to focus my intervention on educating the community about osteoporosis risk factors, recommended weight-bearing exercises, and …
Promoting Bone Health Through Weight-Bearing, Resistance Training, And Balance Exercises, Kinjal Thakor
Promoting Bone Health Through Weight-Bearing, Resistance Training, And Balance Exercises, Kinjal Thakor
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Osteoporosis and low bone density affect 54 million Americans. Advanced age, female gender, an underweight BMI, lack of estrogen, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle all increase one’s risk of developing osteoporosis or experiencing bone fractures from minor trauma. In addition, residents of northern states, like Vermont, experience an increased risk of bone loss over time due to limited exposure to sunlight and decreased physical activity over winter months. Although screening, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, general exercise, and treatment are largely discussed, patients are unaware of the specific exercise routines that can be done to strengthen their bones. In response, I …
Perinatal Depression: Breaking Barriers To Treatment, Florence Lambert-Fliszar
Perinatal Depression: Breaking Barriers To Treatment, Florence Lambert-Fliszar
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Depression in the perinatal period is a common medical issue in Vermont, affecting about 10% of women. Multiple and severe consequences of depression during this time are seen for both mothers and babies, including lower breastfeeding rates, fewer healthcare visits for the child, and psychopathology in the child later on. The goal of this project is to identify and address some of the barriers we currently face in identifying and treating women for depression. Major barriers women encounter in seeking help involve poor recognition of symptoms facing increasing stress of motherhood, stigma, as well as neglecting to attend to mental …
Early And Current Educational Information Is Key In Preventing Smoking In Massachusetts Youth, Shawn Sanford
Early And Current Educational Information Is Key In Preventing Smoking In Massachusetts Youth, Shawn Sanford
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Among adult smokers, 88% started smoking before the age of 18. This challenge is complicated by the effective advertising efforts of the tobacco industry, which have been shown to cause the onset of smoking in adolescents. Franklin County, MA has not been immune to this problem, as 42% of 12th graders reported trying a cigarette and 51% of 12th graders reported trying electronic vapor products. This project focused on the need for early and current tobacco prevention information to keep up with the promotional campaigns of the tobacco industry. Reaching youth with fresh information before their first puff …
Lyme Disease Prevention, Russell D. Himmelstein
Lyme Disease Prevention, Russell D. Himmelstein
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
This project focused on Lyme Disease prevention, specifically for cub scouts from 5-10 years of age and their families.
Halting Progression Of Stasis Dermatitis: Community Perspectives And Strategies For Prevention, Allison B. Robbins
Halting Progression Of Stasis Dermatitis: Community Perspectives And Strategies For Prevention, Allison B. Robbins
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Complications of stasis dermatitis including venous ulcers, osteomyelitis, and cellulitis all significantly increase morbidity and mortality of disease. Progression beyond stasis dermatitis and avoidance of the aforementioned complications are preventable with patient education and adherence to basic therapies including compression stockings and lifestyle modification. Therefore the goals of this project were to: assess the community’s understanding of stasis dermatitis and their awareness of its complications; use this information to help healthcare providers tailor their preventative health counseling accordingly; and provide education for patients on stasis dermatitis, its complications, and therapies/behavioral changes to prevent disease progression.
Smoking Prevention Program For Adolescents: A Hands-On Approach, Sean Closs
Smoking Prevention Program For Adolescents: A Hands-On Approach, Sean Closs
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
This project is an initial pilot idea for hands-on experiences to reinforce smoking prevention in adolescents. The proposed idea is to have students specifically those identified 'at-risk', being given opportunities to interact with pathology specimens on-site at the hospital, introduce spirometry, and real-world panel discussions. The resources of the hospital provide a unique opportunity for promotion of this public health goal.
Combating Childhood Obesity, Rebekah Misir
Combating Childhood Obesity, Rebekah Misir
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Assessing childhood obesity in Danbury, CT and combating it through counseling.
E-Cigarette Prevention Among Vermont Youth, Tyler W. Wark
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.
Screening Youth For Suicide Risk In Middle School Setting, Nina Xue
Screening Youth For Suicide Risk In Middle School Setting, Nina Xue
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Depression and suicide ideation is a concern among the middle school population in Rutland County, VT. Youths who experience suicidal ideation are more likely to plan and/or attempt suicide later on in life. Standardized suicide screening and educational pamphlets would aid school counselors working with at risk students.
Education On Tickborne Diseases And Prevention Strategies, Christopher Bernard
Education On Tickborne Diseases And Prevention Strategies, Christopher Bernard
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Research suggests that around 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year and that around one billion dollars is spent on healthcare for Lyme disease alone. Vermont has the highest rate of incidences of Lyme disease per 100,000 persons in the United States. While Lyme disease is certainly a major community health issue in Berlin, VT there are many other tickborne diseases that are becoming increasingly prevalent such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Powassan virus disease, and Borrelia miyamotoi disease. An educational handout was created providing helpful information for both community members as well as healthcare providers. For community members the …
Increasing Patient Understanding & Provider Awareness Of Pap Smears, Stephanie Alexis Brooks
Increasing Patient Understanding & Provider Awareness Of Pap Smears, Stephanie Alexis Brooks
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Pap smear rates are lower than perceived by many primary care providers, and women refuse or miss pap smears for a variety of reasons. This project investigated both reasons for which women miss or refuse pap smears and ways in which physicians can increase pap smear rates, create a more positive environment during the pap smear experience, and more effectively communicate with patients about pap smears. Intervention consisted of an informational flyer about pap smears for female patients.
Preventing Lyme Disease In Windsor County, Vt, J P
Preventing Lyme Disease In Windsor County, Vt, J P
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted primarily by deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis). A deer tick must be attached for at least 36 hours for transmission to occur. It can be prevented by preventing tick bites, removing ticks early, and providing post-bite prophylaxis when appropriate. Lyme disease has been on the rise in Vermont since 2005. The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) has launched its “Be Tick Smart” Lyme disease prevention campaign, promoting tick-bite reduction through its slogan, “Repel, Inspect, Remove.” This project extended the campaign to school children in Windsor County, Vermont.
Osteoporosis: Prevention, Screening, And Treatment In The Primary Care Setting, Jeanne T. Gosselin
Osteoporosis: Prevention, Screening, And Treatment In The Primary Care Setting, Jeanne T. Gosselin
Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects
Osteoporosis, with its related fragility fractures, is largely a preventable disorder, not an inevitable part of aging. Through effective education, screening, and treatement in the primary care setting, it may be possible to curb the impending rise of osteoporosis and costly fractures as the population ages. A time-conserving patient education pamphlet on osteoporosis was developed for a family medicine practice in central Vermont. The educational intervention is sensitive to the time constraints of a busy practice and may provide a much needed foundation for osteoporosis education in the primary care setting.