Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of Engagement And Collaboration Among Hospitals In The Maine Rural Maternity & Obstetrics Management Strategies (Rmoms) Network, Molly Volt, Lori Travis, Caroline Zimmerman, Erica Swan, Katherine Crothers, Anna Gilbert, Kate Allerding

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

Introduction

• Maine RMOMS Network: Grant awarded to Maine in 2022, 16 rural birthing hospitals & 5 state partners

• Network Goal: Improve access to maternity and obstetrics care for rural communities

• A qualitative Network Health Evaluation was conducted to diagnose strengths and areas of growth regarding engagement and collaboration

Community Health Workers: Putting "Community" In The Mainehealth Vision, Tim Cowan, Barbara Ginley, Leeanna Lavoie, Jennifer Maillet, Jemma Penberthy, Lori Travis

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

Community Health Workers (CHW) play an increasingly key role across the MaineHealth system. The integration of CHWs and growth of the workforce enhances care and improve patient engagement and outcomes. Utilizing data from FY24, modelling from the MH CHW Work Group as well as patient feedback, this poster illustrates the impact CHWs are having on the lives of patients, the care teams they support and the communities in which they live, work and play.

Rigid Sternal Fixation Alone Does Not Result In A Reduction In Postoperative Opiod Administration Following Cardiac Surgery, Jane Branch, Chinedu Okoli, Kyla Wigant, Jaime Rabb, Robert S. Kramer, Anne Hicks, Ansar Hassan

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

Background: Persistent postoperative pain, infection, and sternal dehiscence are devastating complications after cardiac surgery that affect patient quality of life and increase healthcare system burden. Chronic sternal pain lasting more than 1 year affects 25 to 33% of cardiac surgery patients, and wound complications such as infection and sternal nonunion represent significant peri-operative risk factors1,2. Wire cerclage (WC) is the most widely accepted sternal closure technique among cardiac surgeons because of its perceived lower rates of sternal dehiscence, wound infection, and cost.

A Quality Improvement Project To Reduce Variation In Pediatric Asthma Care Using The Hospital Asthma Severity Scoring (Hass) Tool, Sean Patterson, Leah-Marie Seften, Rachel Williams, Noah Diminick, Anne Coates, Laura Amar-Dolan

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

The aim of this project was to increase HASS score use to greater than 50%within one year and determine the impact of our interventions on the quality of asthma care and patient outcomes.

An Opt Out Tobacco Cessation Referral Process For A Cancer Care Network, Amy Litterini, David Spaulding, Tia Robbins, Brett Cropp, Lauren Couture

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

Opt out tobacco cessation referrals should be standard of care.

Pediatric Asthma Subspecialty Referral Practices In Rural Maine, Paras Patnaik, John Dipalazzo, James Bohnhoff

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

Over 7.2 million children in the United States have asthma.

• >300,000 asthma-related ED visits & hospitalizations yearly
• Both PCP’s and pediatric asthma subspecialists (allergist/immunologists and pediatric pulmonologists) provide long-term asthma care

Overcoming Specialty Care Connection Barriers: The Econsult Effect, Genevieve Whiting, Noah Hoffman, Anya K. Cutler, Leah M. Seften, Laura J. Faherty

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

Pediatric patients are 2.6x more likely to attend a new specialist visit after Specialist affirms referral need via eConsult.

Pilot Study Of Serial Telemedicine Assessments To Safely Exclude Neonates From Therapeutic Hypothermia Treatment, Alexa Craig, Anya K. Cutler

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

Two neonatal encephalopathy exams performed by telemedicine, with scores of less than 4, correctly excluded neonates from treatment with therapeutic hypothermia.

Physical Activity Programming To Improve Qol In Pediatric Ibd Patients, Anna Briley, George Russell, Anya K. Cutler, Anna Furr, Julia Fritz, Kevin Sztam, Birgitta Polson, Rebecca Edwards, Noah Hoffman

Costas T. Lambrew Research Retreat 2025

Discussion: This work contributes to limited literature supporting the positive impact of PA in a target population and provides novel guidelines to implement an accessible PA program proven to be effective and well-liked by patients & families. Findings support incorporation of PA into the holistic care of pediatric patients with IBD.

