Primary Care Commons^™

Developmental Status Of Young Children In Foster Care, Jill Mcleigh, Cecy Lazcano, Karlyn Tunnell

Health Status, Outcomes, and Literacy and Healthcare Utilization

Children in foster care (CFC) may be at higher risk for developmental problems. This study sought to determine (1) the percentage of CFC with developmental problems seen at an integrated primary care clinic and (2) whether the presence of various risk factors was associated with increased odds of developmental problems in general and across developmental domains. This cross-sectional study used the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, demographic, and health-related data retrieved from electronic health records. The study included 796 children aged 1 to 66 months seen at an integrated primary care clinic exclusively serving CFC. Frequencies and percentages of …

Reflections Of An Earliest Established Screening And Testing Facility For Covid-19 In The Largest Metropolis, Pakistan, Fatima Kanwal, Karishma Kanhya Lal, Asra Qureshi

Department of Family Medicine

As the world struggles to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, this article talks about the experience and findings of the first COVID-19 screening facility in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Department of Family Medicine at Aga Khan University (AKU) took initiative where COVID-19 screening of stable patients first began in a dedicated area. Since testing kits were limited and community spread had not started, nurses would screen every walk-in patient based on the presence of fever, cough, travel history and exposure to COVID-19 positive patient in the last 14 days, and advise swab testing if indicated. Out of …

Review Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Fasd) Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People, Sharynne Hamilton, Michael Doyle, Carol Bower

Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a preventable, lifelong disability that disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the available information on FASD among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with reference to the limitations on population-based data and evaluated programs. The review outlines; the harms of alcohol use in the context of colonisation, cultural perspectives on assessment and diagnosis, effective prevention programs and a summary of state and national policies. Health impacts, educational outcomes and the effects of FASD on vulnerable populations such as children in protection and young people in …

Sunscreen Use And Screening In College Athletes: An Evidence-Based Pilot Project, Nicole Brustkern Bsn, Rn, Cpn, Sharon Boothe-Kepple Phd, Msn, Fnp-C, Phn (Chickasaw)

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Background: Melanoma is the third most common cancer in individuals ages 15 – 29. The greatest risk for melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Collegiate athletes are exposed to 1,000 more sun hours per year than the average adult, placing them at higher risk for melanoma. Evidence supports sunscreen education and screening to promote protective behaviors in young adults.

Objective: This evidence-based pilot project implements the standardized screening of sunscreen use and sun protective behaviors in women’s soccer players ages 18 to 21 years old at the University of San Diego.

Methods: The Sun Exposure and Protection Index …

Treatment Anxiety Education For Pediatric Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Patients, An Evidence Based Project, Mary Nagel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Abstract

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect and affects almost 1% of all live births. Treatment anxiety is common among children with CHD who undergo multiple procedures early in their lifetime. Dramatically increased life spans for this cardiac population has led to a shift from focusing on survival to their long-term health outcomes.

Methods:

Administration of the Peds QL Cardiac Module 3.0 assesses health related quality of life (HRQOL) during annual visits to a Cardiac Neurodevelopmental (ND) Clinic by evaluating the level of Treatment Anxiety a patient experiences during healthcare appointments. The questionnaire scores are …

Anal Cancer Screening At Truman Health Services, Peter D. Tran, Harshdeep Babbar

Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Symposium

Anal Papanicoloau Screening at Truman Clinic

Anal cancer is a squamous cell cancer associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virus that is associated with cervical cancer. Although vaccination against HPV has been shown to be effective in reducing overall rates of infection, the number of new anal cancer cases has been rising for many years. In HIV-infected men and women, the incidence is even higher of anal cancer than in the general population. Current rates in an HIV-infected MSM population have been estimated to be as high as 70-144 per 100,000, with some studies of HIV-infected individuals showing that …

Technology-Based Advance Care Planning Education For Primary Care Patients, Taryn Achong

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

Background: Advance Care Planning (ACP) encompasses a multidisciplinary, collaborative process that allows patients to understand their health and make informed decisions in their treatment plans. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic and recent research, ACP is considered imperative for all patients. Evidence-based approaches include supplemental group sessions, case manager interventions, and provision of at-home resources. Within the pandemic, there has also been a rapid shift to telemedicine, restricting most ACP efforts. Therefore, the utilization of technology-based ACP resources and telemedicine is highly supported.

