-
Harm Reduction in Family Medicine
Tess Hickey
In Lewiston, Maine the opioid epidemic is a public health crisis resulting in overdose-related deaths, infectious disease transmission, and public health costs. Harm reduction through resources such as syringe service centers, peer counseling, and Narcan distribution can help negate the negative health impact of substance use disorder. This project focused on creating a list of local harm reduction resources for providers so they can educate patients on how to be as safe as possible when using substances.
-
Exercise and Physical Therapy in the Elderly
William Holden
There are many current barriers to participating in exercise and physical therapy in the elderly. Using reputable online resources, we created a handout containing a list of exercises that can be completed safely at home without equipment. It was designed for elderly individuals, as inactivity tends to increase with age and this population is particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of inactivity. The strength and flexibility exercises primarily target the back, hips and core, common problem areas in the elderly. The handout will contain links to further resources for more in-depth physical therapy exercises and will be tailored for administration in a primary care setting.
-
Reach Out and Read Awareness and Utilization at the Community Health Centers of Burlington
Catrina Hood and Jacob Shaw M.D.
The Reach Out and Read (ROR) program is an evidence-based model of literacy promotion used to deliver anticipatory literacy guidance and books to parents and caregivers of children, ages 6 months through 5 years, at well child visits with Primary Care Providers (PCP's). The objective of this project was to assess provider familiarity with and utilization of ROR at the Community Health Centers of Burlington (CHCB) via anonymous survey.
-
Smoking Cessation Associated Weight Gain: The Role of Diet and Exercise Counseling in Quitting Smoking
Benjamin D. Kagan
Weight gain is a common unintended consequence of quitting smoking due to a combination of physiologic and behavioral factors. Counseling focused on diet and exercise reduces weight gain associated with smoking cessation. Reduction of weight gain related to smoking cessation maximizes the health benefit of quitting tobacco.
-
Remaining Active in Vermont Winters
Sarah Kendrick
This project explored the challenges of remaining active during Vermont winter for patients with chronic disease. It further complies resources in the community for maintaining activity levels over the winter months.
-
Combating Seasonal Affective Disorder in Vermont
Prasanna Kumar
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a cyclical pattern of depression-like symptoms that occur during the winter months. In Vermont, SAD is estimated to affect up to 10% of individuals. An informational flyer was developed that explained the symptoms of SAD, what the treatment options are, and then linked individuals with local resources for wellness activities in Chittenden County using QR codes in order to prevent SAD. The flyer was distributed at the Community Health Care Centers of Burlington South End office. The flyer was met with enthusiasm and will be given out to patients at the end of this season and into the fall.
-
Pediatric Screenings at Wellness Visits
Amberly Lao
Primary and secondary prevention are at the core of primary care and especially emphasized during pediatric wellness visits. The physicians of Newtown Primary Care reviewed preventative screening with parents and children, and often times, the patients with the most efficient visits had updated preventative screenings. Our purpose was to provide basic information about screening procedures that were relevant to the child that would potentially streamline the visit and reduce the patient's anxiety about the procedures that needed to be completed that day. We aimed to help educate patients about preventive health measures.
-
Community Resources Addressing Peripartum Depression
Tiffany L. Lao
Peripartum mood disorders affect a large proportion of new mothers as well as their families, partners, and support systems. This project aims to provide patients with information about peripartum mood disorders as part of their initial prenatal packet. Also included are a list of local community resources specifically addressing peripartum mood disorders for patients seeking additional support outside of their primary care office.
-
The Preventative Healthcare Shortage: A Look at the VT and CT Community Perspectives and Medical Student Interest
Michael J. Lawler
We adapted and modified a previously generated survey to better understand the motivations and barriers of medical students to enter primary care. The survey was dispersed to all medical students at LCOM as well as third and fourth year medical students at Ross University and American University of the Caribbean (AUC). We analyzed preliminary data from 100 respondents. Notable barriers identified included cost of medical school, stigma associated with primary care, and inadequate time spent with patients. Recommendations for possible intervention were discussed.
-
Nutritional Barriers for Patients with Diabetes: A quality improvement project
Emma C. Levine and Taylor D. Marquis
The goal of this study was to look at health care providers perspectives on what the nutritional barriers patients with diabetes faced and compare that with the patient's perspectives. We also assessed patients knowledge on certain foods and if they have carbohydrates. We used this information to create a Notecard that could be given to patients.
-
Assessing Patient Perceptions of Pre-Visit Methods to Reduce Wait Time and Provider Burden
Vinh H. Le
Due to multiple factors, patients at ambulatory settings tend to experience long appointment wait times, negatively impacting patient satisfaction and overall well-being. One proposed solution is to use pre-visit data collection to simplify check-in and screening processes at the office. This project surveyed patients at Brookfield Primary Care & Pediatrics regarding quantitative wait time data and qualitative perceptions on the proposed solution. It was found that a majority of patients are open to using pre-visit online forms to reduce wait times.
