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Articles 1 - 30 of 97
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Measuring Birth Trauma Rates In Maine Using Public Data, Mike Lapika
Measuring Birth Trauma Rates In Maine Using Public Data, Mike Lapika
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
An increasing number of states are creating databases that collect and organize health insurance claims from public and private health care payers. Since December 2016, at least 18 states have these “all-payer claims databases” (APCDs), including Maine. APCDs are intended to inform cost containment and quality improvement by increasing transparency and informing consumer choice. For this project, we assessed how Maine’s APCD data might be used to produce standardized quality measures across facilities in the state. Specifically, we tested a birth outcome quality measure developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Birth Trauma – Injury to Neonate …
Improving Safety On The Road Through Occupational Therapy Intervention, Katherine Uschmann, Zachary Childs
Improving Safety On The Road Through Occupational Therapy Intervention, Katherine Uschmann, Zachary Childs
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
As the U.S. population ages, increasing the likelihood of impaired fitness-to-drive, the topic of road safety holds strong interest among numerous professionals. The field of occupational therapy (OT) affirms the importance of community mobility in supporting overall health and well-being. OT practitioners who encounter clients with questionable driving ability should refer them to driving specialists. However, the question remains what kind of interventions may help clients with cognitive decline who have the potential to return to safe driving. This project’s evidence search revealed a wide range of interventions that show promise including: classroom education (especially when augmented by on-road training), …
Interrupted Progress: Water And Sanitation In Haiti, Emily Bauer
Interrupted Progress: Water And Sanitation In Haiti, Emily Bauer
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Haiti has faced damaging environmental and social impacts, which have interrupted progress towards clean drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities for its over 10 million people. Natural disasters, disease outbreak, political corruption and economic instability have contributed to poor health and social outcomes for the small, island nation. This study used the most recent data from the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund Joint Monitoring Programme (WHO/UNICEF JMP) to assess national trends in water source and sanitation facility improvements from 1990-2015. WHO/UNICEF JMP defines water improvements as piped or non-piped protected water, and sanitation improvements as networked, flushed …
What Gun Safety And Access Policies Did Participants Think Would Be Effective In Preventing Accidental Gun Deaths?, Bridget O’Keefe, Stephen White
What Gun Safety And Access Policies Did Participants Think Would Be Effective In Preventing Accidental Gun Deaths?, Bridget O’Keefe, Stephen White
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Firearm-related incidents are often highly publicized tragedies that fuel unproductive political debates on gun policies at the local, state, and national levels. Current best practices in safe gun storage suggest that caregivers can protect their children from injury or death from an accidental gun discharge by keeping guns unloaded, locked up, and stored separately from their ammunition (Crifasi, Doucette, McGinty, Webster, & Barry, 2018). Child access prevention mechanisms including trigger locks, lock boxes, gun safes, and safe storage legislation are encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics (Dowd & Sege, 2012). This study gathers quantitative responses from 1,021 participants using …
Expanding International Health Curriculum For The Internal Medicine Residency At Mmc, Brian King, Hassan Mahmoud, Anthony Pastore
Expanding International Health Curriculum For The Internal Medicine Residency At Mmc, Brian King, Hassan Mahmoud, Anthony Pastore
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
While internal medicine residents at Maine Medical Center provide care for many refugees and immigrants, there is not a formal international health curriculum to equip residents to care for this vulnerable population. Since 2002, 3,793 refugees have arrived in Maine for resettlement. Our aim was to survey residents about their interest in added international health instruction and design an educational curriculum for these physicians.