Purpose: This DNP project serves to assist an internal medicine practice located in Hawaii’s metropolitan area. Although the …

Increasing Vaccination Rates In Pregnancy Using A Multifaceted Approach Including Patient Education And Reminder/Recall Interventions, Jas Tiara Mcgee

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Given the global tragedy that this most recent pandemic has caused, more attention has been given to the devastating outcomes that the spread of infectious disease outbreaks can have. Similar to those with comorbid conditions, pregnant women are also extremely vulnerable to infectious diseases, as disease manifestation does not only affect the mother, but the fetus as well. Thus, the prevention of both the influenza virus and pertussis are two major goals when providing care for this population. Preventing both of these disease processes during the intrapartum period helps to ensure optimal wellness for both mother and baby and overall …

Do Males With 45,X/46,Xy Mosaicism Have Turner Syndrome, Michelle Knoll

Research Days

Background: Patients with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism can have genitalia spanning the range from typical female to typical male, and the sex assigned at birth is often based on the appearance of the genitalia. According to current nomenclature, only the subgroup assigned female are diagnosed with Turner syndrome (TS) (Gravholt et al, 2017). Clinical practice guidelines recommend that girls with TS be screened for several comorbidities, including short stature, cardiac and renal anomalies, and autoimmune conditions, but there are no recommendations for screening of boys with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism.

Objectives/Goal: We sought to determine if boys with 45,X/46,XY mosaicism exhibited a similar rate …

Mindset, Medicine And You, Gregory A. Jaffe, Md, Msed

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

Objectives

• Describe the differences between a fixed and growth mindset
• State phrases that encourage growth mindset
• Apply growth mindset techniques to medical education

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome For The Pcp, Madeline Taskier, Md

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

Objectives

• Define PCOS
• Outline varying diagnostic criteria
• Briefly review pathophysiology and diagnostic approach
• Review primary care management of PCOS symptoms
• Summarize role of PCP for clinical monitoring
• Explore influence of PCOS on fertility and pregnancy

Sports Medicine Update For The Pcp, Jeremy D. Close, Md

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

No abstract provided.

Medical Neglect: Trends In Reporting Practices And Patient Characteristics, Danielle Horton

Research Days

Background: Medical neglect, an important but less commonly recognized subset of child maltreatment, has significant consequences on child health and well-being. Improved processes for defining, recognizing, and reporting medical neglect are needed, however there is limited published data on the subject. Insight into patient characteristics and current reporting practices will help identify areas for intervention to improve outcomes for children at risk for medical neglect.

Objectives/Goal: To describe characteristics of children identified for concern of medical neglect and trends in reporting of cases to child protective services (CPS).

Methods/Design: We performed a 1-year retrospective descriptive study of subjects < 18 years of age at a single, tertiary-care, academic pediatric institution for whom a Patient at Risk (PAR) assessment was completed exclusively for the concern of medical neglect. The PAR is a unique institutional process by which health professionals and social workers document concerns for child maltreatment. Medical records were reviewed for data regarding demographics, medical history, health care utilization and psychosocial risk factors. The role of the initiating provider and healthcare setting in which the PAR was recorded were also obtained.

Results: Of …

Better Together? The Effects Of Shared Medical Appointments On Bmi In Obese Adults, Amanda Larson

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

The United States (U.S.) is amidst an obesity epidemic, with Indiana ranking as the 15th worst state (Institute of Medicine, 2012; United Health Foundations, 2020). Despite current management strategies, the obesity rate in both the U.S. and Indiana continues to rise (WHO, 2020). Therefore, obesity management must change. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to determine if the addition of shared medical appointments (SMAs) consisting of informational group sessions by specialists and brief individualized meetings with the provider will result in greater reduction of weight and body mass index (BMI) compared to standard care alone in those …

Education Combined With Reminder Strategies To Improve Cervical Cancer Screening Rates, Christina E. Mclean

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women worldwide and a leading cause of death in some countries (Jayasekara, 2020). Approximately 13,800 cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. last year, and about 4,290 women died (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2020). Regular cervical cancer screening (CCS) reduces morbidity and mortality, but screening rates are low in the U.S. and at the project site (ACS. 2020). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to increase CCS at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with six clinic locations in Northwest Indiana; the primary project site was …

Implementation Of A Cost-Effective Treatment Algorithm For The Management Of Acne Vulgaris In College Students, Cristina Borsilli

