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Low-cost At-home Cardio Solutions for Patients During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Anna G. Quinlan
Short-term Project -
Resource Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Jennifer Risi
Short-term ProjectChildren with autism spectrum disorder and their families have numerous needs for health and social support. The system through which they receive this support is complex and foreign to many parents. Interactions with patients and their families have made it clear that many of them do not know what resources are available to them or how to access these resources. Furthermore, healthcare provides frequently do not have the time to educate patients fully during visits. To address this, we created an educational pamphlet that acts as a resource guide for families with various unmet needs which can be handed out at primary care offices in Chittenden County.
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Patient Perceptions on the COVID-19 Vaccine
Claudia E. Russell
Short-term ProjectWith COVID-19 cases and deaths on the rise in Vermont and nationally, it will be important for as many people who are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccines when available. The WHO considers vaccine hesitancy to be a major threat to public health. This study aims to examine patient attitudes and concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. An informational brochure about the recently approved Pfizer and Moderna vaccines was then distributed to all participants.
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Patient Knowledge and barriers to care for their Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Condition
Diana A. Salama
Short-term ProjectThis project is investigating the patient knowledge and barriers that may be present which may contribute to a lack of effective care of their Type II Diabetes condition. This project is also investigating key components which may improve patient-centered care.
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The Cures Act: How can we alleviate patient confusion and provider workload?
Michela Salusti Simpson
Short-term ProjectThis project aimed to develop a better understanding of patient and provider needs at all UVMMC family medicine and urgent care offices in regards to the new Cures Act. Data was gathered via a 8 question multiple choice survey and we had 24 provider responses. Most providers have found that they are receiving more phone calls from patients with questions in regards to their medical notes or results since the enactment of the Cures Act. Providers mentioned common patient questions are about imaging results, CBC, and electrolytes. Nearly half of providers noted they have changed the way in which they write notes since the Cures Act and all providers felt that a handout with tips to interpret lab results would be helpful.
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Improving Identification of LDCT Lung Cancer Screening Eligible Patients
McKenna L. Schimmel
Short-term ProjectUSPSTF updated lung cancer screening guidelines this year to include all patients 50-80 years old who have 20+ pack years of smoking history and are active smokers or who have quit within the last 15 years. While providers and patients both support lung cancer screening efforts, only a small fraction of eligible patients end up getting screened annually. One way we can improve this metric is by making sure we are correctly identifying which patients meet screening criteria.
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Impact of MyChart Communication on Provider Burden
Samantha R. Schuetz
Short-term ProjectPatient portals have shown promise in engaging individuals in the management of their health by allowing exchange of secure electronic messages with their providers. Increased messaging increases physician workload and contributes to burnout among primary care physicians. This project examines both patient and provider perspectives of MyChart messaging and suggests ways in which this tool can be better utilized.
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Infant Care in Our Community: Development of an Infant Care Guide
Justin G. Schulz
Short-term ProjectImproving health outcomes for infants and parent-provider communication at FQHCs by designing patient/parent focused health education literature.
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Perceptions on Childhood COVID-19 Vaccination
Grant M. Schumaker
Short-term ProjectCOVID-19 vaccination, especially, in children has been a point of both political and scientific contention since its inception. The purpose of this project was to qualitatively assess patients' perceptions on COVID-19 vaccination for children between the ages of 5-11 years old using survey data. Understanding our patient's perceptions on why they may or may not support vaccination may guide how we approach discussing the topic. A total of 17 responses were collected from patients between the ages of 18-80 years old, with >75% of patients found to be in support, already vaccinated, or had a vaccine appointment scheduled for their child. The remaining who did not support the vaccine cited "not enough known" or "concerns for side effects" as reasons. This data gives a foundation into why people may or may not support administering the COVID- 19 vaccine to children and how we can start educating the public and guide the conversation when it comes to vaccines.
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Assessing Barriers to Mental Health Resources
Young Bo Sim
Short-term ProjectThis project was done to assess patients' barriers to mental health services in Newtown Primary Care. The project focused on identifying and developing questionnaires to assess if there were any perceived barriers and what those barriers were.
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At Home Blood Pressure Monitoring
Aneesh Singal
Short-term ProjectBlood pressure measurements in the office are often falsely elevated and do not reflect a patients at-home measurements. This project explores the values of home blood pressure monitoring and includes a pamphlet for use at the Colchester Family Medicine office. It has information on how to check blood pressure, which cuffs to buy, and how to enter home measurements into Epic so the physician can easily view them.
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Improving Sleep: Patient Education on Sleep Hygiene Techniques
Anya Srikureja
Short-term ProjectApproximately one third of adults in the United States sleep less than the recommended 7 hours a night. Insufficient sleep is associated with increase risk of chronic diseases and all-cause mortality. While pharmacologic sleep aids are available, cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended as an effective, first line treatment for insomnia. This project aimed to create patient education materials on sleep hygiene techniques that could be easily distributed by providers through the electronic medical record in order to help improve sleep for the patient population in Vergennes, Vermont.
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Implementation of the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) Model: Information for Patients
Amy Stedman
Short-term ProjectUVMMC Primary Care is transitioning to the Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) model of care, in which behavioral health and/or psychiatric treatment is provided within a primary care setting via in-house consulting clinicians. There are currently no standardized informational materials to educate patients on the details of the PCMHI program, which is a new treatment model for most patients and clinicians involved. Development of educational materials, as well as broader public health implications of the PCMHI model of care, are addressed.
