Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Ipa Analysis Examining Transportation, Community Engagement, And Healthcare Access Of Elderly Adults In A Rural Border Community, Madison Rowlinson, Angela Blackwell, Karen Aranha

Spring 2021 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Introduction: There is a lack of understanding about the accessibility needs of elderly borderland residents, and the barriers that they face when they try to maintain their health and well-being.

Objectives: To analyze transportation and community engagement in a rural community on the US-Mexico border. To analyze the findings of transportation and community engagement in a rural community on the US-Mexico border.

Methodology: A triangulated study using the Place Standard Assessment, Semi-Structured Interviews, and a walking survey with the theoretical framework of the Person, Occupation, Environment, Performance (N=3). Data analysis consisted of comparing means generated by the PSA on 14 …

Age Well: Home Health Care Shortages In Northwestern Vt During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jeremy Altman, Matthew Breseman, Edom Alemayehu Girma, Alexander M. Kubacki, Louisa Moore, Amanda Nattress, Noah Sorkow, Kristen Wright

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

As of February 2021, there have been over 26.6 million cases and over 450,000 deaths in the United States due to COVID-19. Since the outbreak, a critical focus in the healthcare system has shifted towards protection of healthcare providers as well as vulnerable patients such as the elderly. The growing shortages of providers has resulted in a growing need for home health care (HHC). Beyond HHC addressing this workforce gap, evidence has shown a reduction in emergency department (ED) visits, hospital admissions and a 14- million-dollar savings in healthcare cost. While the role of HHC has been crucial for the …

Assessment Of Snap Utilization And Accessibility In Vermont, Amanda Galenkamp, Mohamad K. Hamze, Elie Kaadi, Elise A. Prehoda, W. Evan Shaw, Nicole A. Walch, Shari J. Zaslow, Paula Tracy

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

Food insecurity exemplifies one of the many public health crises that the COVID19 pandemic both exposed and amplified. In 2019 an estimated 10.5% of households (13.7 million households) were food insecure as determined by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) including 5.3 million children. In 2020 this number increased to 15.6% of households, including 17.0 million children as projected by Feeding America. Food insecurity in children, especially in infancy, is associated with the development of obesity and hyperlipidemia, highlighting the necessity of federal and state food assistance programs.

We believe that increased funding for SNAP incentive programs and wireless EBT …

Perceptions Of Mask Use During The Covid-19 Pandemic, David Bachoy, Clara Berard, Nicholas D. Brunette, Sadie M. Casale, Tonya Conley, Krystal Gopaul, Tyler Landman, Rhys Niedecker

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

The CDC recommends covering of the face and nose during the COVID-19 pandemic as a primary mitigation strategy for viral transmission. Masks minimize the number of viral particles emitted by the wearer; mask use serves to reduce the effects on population transmission.

Mask wearing behaviors have been shown to vary across different groups like gender identity, however, differences between people with and without lung disease have yet to be explored.

Goal: Examine perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors related to mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic of those with and without lung disease nationally.

Motivators For Convalescent Plasma Donors During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Betsy Assoumou, Natalie J. Bales, Amy K. Chang, Hannah K. Cook, Kiana Heredia, Colby J. Fischer

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

This study will seek to explore the motivators for convalescent plasma donors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, the global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 increased donations of transfusion products, particularly convalescent plasma from COVID-19 survivors that is used to provide passive antibody immunity to those infected. Convalescent plasma therapy has been identified as one of the only therapies for COVID-19 beyond supportive care.

Much of the current research focuses on the current motivators of whole blood and plasma donations, commonly citing altruistic motivations, knowing someone who has previously donated, and social media influence as common motivators for donations.

It is …

Health Benefits Are Associated With Employment Status For People With Intellectual Disabilities, Rachel Bombardier, Mialovena C. Exume, Jeremy Frank, Timothy W. Greenfield, Kaela Mohardt, Nathan Schweitzer, Devan Spence

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

Recent studies demonstrate that people with developmental disabilities are at increased risk for preventable illnesses. In our study, we examined several variables suspected to be major contributing factors, with emphasis on job security and employment. The development of sheltered workshops was initially an attempt to promote employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), though at subminimum wages.