The Role Of Motivation And Cognition In Adults With Schizophrenia, Jaime Willard, Evangeline Abraham
The Role Of Motivation And Cognition In Adults With Schizophrenia, Jaime Willard, Evangeline Abraham
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Our work is based around the holistic nature of the field of occupational therapy. This evidence-based project initially began, at the request of our community partner, with the intention of finding one or more assessments that may help identify the cause of a lack of motivation among group home residents at Tri County Mental Health in Lewiston, ME who suffer from schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness that is now diagnosed as a spectrum disorder. It is characterized by distortions in the perception of reality and impairments in cognition and motivation. Schizophrenia can be categorized into three …
Opioid Use Disorder At Delivery Hospitalization In Maine: Prevalence And Characteristics (2009-2017), Sarah Gabrielson
Opioid Use Disorder At Delivery Hospitalization In Maine: Prevalence And Characteristics (2009-2017), Sarah Gabrielson
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
A recent multi-state analysis found Maine had the second highest average annual increase in opioid use disorder (OUD) at delivery hospitalization, with 34.1 OUD per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations in 2012. The objective of this analysis is to describe the prevalence and characteristics of OUD deliveries in Maine using recent data. We used International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems diagnosis and procedure codes (9th & 10th revisions) to identify deliveries among all hospital discharges in Maine, 2009-2017 (n=109,004), and to categorize deliveries according to prevalence of OUD and selected medical conditions. We ran log-binomial regression to assess trends …
Male Determining Gene Nix May Bring An End To Transmission Of Diseases Through Mosquitoes, Mohammed Mahdi
Male Determining Gene Nix May Bring An End To Transmission Of Diseases Through Mosquitoes, Mohammed Mahdi
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Female mosquitoes take blood from humans to gain protein needed to produce eggs, and in the process they can transmit viruses, such as Zika, Dengue, and chikungunya, or parasites, such as malaria. Male mosquitoes do not transmit diseases. This literature review will examine what is known about how sex is determined in mosquitoes and how this can be used to manipulate the females that spread diseases to humans. Using CRISPR Cas9, the lab of Zhijian Tu removed the Nix gene from mosquito embryos; all of these were feminized. Ectopic overexpression of Nix gene product in mosquito embryos caused even genetically …
Opioid Use Treatment Via Telemedicine: Treatment Options For Rural Maine, Benjamin Knapp
Opioid Use Treatment Via Telemedicine: Treatment Options For Rural Maine, Benjamin Knapp
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
The ongoing opioid crisis has overwhelmed the traditional opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment resources across America. The treatment resources in rural communities have been especially hard hit as geographic and financial barriers limit service capacity. Telemedicine, or medicine delivered via remote means, has been proposed as a potential solution to the lack of conventional opioid treatment resources in rural Maine. Current legalities in the US prohibit telemedicine being used to prescribe opioid agonist drugs, and insurance reimbursement for telemedicine remains a major barrier. This qualitative content analysis looks at the existing research on telemedicine's treatment efficacy for use with OUD …
Evidence And Interventions For Children With Handwriting Deficits, Josephine Hatch
Evidence And Interventions For Children With Handwriting Deficits, Josephine Hatch
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
The purpose of this project was to determine effective interventions shown to increase fine motor skills in children who experience handwriting deficits related to ADD/ADHD or other attention deficits. The project was prepared for a pediatric outpatient OT at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The information was found via the USM databases through specific search terms and parameters.
This work is significant because many OTs and teachers are working with children who have deficits in handwriting and fine motor abilities. There needs to be additional research conducted specifically with children who have ADD/ADHD and exhibit fine motor and handwriting deficits.
The research …
The Experience Of Social Workers Who Utilize Therapy Dogs In Practice, Kathryn Jochems
The Experience Of Social Workers Who Utilize Therapy Dogs In Practice, Kathryn Jochems
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Animal assisted therapy, which incorporates animals into structured therapeutic interventions, and its use within social work has been shown to increase social interactions, communication, and the overall health and safety of clients (Nimer & Lundahl, 2007). However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the professional and personal experiences of individual social workers with incorporating certified therapy dogs into their practice. This study examined the approval process, perceived effects on practice, perceived effects outside of practice, and future implications of using therapy dogs in social work through the analysis of qualitative data from seven in-depth interviews with licensed social …
Professional Impressions And Experiences Of The Complex Needs Of Human Trafficking Survivors, Jackie Klock, Kelsey Haynes
Professional Impressions And Experiences Of The Complex Needs Of Human Trafficking Survivors, Jackie Klock, Kelsey Haynes
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Abstract Human trafficking is a monumental and pervasive human rights issue, and one that carries immense physical, psychological, and psychosocial repercussions to its survivors. This project explores the complex needs and service gaps that exist for survivors of human trafficking. Through a qualitative study, with six in-person interviews of professional providers in Maine, we gain access to important information regarding complex needs of human trafficking survivors. Using thematic analysis we analyze common themes throughout the interviews in relation to previous literature. Recommendations for practice are also presented.