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Acne is one of the most common skin disorders in the United States, occuring in over 5.1 million Americans. Of those with acne, 53.8% are adults between the ages of 18 and 44 years old (American Academy of Dermatology [AAD], 2017). Acne can lead to multiple issues such as scarring, poor self-esteem, anxiety, and depression (Zaenglein et al., 2016). Acne can also negatively impact quality of life (Cengiz & Gurel, 2020). The purpose of this evidence-based project was to develop a cost-effective treatment algorithm for the management of acne vulgaris in adult college students. A literature search determined the best …

The Effect Of Implementing A Generalized Anxiety Disorder Protocol For Anxiety And Depression Symptoms In The Primary Care Setting, Bailey J. Hinman

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is very prevalent in the United States with 5.7% of citizens affected (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2017). This number is expected to be even higher because individuals avoid care due to stigma of mental illness (Andrews et al., 2018). GAD can have significant implications such as decreased ability to function, decreased quality of life and increased risk of suicide (Fong, 2018; Lizarondo, 2018). The purpose of this project was to improve outcomes for adult patients with GAD in the primary care setting by improving treatment to follow best practice recommendations. The Johns Hopkins Evidence …

The Role Of Primary Care Physicians In Post-Partum Depression (Ppd), Elizabeth Bowman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background

• Symptoms of depression lasting longer than 2 weeks following birth
• 10-15% of new mothers affected yet 50% of cases go undiagnosed
• Long-lasting consequences for the mother, baby, and father
• Multi-factorial condition

Conclusion

• Primary care providers are the first-line defense against PPD
• Many providers are resistant to PPD screenings
• Interventions from primary care providers are effective

Consequence Of Patient Education On Health Habits, Esha M. Patel, Adarsh Gupta

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Hypothesis: Patients who participate in an specific health habit do so due to a lack of knowledge about the consequences of that choice.

Goal: Correlate patient participation in specific health habits with their knowledge of the consequences of these choices. Understand why patients continue to participate in specific habits and what influences their decision. The end goal of my project is to provide insight to encourage physicians to evaluate patient’s health education and get physicians to try to apply consequences of these habits on the patient’s life to help them understand health outcomes.

Conclusion: This study showed more correlations between …

Mental Health Outcomes At A Student-Run Free Clinic, Jessica-Sophie Horoschak, Riya Tandra, Sahil Parikh, Shayna Peterzell, Roma Padalkar, Tara Pellegrino

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

In this project we aim to:

1. Assess the outcomes of screening, management, and diagnosis for patients at the Rowan Community Health Center (RCHC).

2. Compare the outcomes of screening, management, and diagnosis between different groups (gender, race, income, insurance status) using validated surveys.

3. There is a need for accessible and affordable primary care in the South Jersey area, which the RCHC is hoping to meet.

Hypothesis:

The quality of mental health care available to patients at the RCHC is comparable to that at other insured practices.

A Tailored Multicomponent Intervention In Primary Care For Survivors Of Adverse Childhood Experiences (Aces), Rebecca L. Peterson

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include 10 traumatic events of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction that occur before 18 years of age. Adverse childhood experiences affect greater than 60% of the population, and approximately one in six individuals affirm that they have experienced four or more types of ACEs. They are associated with negative, long-term health outcomes in adults, including 9 out of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.; Felitti et al., 1998). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to implement a tailored, multicomponent intervention to mitigate the …

Keeping Primary Care Providers Informed About Detecting Skin Cancer In Young Adults, Riley J. Spears

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Skin cancer is a common, life-threatening disease that affects anyone, regardless of age or skin color (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2020). The incidence of melanoma is on the rise for young adults, with an estimated 2,400 new cases for individuals aged 15 to 29 (ACS, 2020). Although skin cancer is highly preventable, clinical guidelines are inconsistent regarding skin cancer screening. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to determine if the implementation of the INternet curriculum FOR Melanoma Early Detection (INFORMED) program would improve primary care providers’ (PCPs’) confidence about skin cancer and the number of completed and …

Evaluating Va Nurse Acceptance Of Virtual Healthcare Technology During The Coronavirus Outbreak, Francesca Bryan-Couch

Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects

At a regional Veterans Administration (VA) hospital, nurses performing case management were unable to perform face-to-face visits with patients due to coronavirus. Care coordination and discharge planning efforts occurred through telephonic case management to preserve personal protective equipment and reduce transmission rates through social distancing. Trust and rapport between patients and nurses were reduced without personal contact. Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations described six nurse roles and three phases of relationship development required to create therapeutic nurse-patient relationships. Connectedness was a key concept considered to be the path to a successful meaningful therapeutic nurse-patient relationship (Hrabe, 2005).

