The American Academy of Family Physicians National Conference of Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students (National Conference) provides one of the largest forums for medical students and family medicine residents to display research initiatives and special projects. Fifty posters, including two from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, have been selected for display during the conference.
Those posters selected for presentation by Ohio Academy of Family Physicians student members include:
- Smoking Cessation Education at Moms2B (Community Project)
Valerie Burstein, Celia Bangert, Katirina Coppolino, and Shari Duarte
Moms2B is a community outreach program originally established to address the differences in infant mortality rates between the different neighborhoods of the greater Columbus, OH, area. Smoking is implicated in major causes of infant mortality, including prematurity, congenital anomalies, and sudden infant death. Thus, we partnered with Moms2B to develop and implement an interactive smoking cessation session for pregnant women at each of the Moms2B sites. We facilitated an interactive educational session on the health repercussions of smoking while pregnant and the effect of smoke exposure on infants. Pre- and post-surveys were distributed as a quality improvement measure, which demonstrated increased interest in smoking cessation.
- Follow-Up Program Improves Specialty Referral Outcomes (Research)
Megan Danzo and Nina Hill
Primary care providers serve diverse populations, with certain patients requiring specialty referrals. However, navigating complex healthcare systems is challenging for many patients. Delays in scheduling or follow-up may lead to progression of disease. At the student run clinic, Columbus Free Clinic (CFC), a health literacy assessment and referral intervention were implemented to address factors contributing to low referral success rate. This study included 91 patients (50 pre-intervention, 41 post-intervention). Patient demographics and health literacy were assessed in a representative sample. Health literacy was measured using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy, a tool validated in multiple populations. Demographics and health literacy were hypothesized to influence referral success. The intervention included new forms, patient/provider education, and standardized follow-up calls. The primary variable of interest was referral success (indicated by financial aid approval and attended appointment). Following intervention implementation, the referral success rate improved significantly from 26% to 54% (p=0.007). Patients received an average of 3.9 follow-up calls. Low health literacy was not significantly associated with low referral success rates. Standardized follow-up programs can improve patient-provider communication, identify barriers that prevent patients from receiving care, and lead to improved health outcomes.
A list of the authors and poster titles is available. Posters will be displayed onsite during the National Conference Thursday-Saturday, July 25–27. in Kansas City, MO.
One resident and one student will be awarded first place and earn a trip to the 2019 AAFP Family Medicine Experience, Tuesday-Saturday, September 24–28, in Philadelphia, PA, to display their posters.