A Pill Too Expensive: A Comprehensive Review For Exploring Medical Non-Adherence In The Age Of Rising Drug Prices, Vidhani Goel, Roberto Sagaribay

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Prevalence & Health Disparities:

• Medication non-adherence is a major public health issue.
• High prescription drug costs are a significant barrier.
• Affects chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders.

Potential Solutions:

• Patient assistance programs.
• Use of generic drugs.
• Policy reforms to reduce medication costs.

Future Directions & Solutions:

• Address research gaps in long-term outcomes.
• Explore broader policy interventions.
• Improve accessibility and awareness of assistance programs.

Contributing Factors:

• Leads to worse health outcomes.
• Increases hospitalizations and long-term healthcare costs.
• Affects vulnerable populations (i.e., elderly, uninsured, racial minorities)

Contribution Of Various Factors On The Rate Of Traffic Accidents In The Us, Martin Mnatsakanyan

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Background:

Until 2020, the number of traffic accidents has been steadily decreasing. After 2020, the number started increasing until 2022, then started s lowly decreasing again. Most drivers aren’t fully aware of the reason behind all of these accidents.

Unseen And Underserved: A Narrative Review Of Binge Eating And Binge-Eating Disorder In Black Women, Vidhani Goel, Roberto Sagaribay, Kavya Gururaj, Laksh Ghai, Akriti Kapoor

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Prevalence & Health Disparities:

Black women engage in binge eating at similar or higher rates than White women. Lower diagnosis and treatment in black women.

Barriers to Treatment:

Limited access to mental health resources. Implicit bias in clinical settings. Lack of culturally tailored interventions.

Future Directions & Solutions:

Need for inclusive clinical research. Culturally responsive treatment models. Policy reforms to improve healthcare accessibility.

Contributing Factors:

Racial stress, trauma, and socioeconomic constraints. Food insecurity, stigma, and healthcare disparities.

Sweet Snacks Effects On Hispanic/Latino Childhood Obesity, Lemlen Belete, Brisa Rodriguez Alcantar

Undergraduate Research Symposium Lightning Talks

Background:

Obesity rates in children has become a growing concern in the Hispanic/Latino community in Nevada. This study examines the availability of sweet snacks in the home and its association with children's dietary behavior.

Methods:

Data was analyzed from a survey of 155 Latina mothers using logistic regression while controlling for income, education, and acculturation. The survey was conducted in Nevada, between October 2022 and March 2024.

Results:

The frequency of keeping sweets in the home was significantly associated with children's consumption of various sweets. For every increase in keeping sweets at home, the odds of children consuming: • Chocolate …

Analyzing Healthcare As A Right, Instead Of A Privilege, Saidt Gutierrez

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Healthcare is a fundamental necessity, yet in many countries including the United States, it remains a privilege rather than a right. This research examines the benefits of universal healthcare by analyzing its impact in countries that have successfully implemented healthcare such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. This study evaluates the healthcare accessibility, cost efficiency, and health outcomes in these countries against the U.S. This finding will suggest that universal health care leads to lower overall healthcare costs, improve public health, and reduce financial burdens on individuals. By ensuring healthcare as a right, rather than a privilege, the U.S …

Costing Care: Unpacking The Drivers Of Medicaid Spending For Nicu Admissions In Nevada, Vidhani Goel, Ana L. Reyes, Bertille Assoumou, Dodds P. Simangan, Farooq Abdulla, Deborah A. Kuhls

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Overview This study examines how maternal and neonatal factors influence Medicaid spending for NICU admissions in Nevada, with an emphasis on identifying cost-driving health disparities. Approach: A retrospective analysis was conducted using linked data from Nevada’s Birth Registry and Medicaid claims (2015–2021). Infant records were analyzed using univariate and bivariate statistics, and logistic regression models identified associations between maternal/neonatal characteristics and above-median Medicaid spending. Cost trends were assessed using NICU case costs, annual growth rates, and year-to-year fluctuations. Key Objectives: Analyze trends in NICU-related Medicaid spending over a seven-year period. Identify maternal and neonatal characteristics linked to higher NICU costs. …

Beyond The Nursery: Unraveling Maternal And Neonatal Factors Associated With Nicu Admissions In Nevada (2015–2021), Vidhani Goel, Ana L. Reyes, Bertille Assoumou, Dodds P. Simangan, Farooq Abdulla, Deborah A. Kuhls

Undergraduate Research Symposium Podium Presentations

Overview

This project focuses on investigating the relationship between maternal medical conditions, socioeconomic factors, and NICU admission levels among Medicaid beneficiaries in Nevada.