Experiences Of Veterans With Ptsd And Sud In An Outpatient Setting, Andrew Breault, Hannah Shifflett-Kohler
Experiences Of Veterans With Ptsd And Sud In An Outpatient Setting, Andrew Breault, Hannah Shifflett-Kohler
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
In 2014, there were approximately 7.9 million adults in the United States with co-occurring Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) (SAMHSA, 2014). Of the veterans who served in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan alone, 30% of those in SUD treatment also meet the criteria for PTSD (Seal et al, 2008, pp. 476). Furthermore, statistics show that about 20 Veterans in the United States complete suicide daily (Spiva, 2019, p. 8). The Department of Veterans Affairs is urgently seeking successful approaches to addressing the high incidence of suicides among all veterans along with the low retention …
Cyberbullying And Suicide Among Lgbtq Youth: Is There A Connection?, Holly Wright, Victoria Wilson Townley
Cyberbullying And Suicide Among Lgbtq Youth: Is There A Connection?, Holly Wright, Victoria Wilson Townley
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
The suicide rate among children and teens has been rising over the last decade, and members of the LGBTQ youth population are at considerably greater risk for suicide than their heterosexual peers. LGBTQ youth are also at heightened risk of being bullied due to sexual orientation. Recent technological advancements have created a new platform for bullying, that of cyberbullying, which can contribute to feelings of depression and low self-esteem. The detrimental impact that cyberbullying can have on mental health suggests the possibility of a potential connection between cyberbullying and LGBTQ youth suicide. This qualitative study examines the possible link between …
Fake Service Dogs: Leading By Example, Joshua Ferguson
Fake Service Dogs: Leading By Example, Joshua Ferguson
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
This qualitative research examines public awareness pertaining to the protocols surrounding service dogs and their handlers, known collectively as the service team. The use of service dogs has been on the increase as more people discover the benefits provided by service dogs. The increase in the number of service dogs fosters questions about safety, training, the dog’s purpose, and its legitimacy. Previous studies suggest that many individuals are falsely claiming their dogs as service dogs or “fake service dogs.” This research explores what trends are leading to increases in service dog use and how fake service dogs affect people involved. …
Lgbt+ Teens, Social Media Use & Depressive Symptoms, Megan Curtis, Danielle Ryder
Lgbt+ Teens, Social Media Use & Depressive Symptoms, Megan Curtis, Danielle Ryder
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Sexual and gender minority youth are statistically more likely to face severe mental health challenges than their cisgender, heterosexual peers; they consistently comprise a disproportionate percentage of youth who report experiencing depression, suicide ideation and attempted suicide in the United States every year (e.g. Abreu & Kinney, 2018). The aim of this study was to fill a gap in the current literature base by investigating the effects of social media use on sexual and gender minority youth mental health. The researchers conducted an online anonymous questionnaire targeted toward American LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, etc.) youth ages 14 to 18, …
Convolutional Neural Networks For Protein Image Classification, Nick Littlefield
Convolutional Neural Networks For Protein Image Classification, Nick Littlefield
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
A solution to the Kaggle competition: Human Protein Atlas Image Classification. Using microscopic images of cells provided by the Human Protein Atlas, convolutional neural networks, CNNs, were used to analyze and predict the location of protein patterns. Challenges included working with an unbalanced dataset, finding a correct learning rate, and choosing a correct architecture to solve the problem. To learn how to overcome these challenges and gain more understanding of the problem, various kernels and discussion posts for the competition, as well as papers on different CNN architectures were used.