We explored whether these workshops allow for adequate community and healthcare engagement that is necessary for overall health and wellbeing. We designed a study that allowed us to statistically compare health-related data among states that eliminated sheltered workshops with those …

Assessing Cancer Prevention Knowledge During Covid-19 Pandemic, Robert Anthony Adamian, Lily Deng, Nicholas W. Krant, Trevor Ar Mcdonald, Natalie Qin, Ally Sarkis, Althea Jem Darbin Tapales

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, adjustments in the provision of health care resources have caused a significant decrease in cancer screenings. These missed screenings may have considerable impacts on patients, health care practitioners and health systems.

In addition to the importance of resuming timely screening, studies have shown that a large portion of cancer deaths stemming from breast, skin, and colorectal cancer are preventable by risk factor modification at the patient level.

Many people remain uncertain of how best to prevent cancers, despite general awareness of concerns.

Raising awareness can empower patients to reduce their risk factors for developing …

No Fall Too Small: Assessing Barriers To Fall Prevention Programs, Christina Cobb, Arley Donovan, Heather G. Giguere, Arjune Singh Nibber, Brian L. Shaw Ii, Aathman Swaminathan, Ryan Warner

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

In Vermont, 1/3 of adults 45 years or older fell in the year 2018, statistically above the national average, which has not changed since 2012. Of those who fell, 34% experienced an injury after their fall.

Evidence-based interventions and fall prevention programs effectively reduce falls, and these programs aimed at reducing falls appear to reduce fractures. In fact, it has been shown that exercise intervention reduces fall risk by 30%.

Our review of the literature highlighted that there are numerous barriers to accessing fall prevention programs, including loss of independence, transportation, cost, and lack of interest. With this in mind, …

Initial Assessment Of A Suicide Prevention Resource For Vermont Primary Care, Sam Afshari, Eliot Binkerd-Dale, Zain Chaudry, Varun Gupta, Morgan Howlett, Colleen Mccarthy, Benjamin N. Price, Rebecca B. Rawlings

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Vermonters ages 10-44. Studies have shown that of those who die from suicide 45% have seen their primary care provider in the month prior to their death and only 20% saw a mental health provider.

To help strengthen suicide risk screening in primary care, a group of Larner College of Medicine students partnered with Chittenden Accountable Community for Health to curate a suicide prevention informational resource to be used in Vermont's primary care practices to promote universal suicide screening.

We then surveyed users of the tool to assess its utility and …

Vermont School Districts Meal Service Response To Covid-19, Stephen Brand, Will D. Buick, John E. Fernan, Gina Jin, Rebecca Lapides, Jennifer Lor, Paul Mccleary, Timothy L. Long

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges worldwide, including lack of food access and security. Food insecurity in Vermont has increased from 18% to 24% since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Food insecurity among families with school-aged children puts children at risk for developmental delays, poor social functioning, and poor academic performance.

The goal of this project is to identify the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed for meal distribution services in school districts across Vermont, recognize the adaptations that were made by schools to address these challenges, and determine which adaptations had positive effects to encourage widespread implementation …

Bridging The Gap: Improving The Relationship Between Social Service Organizations And Healthcare Providers, Gabriela Bosmenier Cruz, Linda L. Cui, Liberty J. Dupuis, Ian Guertin, S. Halsey, Ying K. Loo, Finlay Pilcher, Joaquin Reategui

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

In Vermont, a significant social determinant of health is rurality. Barriers to healthcare services include distance to providers, lack of integration with social services, and failure to recognize community needs.

Integration and robust collaboration between healthcare and social services can likely improve outcomes for individuals who have high utilization of both categories of services.

Understanding relationships between healthcare and social services may provide an important framework for translating interventional research to rural communities to improve health equity.

Project Goal: To understand barriers affecting collaboration between social service providers and community health providers in order to promote research-based improvements in health …

Addressing The Needs Of Sara Holbrook Community Center Caregivers, Stephen J. Foley, Shubhankar Joshi, Ankrish Milne, Izabella Ostrowski, William Robinson, John A. Steinharter Ms, Rachel A. Wayne, Alayna M. Westcom

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

Previous research: parental stress can negatively impact behavioral and cognitive development of children.