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Evaluating Patient and Provider Knowledge of Safe Pharmaceutical Disposal Procedures in Vermont through a Public Health and Environmental Lens
Emily R. Straley
Short-term ProjectPatient and provider knowledge of safe pharmaceutical disposal procedures is crucial from both a public health and environmental standpoint. Unfortunately, studies have shown that Vermont residents are largely unaware of safe drug disposal programs in their communities. This project evaluated patient knowledge of drug disposal practices and awareness of safe pharmaceutical disposal procedures at Hinesburg Family Medicine. A short phrase was created to better disseminate information about safe drug disposal in Hinesburg, which can be added to a patient’s after visit summary. Many patients report never discussing medication disposal with their physician. Therefore, increased provider communication regarding leftover and unused medications is critical to encouraging participation in safe drug disposal practices in Vermont.
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Mental Health Technology During the Era of COVID-19
Michael Tabet
Short-term ProjectMental health symptoms - especially those of depression and anxiety - have become more prevalent during the COVID pandemic. As seen in previous years, direct and indirect costs of depression can be staggering. Apps exist on smart devices that are based in evidence-based practices that can be therapeutic for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia. A simple handout with some suggested popular mental health apps and accompanying descriptions was created to be used in the CVPH Family Medicine clinic to increase awareness of these apps among patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
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Patient Attitudes and Education about the COVID-19 Vaccine
Zeynep Tek, Faith Wilson, and Claudia Russell
Short-term ProjectWe gave patients a survey about if they were interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and if not why across three different sites in Vermont and Connecticut. We also made and handed out a pamphlet about commonly asked questions about the vaccine and what the state's distribution plan was. A majority of patients were interested in the getting the vaccine, and those who were unsure were worried about the long term side effects.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Resources in Northern New York
Cyrus Neal Thomas-Walker and Maegan Cabrera MD
Short-term ProjectCOVID-19 continues to be a significant health threat and has caused significant disease and mortality in the fall 2021 wave largely driven by the Delta Variant and complicated by unvaccinated patients. In the state of NY, approximately 40 patients died per day (7 day moving average) from serious COVID-19 illness during this time period. During this time, approximately 35% of Clinton County’s population is not vaccinated for COVID-19 and is subsequently unprotected from serious COVID-19 illness. This work discusses reasons for non-vaccination and strategies to combat vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, it includes a pamphlet for local distribution as well as a dot phrase to be utilized for patients seen in the outpatient setting to serve as a personalized reminder on the importance of receiving vaccination against COVID-19 and to answer questions identified as concerns for vaccine hesitancy.
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Implementing an Intimate Partner Violence Screening at a Connecticut Family Medicine Practice
Nikkole Turgeon
Short-term ProjectIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem throughout the United States. The aim of this project was to implement a validated IPV screening form into the work flow of the Newtown Primary Care office and increase awareness about IPV throughout the office. The Hits, Insults, Threatens, Screams (HITS) screening form was implemented and resources from local domestic violence agencies were obtained for the office. A system was set up for patients who screen positive to be referred to the in-house therapist and to local domestic violence agencies. Future steps could include further training and education for the office.
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Resources for staying active during the COVID-19 pandemic
Peter K. Twining
Short-term ProjectDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients find it difficult to stay active. Staying active when gyms are closed and school sports are cancelled can make staying active especially difficult. The purpose of this project was to compile a list of resources for patients to use to stay active and healthy at home during the pandemic.
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Improving Primary Care Access for the Housing Insecure in Washington County
Kristina J. Valentine
Short-term ProjectFor this project I went to two local hotels in Washington Co that were providing shelter for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. I would survey them on their barriers to primary care and tried to connect them to local providers. I then tracked how many individuals were able to have an appointment with a provider.
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Walk and Talk
Carly H. Watson
Short-term ProjectImplementing outdoor walks into the daily routine of residents at long-term care facilities.
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Community Health Interventions to Reduce the Burden of Radon-Related Lung Cancer
Benjamin Weaver
Short-term ProjectExposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. One in seven homes in Vermont has elevated levels of radon, but most patients are unaware of radon as a risk factor for lung cancer or that radon testing and mitigation services are available to them. To promote increased testing and mitigation of radon we screened patients presenting to a Family Medicine practice in Vermont about whether they had had these services done in their home. We also developed a patient education resource for providers to give to patients who had more questions about radon exposure, how to get it tested, and what can be done to reduce the radon levels within their homes.
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Medication-Assisted Withdrawal and Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in the Ambulatory Setting
Jacob Okie Weiss, Javad Mashkuri MD, and Marissa Patrick APRN
Short-term ProjectAlcohol 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 cited barriers to the treatment of AUD were lack of time and resources for adequate follow-up; patient’s unwillingness to decrease use; and provider lack of knowledge and comfort in treating AWS and AUD. The authors make several recommendations to improve care for patients struggling with AUD, including incorporating peer recovery coaches into primary care settings; providing CME opportunities for clinician training in evidence-based treatments for AWS and AUD; and implementing a decision-making protocol to determine the appropriate setting for patients experiencing AWS.
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Educating Patients on the COVID-19 Vaccination
Jenna Wells and Sara Brennan
Short-term ProjectPatients are frequently coming into clinics with misinformation and frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. The goal of this project was to address these frequently asked questions by educating patients and sparking conversation regarding the vaccine when patients came to their clinic appoints. This was accomplished via a handout that was given to patients on arrival.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Patient Opinions
Faith E. Wilson, Zeynep Tek, and Claudia Russell
Short-term ProjectAs the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available in Vermont, many patients have questions about the safety and efficacy, who it will be available for, when they can expect to get the vaccine, if their doctor would recommend it for them. These important questions are taking valuable time during already short patient visits, and as information is constantly evolving it is difficult to give a concise answer to many questions. This project outlined the basics of the vaccine and answered many FAQs.
These projects were completed by students in the University of Vermont Family Medicine Clerkship. Block Clerkship Projects were completed during a five-week period, while Longitudinal Clerkship Projects were completed over the course of a 12-month longitudinal clerkship.
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