A Thematic Analysis Of Adults’ Reflection On Childhood Experiences Being Parented By An Adult With Mental Health Issues, Jennifer Luja, Meg O'Malley
A Thematic Analysis Of Adults’ Reflection On Childhood Experiences Being Parented By An Adult With Mental Health Issues, Jennifer Luja, Meg O'Malley
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Children are impacted by their relationships with caregivers. The objective of this research was to develop awareness of the impact on children being cared for by caregivers with mental health issues by examining the experiences of individuals who had a caregiver with severe and persistent mental health issues during childhood. Researchers also gained insight on how social workers can be more supportive to children in these circumstances. The researchers conducted interviews with five participants, the recordings of which were then transcribed and coded to identify themes. Prevalent themes include critiques of available services, resiliency and challenges of family members as …
Benefits Of Onsite Health Programs In The Corporate Setting, Nathan Cook
Benefits Of Onsite Health Programs In The Corporate Setting, Nathan Cook
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Worksite health care clinics and corporate wellness programs are becoming a staple of companies at all levels. Companies are finding that having onsite healthcare clinics as well as comprehensive wellness programs are not only good incentives for employees but actually able to save large amounts of money with injury prevention, decrease in lost productivity and a number of other factors. A 2010 meta- analysis looking at the Return-Of Investment (ROI) found that there was an average of $3.27 per dollar spent on wellness initiatives ROI. Yearly savings can be upwards of $225,000 in some cases as the Sygenta Crop Production …
Accuracy Of Self-Collected Vaginal Swabs In The Diagnosis Of Bacterial Vaginosis, Vaginal Candidiasis, And Trichomoniasis, Anna Chase
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Vaginitis is the most common gynecological problem seen in primary care. It is estimated to account for 10 million primary care visits each year. The most common causes of vaginitis - responsible for up to 90% of cases - are bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal candidiasis (“yeast infections”), and trichomoniasis. The purpose of this evidence-based project was to evaluate whether self-collected vaginal swabs are as accurate as those collected by a provider during a speculum exam in the diagnosis of BV, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis.
In order to appropriately diagnose and treat vaginitis, samples from a vaginal swab are often required. …
Perceptions Of Mental Health: Eight Conversations With Mainers From Africa, Teresa Sosa, Emelda Ogweta
Perceptions Of Mental Health: Eight Conversations With Mainers From Africa, Teresa Sosa, Emelda Ogweta
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
As of 2016, 42 million refugees from around the world had been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, or natural disaster (George & Jettner, 2016). Due to these factors, as well as relocation and resettlement, refugees are at a significant risk for trauma and other mental health issues (George & Jettner, 2016). While the literature consistently validates this heightened risk for mental illness in refugees, more research is needed into refugee's perspectives on mental health. Through analysis of semi-structured interviews with eight refugees from Africa, this phenomenological study investigated refugee's perceptions of mental health and mental illness. …
Does Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (Iastm) Benefit Adults With Physical Dysfunction?, Kayla Chamberlin, Deanna Richards
Does Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization (Iastm) Benefit Adults With Physical Dysfunction?, Kayla Chamberlin, Deanna Richards
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
This project began in partnership with the Inland Hospital occupational therapy department in Waterville, Maine. The therapists were interested in evidence on the effectiveness of instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) as a therapeutic intervention for their patients. This technique is an alternative form of therapeutic massage, which uses metal instruments to treat soft-tissue adhesions. This project looked into therapeutic outcomes of IASTM for use on adults with physical dysfunction, specifically those experiencing pain or loss of range of motion. The project reviewed numerous studies on the topic of IASTM. Eleven articles were selected to be included in the final project …
Child Poverty, Physical & Mental Health In Maine, Katelyn Malloy
Child Poverty, Physical & Mental Health In Maine, Katelyn Malloy
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Children who live below the national poverty line account for nearly one fifth of Maine’s overall population. Child poverty is a determinant of health that can lead to negative health outcomes that affect childhood development, educational achievement, as well as physical and mental health. The purpose of this study was to identify five Maine counties with the highest rates of child poverty according to the national average. Comparison of poverty rates between counties were analyzed along with two leading health indicators – mental and physical distress. This study used 2016 county-level childhood poverty estimates, assessed by the American Community Survey …
Facilitating Return To Work Among Individuals With Mental Illness Through Occupational Therapy Interventions, Cleo Miller, Blakelee Jordan
Facilitating Return To Work Among Individuals With Mental Illness Through Occupational Therapy Interventions, Cleo Miller, Blakelee Jordan
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