Each year, over 4,000 people use SHCC resources: preschool, after school care, teen programs, food shelf, ESL services, etc.

SHCC supports families at the center itself, but many families still experience difficulties at home that contribute to caregiver stress.

The purpose of this study: understand the needs of the caregivers of students who attend SHCC and propose actionable solutions to address the top identified needs.

Attitudes Toward Informational Health Videos Among People With Intellectual Disabilities, Sydney M. Cardozo, Julie P. Connor, Jake Ermolovich, Tyler A. Harkness Bs, Anneliese Lapides, Jack F. Mangan, Nicole Obongo, Maxwell T. Tulimieri

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

An intellectual disability (ID) can be defined as a limit to a person's ability to learn and function in daily life when compared to an expected level. Due to these differences, a person with ID can face more challenges in daily life, including those that impact their health.

Special Olympics Vermont (SOVT) is an organization that hosts athletic events and competitions for people with an ID. We worked with them to formulate a plan for providing educational resources for people with an ID.

We created educational videos with corresponding one-page pamphlets containing material and imagery that was relatable to the …

Naturopathic Medicine In Vermont's Healthcare System: A Thematic Analysis, Trevor D. Coles, Tayler Drake, Rose Eiduson, Daniel J. Fried, Max C. Hoddwells, Simran Kalsi M.S., Mahima R. Poreddy, Clifford A. Reilly

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

Naturopathic Medicine is a system of health care that utilizes education, natural medicines, and natural therapies to support and stimulate a patient's intrinsic self-healing processes and prevents, diagnoses, and treats human health conditions, injuries, and pain.

There are 5 accredited schools of naturopathic medicine in the US and 2 in Canada. Naturopathic physicians were recognized as primary care providers (PCP) in 2009. There are 355 NDs licensed in VT, and 88 NDs with a VT address. 81% participate in Medicaid.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of naturopathic physicians in Vermont's healthcare system

Analyzing The Outcomes Of A Comprehensive Pain Management Program, Alia Johnson, Joshua Kohan, Cole Lutz, Patrick Mcclurg, Grace Merritt, Warrick Sahene, Katie Tang

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

An integrative and comprehensive approach to pain management seeks to advance patient outcomes with respect to quality of life, pain management, mindfulness, and physical function. This biopsychosocial approach is an evidence-based medicine modality that has been executed to be cost-effective and targeted to meet individual patient values. Participants can enroll in integrative pain intervention modalities to treat their chronic ailments; examples include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, PT, OT, nutrition, reiki, hypnosis and yoga. In a systematic evaluation of integrative health projects, Turk et al. concluded interdisciplinary programs yielded better outcomes than traditional pain treatments.

This project tested the hypothesis that …

Improving The Accessibility And Efficacy Of The Uvmmc Chna To Populations Experiencing Homelessness, Rachel Carpenter, Jamie A. Cyr, William Kim, Megala Loganathan, Weida Ma, Dinukie-Chantal Perera, Sean Taylor, William J. Yakubik Iii

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

Under provisions in the Affordable Care Act, tax-exempt hospitals are required to conduct a triennial Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to identify and prioritize the health needs of the community served. UVMMC is preparing to conduct the 2022 CHNA and is exploring best outreach approaches to marginalized or historically underrepresented populations within Chittenden and Grand Isle counties.

Research Question: What actions can be taken to effectively understand the diversity of needs in the homeless population of Chittenden County?

Hypothesis: The current CHNA incompletely captures how health barriers are disproportionately experienced by the homeless population in Chittenden County.

Goals: Identify best …

Addressing Food Insecurity Within New American Communities In Vermont, Lorena Ayoub, Carl W. Brasch, Aria Elahi, Justin L. Esteban, Juwairiyyah Fatima, Brianna J. Spano, Sean Wang, Erik J. Zhang

Public Health Projects, 2008-present

Food insecurity is defined as not having safe, nutritious, or culturally appropriate foods available, or having limited ability to acquire these foods/uncertainty as to when one can acquire these foods.