Approach:

•A retrospective analysis was conducted using linked data from the Birth Registry and Nevada Medicaid Claims from 2015 to 2021.

•Infant records were analyzed using univariate and bivariate statistical methods, with a significance level set at 5%.

•Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between maternal characteristics and NICU admission levels.

Key Objectives:

•Analyze NICU admission trends among Medicaid beneficiaries.

•Identify maternal health risk factors linked to NICU admissions.

•Examine neonatal characteristics influencing NICU admissions.

Design And Assembly Of A Lightweight, Multi-Cannula Tetrode Drive For Bilateral Hippocampal And Acc Recordings, Homero Phelps, Jasmine Sidhu, Jonathan V. Trinidad, Talha Soluoku

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Implants and Electrophysiology:

Electrophysiology is the study of the electrical properties of cells and tissues, neuronal implants enable high-resolution recordings of neuron action potentials and their locations in the brain.

Data gathered is key in investigating/mapping cognition and effects of neurological pathologies on regular neural systems.

Hyperdrive Model:

Previous model was restricted to two implant sites, and displayed frequent tetrode deformation

Hyperdrive was modified to support four implant sites and 16 independently movable tetrodes using 3D modeling software, while keeping its weight below 1.5 grams.

Targets:

Researchers targeted the hippocampus (CA1, CA3) and ACC, using the novel bilateral model

Perception Of Emotions In Autism With Controlled Elicitation, Austin Gillespie, Rachel Dewald

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Recognizing emotions play a crucial role in effective communication.(1)

Previous research has rated autistic expression as awkward.(2)

These studies captured unnaturally elicited emotions by having participants imitate emotions from scripted prompts and pictures

Leukemia And Thyroid Cancer In Relation To Reca Boundaries, Cora Marinos

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

A total of 1,054 test were conducted by the United States between 1945 and 1992. This is more Atomic tests than all other countries combined. Of those tests 928 were conducted at the Nevada Test Site located 65 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada.

These tests spread nuclear fallout throughout the United States causing the people in nearby communities to become sick. The public outcry spurred the passing of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in 1990 (RECA) It’s scope of coverage was broaded in 2000. Despite many groups fighting for further expansion, the Act expired in June of 2024.

Of the …

Stress And Glucose Regulation In Adults At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Secondary Analysis From A Randomized Controlled Trial, Sophia Lysne, Regina Dispa, Brenna Way, Bea Francene Pilnade, Donya Shahamati, Romina Ballesteros, Christopher Acosta, Keren Morales, Esther Adaji, Ohis Egbaidomeh

Undergraduate Research Symposium Posters

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a major public health concern, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Additionally, prediabetes is a critical precursor, as it elevates the risk of developing both T2DM and CVDs. (2)

Recent literature reveals among individuals with severe perceived stress, there is a higher likelihood of HbA1c% levels meeting the criteria for prediabetes (5.7– 6.4%) as compared to those with lower perceived stress. (3)

Studies show that psychological stress has hyperglycemic effects in individuals with T2DM, suggesting that stress is associated with poorer blood glucose control. (4)

Patient Satisfaction Survey – Every Patient Matters, Stephanie Pigg, Hailey Goulas, Jonathan Ortegon

Covenant Nurses Week 2025

No abstract provided.

“Call Don’T Fall, Does It Matter At All?” Evaluating Fall Bundle Modalities And Its Effectiveness In Current Practice: A Review Of Literature, Kenn Everard Lachenal, Zandraline Lachenal, Jelly Jacob, Charmaine Capili, Jason Dela Cruz

Covenant Nurses Week 2025

No abstract provided.