To evaluate current …

Efficacy Of Diabetes Self-Management Education Administered Via Telehealth For Adults With Uncontrolled Diabetes, Tanner Free

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Patient’s with a diagnosis of diabetes require significant lifestyle modification and education. The need for patient education has led to the development of diabetes self-management education (DSME) classes. Unfortunately, utilization of DSME classes is only 5% among Medicare beneficiaries and 6.8% among privately insured patients (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2018). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to implement DSME via telehealth and assist with goal formation to help patients with uncontrolled diabetes achieve glycemic control by increasing access to crucial education. The intervention consisted of bi-weekly calls for a period of 3 months. Participant data were …

Acupuncture For Pain, Julita Mitchell, Md

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

Objectives

➢ To introduce basic acupuncture theory and proposed mechanisms.

➢ To describe a typical acupuncture encounter.

➢ To outline the indications for acupuncture.

➢ To explore clinical evidence behind acupuncture for pain
○ Knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, headache

➢ Review AAFP Clinical Recommendations for acupuncture.

➢ To discuss logistical aspects of acupuncture referral.

The Use Of Automated Text Messaging As An Intervention For Smoking Cessation, Oluwasayo Sinkaiye

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Tobacco smoking is a widespread problem that affects the adult population in the United States (U.S.). In 2018, about 14 of every 100 adults in the USA aged 18 years or older were cigarette smokers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Tobacco smoking is associated with chronic disease conditions that have serious health implications including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (CDC, 2020). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project (EBP) was to determine the effectiveness of an automated text messaging application (SmokefreeTXT) for smoking cessation in a primary care setting for adult cigarette …

Sarcopenia: A Functional Chronic Disease, Mike Haines, Md

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

Objectives

• Define sarcopenia as a clinical diagnosis as described by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons (EWGSOP2)
• Recognize, identify, and describe sarcopenia as a distinct disease process
• Review impact on health outcomes and healthcare costs
• Explain tools used to aid in diagnosis in clinical practice
• Explore the nuances of therapeutic interventions
• Discuss role of the primary care physician

Outline

● What is sarcopenia?

• Definition provided by EWGSOP2
• Brief overview of pathophysiology

● Why is it important?

• Epidemiology
• Impact on health outcomes
• Healthcare costs

● Diagnosis

• Review EWGSOP2 framework for clinical practice
• Questionnaires
• Office based testing
• Imaging

● …

Musings On Patient Willingness To Pay, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The editor-in-chief of the Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews introduces an original research article published within Volume 8, Issue 2, and comments on the relative willingness-to-pay values placed on various medical tests, treatments, and cures. How do we adequately educate patients on the risk of chronic disease and inspire them to embrace advisable lifestyle changes before there is a bigger bill to balk at?

Heart-Healthy Integrative Nutritional Counseling Group Education Sessions Among Chinese Americans With Cardiovascular Risk Factors Or Disease: A Primary Care Quality Improvement Pilot, Jasmin Woo, Evelyn Y. Ho, Jane Jih

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Current biomedical cardiovascular disease nutrition counseling does not incorporate Chinese medicine principles.

Methods: A heart-healthy integrative nutritional counseling (H2INC) curriculum consistent with Chinese medicine principles and biomedical nutrition guidelines was taught to Chinese Americans in group education sessions. Chinese-speaking patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors from an urban general medicine practice were recruited to attend a 90-minute group session. Participants completed pre-post surveys to assess the impact of H2INC on their perceived heart-healthy nutrition knowledge and empowerment, as well as the cultural relevance of H2INC.

Results: A total of 47 participants (mean age: 74 years; 63.8% female) attended …

A Smartphone Intervention To Reduce Hospital Readmission Rates In Adult Patients Who Have Heart Failure, Jami L. Crisman

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of 30-day hospital readmission, with up to 23.5% of Medicare beneficiaries requiring subsequent admission within 30 days post hospital discharge (CMS, 2020a). Mobile-health applications (MHA), such as smartphone applications, have emerged as cost-effective methods to safely manage chronic disease in the outpatient setting (Inglis et al., 2015). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to evaluate the impact of a MHA on HF-related 30-day readmission rates. The Iowa Model Revised guided the implementation of the project in a rural, for-profit hospital in Northwest Indiana. An extensive literature search was conducted, and …