-
Transgender Healthcare Resources for Clinicians in Vermont
Jeanie Lin
Transgender individuals face disproportionate levels of discrimination in healthcare settings and have worse health than their cisgender peers. One major barrier to healthcare reported by transgender individuals is a lack of providers who are sufficiently knowledgeable on the topic. The 2011 National Transgender Discrimination Survey found that half of respondents reported having to teach their providers about their own healthcare. To address this problem in Vermont, transgender healthcare resources were compiled into a single document to be distributed to primary care practices around Vermont.
-
Dental Basics for the PCP
Tierra Lynch
Oral health is a key component of overall systemic health. However, dental care remains a severely under met need in healthcare today, especially in rural settings. Thus, the primary care physician may find herself presented with a variety dental pathology and may feel underprepared for this challenge.
The purpose of this project is to develop concise, evidence based resources regarding the identification, stabilization, and management of common dental pathologies for the primary care physician. Additionally, a database of local resources for patients including basic oral care and local dental clinics for those without insurance will be compiled. This project will seek collaboration with local dental offices to provide expertise and feedback, and to foster an inter-professional dialogue. Preliminary responses from clinic staff has been overwhelmingly positive.
-
Autism resources for primary care patients and families
Keara M. Lynn
At this time in Vermont, there are not enough resources to care for children with autism spectrum disorder. This problem has been exacerbated by the COVID19 pandemic and children are waiting months to years to access needed services. The goal of this project was to create a brochure for patients and families that has information about autism resources in the Northern Vermont community.
-
COVID-19 Vaccination: Educating Patients on Vaccine Availability and Distribution Plans in Lewiston, ME
Erick MacLean
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.
-
Screening for Food Insecurity in New Milford, CT
Liana K. Mathias
Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Litchfield county, home to New Milford, CT, suffered severe economic changes over the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of food insecure households, represented by those requesting food from local food pantries, skyrocketed. This study demonstrates the importance of screening for food insecurity in primary care. A 3-part screen is implemented in a primary care setting to better assess those at risk and connect them to resources and local food services.
-
Words Without Weight
Lucy Merriam
BMI and weight loss are frequently recommended to patients but how weight is talked about with patients can have a negative effect on how they look at their bodies and health. The purpose of this project was to describe ways to discuss health with patients in a body positive way.
-
Attitudes Towards the COVID Vaccine
Micheal Mikheal
This project was done to assess the attitudes towards COVID vaccination in Berlin, Vermont. A survey was utilized to inquire if participants have received or were willing to receive the COVID vaccine. It also gathered details regarding which sources participants received their information regarding the vaccine.
-
Telemedicine after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quality Improvement Project
Alexis B. Miller
This project evaluates patient and provider preferences and perspective on the future of telemedicine use in primary care as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. As our healthcare system adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, use of telemedicine surged practically overnight. The pandemic created a necessity for rapid innovation in telemedicine, including accessibility and insurance coverage. As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and more events move back to in-person, what does this mean for the future of telemedicine? This project surveyed patients attending both in-person and telemedicine primary care appointments to assess their satisfaction, preferences for in-person versus telemedicine, and if this changes for them based on the type of visit. This project also interviewed primary care providers about their perspective on the future of telemedicine as we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Inclusive Local and Online Resources to Stay Active During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Collin B. Montgomery
The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted daily life in an innumerable amount of ways. Through gym closures and overcrowded, unsafe public spaces, maintaining exercise routines and reaching physical activity recommendations is increasingly difficult for many people. As a result of this, there has been an increasing emphasis on at home exercise and routines people can do at home. However, many of these resources are not inclusive of populations such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and the otherwise deconditioned as the exercises can be too strenuous or require specific equipment. The goal of this project was to compile a list of online and local resources in the Greater Burlington Area to help facilitate physical activity for all populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to include a short, intuitive walkthrough of a few exercises that can be done from the home in a chair.
-
Addressing Exercise and Physical Therapy in Older Patients in Colchester, VT
Adam Morehead
Participation in physical activities remains low among much of the older adult population, particularly during the winter months. Many individuals who are active during warmer times of the year become more sedentary during the winter, and this physical inactivity can contribute to declining health. This project sought to develop a simple brochure outlining several simple exercises that can be performed safely at home without equipment to be distributed to patients at wellness visits to encourage indoor exercise.
-
Improving communication in patient visits requiring medical interpreters
Daniel J. Moroney
Handout for effectively using medical interpreting services.
Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.