The side effects of mental illness can affect areas of occupation, including: play, leisure, work, social participation, activities of daily living, etc. (Brown & Stoffel, 2011). Through collaboration with Riverview Psychiatric Center (RPC) in Augusta, Maine, as well as Maureen Martin OTR/L, an evaluation of relevant research was conducted to determine occupational therapy’s (OT) roll in the process of returning to work (RTW) for clients newly discharged from an inpatient psychiatric facility. This evaluation devised three themes: personal factors related to RTW; assessment tools & frameworks used to guide intervention; and OT interventions that can facilitate RTW. Research suggests that …
Self-Care In Graduate And Undergraduate Social Work Students At The University Of Southern Maine, Rachel Andreasen
Self-Care In Graduate And Undergraduate Social Work Students At The University Of Southern Maine, Rachel Andreasen
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Prior literature clearly demonstrates that social workers are at a high risk for burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary stress, and vicarious trauma (Kapilistas & Corcoran, 2015) (Kinman & Grant, 2011). Social work programs that have incorporated training on self-care education have found students less stressed and with less burnout. Using Self Care Deficit Theory as a theoretical basis, the purpose of this descriptive quantitative study is explore the ways in which social work students at the University of Southern Maine are incorporating self-care into their education and lives. Students participated in a survey, which measures self-care in multiple domains. Descriptive and …
Patients Attitudes On Alternative Approaches To Chronic Pain Management, Morgan Beede
Patients Attitudes On Alternative Approaches To Chronic Pain Management, Morgan Beede
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
The topic of chronic pain and pain management continues to be heavily discussed by healthcare providers today. In the state of Maine, the recent limit on Opioid prescriptions raised questions regarding sustainable and alternative, long-term treatment options for patients. Many patients suffering from chronic pain are now tapering off their prescriptions and seeking alternative treatment options such as acupuncture, herbal remedies/supplements, massage, mind-body techniques, and yoga. This qualitative study was designed to explore patients attitudes on alternative treatment approaches. Seven individuals who suffer from chronic pain participated in interviews exploring their journey toward pain relief. The findings from this study …
Therapeutic Riding And Psychological Health In Older Adults, Alyssa Pattison, Craig Ashford
Therapeutic Riding And Psychological Health In Older Adults, Alyssa Pattison, Craig Ashford
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
This project explores the available quantitative and qualitative research to see if there is a link between therapeutic horseback riding and the reduction in symptoms of depression in older adults. Currently, there is a gap in evidence based research surrounding older populations with depression and therapeutic riding. However, research gathered on adolescents and adults suggest that therapeutic riding may alleviate depressive symptoms in persons over 65 years of age. Studies included in this project reveal groups of themes. The first is assessments, tools and evaluations. The second is animal assisted therapy, equine assisted therapy, therapeutic riding, and the barn environment. …
What Is The Relationship Between Sensory Processing Deficits And Schizophrenia?, Jenna Carlson, Nandikesha Jungwirth
What Is The Relationship Between Sensory Processing Deficits And Schizophrenia?, Jenna Carlson, Nandikesha Jungwirth
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
This evidence-based study investigated the relationship between sensory processing deficits and schizophrenia. A literature search of 7 databases using 9 search terms resulted in 10 high quality articles which best shape and illustrate the current information regarding the link between sensory processing and schizophrenia. Themes therein included atypical sensory processing, sensory gating deficits, auditory processing deficits, visual processing deficits, and smoking. It was found that people with schizophrenia process sensory information differently than neurotypical people, demonstrating deficits in the ability to filter out sensory stimuli. These deficits were correlated with a range of functional impacts, including decreased social participation. Surprisingly, …
Discharge To The Community From An Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital: Factors To Consider, David Byerly, Jennifer Caswell, Erin Brooks
Discharge To The Community From An Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital: Factors To Consider, David Byerly, Jennifer Caswell, Erin Brooks
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Nationally, inpatient psychiatric settings average a 5% readmission rate for their patients, within one month of discharge. A search for articles published within the past 20 years, uncovered critical themes and led to recommendations for practice from 15 articles. Impacting an individual’s readmission are 1) length of stay at the facility, 2) employment opportunities and support after discharge, 3) social and family support, impacting feelings of exclusion/inclusion (stigma), 4) the extent to which the individual embraces the AA recovery philosophy, 5) the specific characteristics of the immediate geographical location of housing, 6) adherence to medical plans, and 7) the availability …
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Empowering The Oldest Old Population, Lauren Conigliaro, Nicole Wingfield
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Empowering The Oldest Old Population, Lauren Conigliaro, Nicole Wingfield
Thinking Matters Symposium Archive
Question: Does occupational therapy promote occupational engagement and increase confidence in mobility in the oldest old population residing in assisted living facilities?