Efficacy Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Obese Women With Pcos, Ellie Fischer

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive aged women. • PCOS is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and obesity. • This review looked at studies comparing GLP-1 receptor agonists to metformin on PCOS symptoms. • PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect were searched from April to July 2024 and ten articles made it past inclusion and exclusion criteria for review in this paper. • In this review, GLP-1 RAs effectively reduce weight and improve glucose metabolism in obese women with PCOS. • GLP-1 RAs in combination with metformin showed even more weight loss and improvement …

Influence Of Hearing Loss On Self-Reported Hearing Ability And Listening Fatigue In Persons With Aphasia, Ashlyn Kilgore

Poster Presentations

Aphasia is an acquired disorder, often caused by stroke, that results in language deficits. It can greatly impact a person's ability to communicate with others. Cognitive deficits may accompany aphasia. Additionally, hearing loss is a disability likely to co-occur with aphasia, as they both most commonly impact the same age group. When a person has hearing loss, the quality of the auditory signal is degraded when it reaches the brain. The poor signal quality, compounded with linguistic and possible cognitive deficits that are associated with aphasia, makes it more difficult for persons with aphasia (PWA) to comprehend speech.

For all …

Efficacy And Safety Of Angiopoietin-Like 3 Inhibitors In Decreasing Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Paige Fritz

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

Hypercholesterolemia is estimated to effect 31.7% of the United States population according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The mainstay of treatment for this condition is currently statin therapy. While these medications are often effective in decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to patient’s goal range, there are populations in which they are not sufficient. These populations include those who have genetic predispositions, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, or those who experience refractory hypercholesterolemia to statin medications. To combat this issue, a class of medications named Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibitors have been created to use as an adjunct to statin …

Oral Nsaids Vs. Topical Anesthetics For Pain Management During Iud Insertion: A More Effective Standard Of Care, Hannah Ulven

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) option for patients from menarche until menopause. Pain associated with IUD insertion remains a significant barrier to IUD insertion use. Unrelieved pain during the procedure may lead to serious complications, such as vasovagal shock and cardiac arrhythmias, which may negatively impact patient experience and adherence to contraceptive methods. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most recommended medication for pain management; however, IUD insertional pain is unrelated to prostaglandin synthesis which is the primary target of NSAIDs. This literature review is to compare the efficacy of oral NSAIDs …

A Joint Endeavor: Methotrexate Vs. Jak Inhibitors For Joint Inflammation Reduction In Rheumatoid Arthritis, Madeleine Kennedy

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

This paper investigates the comparative efficacy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors versus methotrexate (MTX) in reducing joint inflammation in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study addresses the critical research question: In adult patients with RA, does treatment with JAK inhibitors or methotrexate demonstrate superior efficacy in reducing joint inflammation? A literature review was conducted analyzing various clinical trials, including phase II and III studies, that evaluated the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors, both as monotherapy and in combination with MTX. The findings indicate that JAK inhibitors, particularly tofacitinib and baricitinib, consistently show superior or equivalent efficacy in achieving American …

Cardiac-Surgical Advanced Life Support (Cals-S), Rachel Hewett, Lois Lenzmeier, Amber Martin

Nursing Posters

Improve resuscitation outcomes of cardiovascular surgery patients through the adoption of the Cardiac Advanced Life Support-Surgical (CALS-S) algorithm for cardiac arrest.

Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover: Generational Diversity At Centracare, Theresa Reichert, Lora Gullette, Britney Winkelman

Nursing Posters

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) identifies key elements of a health work environment. Key elements to build belonging within a health work environment (HWE) include:

• Recognizing the value each person brings to the team
• Open, respectful, and effective communication
• Helping teams identify missing "F"s by valuing multiple perspectives
• Avoiding communication breakdowns
• Building departmental cultures where it is safe for employees to speak up with safety concerns
• Advancing collaboration and mutual respect, even during conflict.
• Strengthening employee fulfillment, retention and morale

At CentraCare, many different generations work together to care for patients and one another. Understanding generational strengths …

Developing Education To Improve Confidence And Competence In Handling Physical And Mental Health Emergencies For Ambulatory Care Nurses, Teresa Nathan, Cathrine Robak

Nursing Posters

With over 60 clinics employing over 600 nursing staff, the educational needs for the CentraCare clinic system are vast and diverse. We conducted a learning needs assessment, identifying confidence and competence gaps in the subjects of physical health and mental health emergencies as a theme across the clinic system.