Reasons for food insecurity can be multifactorial such as language barriers, unfamiliar foods, and limited information about food environments.As a result, many turn to processed and energy- dense foods, contributing to the development of chronic diseases.

Food banks and local food shelves provide supplemental food assistance to residents and communities in need. However, with diverse New American populations living within the same community, it is challenging to determine which foods …

Determinants Of Private Well Water Testing In Maine, Jenny Carwile, Shravanthi M. Seshasayee, Kritika Anand, Abby F. Fleisch

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2021

Objectives: Describe sociodemographic characteristics associated with ever testing well water using data from the 2014-2017 Maine Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (n= 12,152).

Boot Camp Translation: Community Engaged Research Process Evaluation, Emma Daybranch, Kerri Barton, Brendan Schauffler, Lisbeth Wierda, Neil Korsen

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2021

The BCT process was first developed by the High Plains Research Network and its Community Advisory Council in rural Colorado. Between 2004 and 2015 the BCT process was used 31 times across the U.S. on a broad range of topics.

Facilitators And Barriers To Accessing Harm Reduction Services In A Rural State, Kinna Thakarar, Michael Kohut, Deb Burris, Hannah Loeb, Rebecca Hutchinson, Kathleen Fairfield

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2021

INTRODUCTION

• The impact of social distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic on people who inject drugs (PWID) is not known.

• We aimed to describe the impact of the pandemic on PWID access to harm reduction services in Maine

Community Attitudes Towards Covid-19 Vaccination, John P. O'Keefe

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Vaccination is a very valuable tool in combating the public health crisis of COVID-19 and will be essential in reducing transmission rates and deaths due to the pandemic. Public willingness to receive the vaccination in large polls has stayed well below the ~95% of the population needed to achieve herd immunity against the virus. Here were survey Vermonters to determine their attitudes towards receiving the vaccine and what sources of information patients use to inform themselves about the different vaccines available.

Lifestyle Changes In Covid-19 Pandemic And Impact On Modifiable Stroke Risk Factors, Kelly J. Chan

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in the USA. Underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease predispose an individual to increased risk of stroke. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic presents many challenges to these patients in terms of active health management and maintenance. A screening tool was developed to assess patient patterns of lifestyle behavioral changes measured by modifiable risk factors for stroke (medical condition management, diet, exercise, and smoking habits).

Emergency Medicine Super Utilizers And The Role Of Targeted Community Paramedicine, Nathan E. Dow

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Frequent emergency department (ED) users, colloquially known as “frequent fliers,” are a small population that account for a disproportionately large number of ED visits. Depending on the criteria used, ED super users may constitute as little as 1% of the individuals seen through the department, while accounting for up to 60% of the visit volume. There is an associated stress on the 911 system and a public health concern with burdening of already busy emergency departments. Unsurprisingly, ED super users have an associated financial cost. A 2015 Milwaukee area pilot program provided community outreach to only 39 of their well-known …

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.

The State Of Sleep: What Keeps Vermont Up At Night?, Magalie Carey

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

No abstract provided.

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.

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 …

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 …

Medication-Assisted Withdrawal And Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment In The Ambulatory Setting, Jacob Okie Weiss, Javad Mashkuri Md, Marissa Patrick Aprn

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) represents a significant burden of disease in central Vermont, but receives little attention and resources compared to other drivers of morbidity and mortality. As part of a community health improvement project, primary care providers in central Vermont were surveyed regarding current practices and perceived barriers related to the effective treatment of AUD. 69% of respondents reported treating alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) and 83% reported treating AUD. Respondents indicated concern about the safety and efficacy of the medications they currently prescribe and expressed interest in learning about other evidence-based treatments for AWS and AUD. The most frequently …

Where Are You Hiding, Sugar? (Sugar Content Of Popular Drink And Snacks, With Suggestions For Healthier Alternatives), Ashta Narain

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Two flyers, with associated dotphrases, on the actual sugar content of popular drink and snack foods were created. Also provided is information about the long-term impact of sugar on our bodies over time from local dieticians, and healthier alternative food and drink choices with less sugar content.