Boot Camp Translation: Community Engaged Research Process Evaluation

Boot Camp Translation (BCT) is a method of partnering with community members to translate complex health information into locally relevant language and actionable messaging to improve health within their community. Our evaluation will seek to demonstrate the feasibility, reproducibility, worth, and significance of the BCT process. The BCT process being evaluated is based in Norway, Maine. This BCT is on the community selected health topic of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

Use of Syringe Service Programs in Rural vs Urban Maine: A Harm-Reduction Study

Introduction: Syringe service programs (SSPs) reduce HIV and viral hepatitis transmission, as well as the prevalence of improperly disposed needles and needle stick injuries among first responders. Infections associated with injection drug use are rising in rural areas, including Maine, leading to concerns that SSP services are difficult to access for rural residents. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 101 participants hospitalized with infections associated with injection drug use at 4 hospitals in Maine was collected over a 15-month period. Descriptive analyses were performed. Statistical analyses were completed using Fisher’s exact tests, Pearson’s chi-squared tests, and Student’s t tests. Results: Of 101 participants, 66 (65%) lived in urban areas, and 35 (35%) lived rurally. Participants living in rural areas reported less SSP use in the past 3 months (76% urban vs 43% rural). Rural participants also had a higher prevalence of injecting buprenorphine than urban participants (6% urban vs 12% rural). Rural participants were also more likely to obtain needles from pharmacies than urban participants (40% urban vs 71% rural). Discussion: SSP programs are underrepresented and accessed less in rural areas of Maine. Rural populations of people who inject drugs have unique health characteristics and syringe-use practices. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to develop rural SSP programs that address the unique needs of rural populations

Boot Camp Translation: Community Engaged Research Process Evaluation

The BCT process was first developed by the High Plains Research Network and its Community Advisory Council in rural Colorado. Between 2004 and 2015 the BCT process was used 31 times across the U.S. on a broad range of topics.https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/lambrew-retreat-2021/1003/thumbnail.jp

Patient and Provider Experience with Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology for Diabetic Retinopathy in a Rural Primary Care Setting

Introduction: The development of autonomous artificial intelligence for interpreting diabetic retinopathy (DR) images has allowed for point-of-care testing in the primary care setting. This study describes patient and provider experiences and perceptions of the artificial intelligence DR screening technology called EyeArt by EyeNuk during implementation of the tool at Western Maine Primary Care in Norway, Maine. Methods: This non-randomized, single-center, prospective observational study surveyed 102 patients and 13 primary care providers on their experience of the new screening intervention. Results: All surveyed providers agreed that the new screening tool would improve access and annual screening rates. Some providers also identified initial challenges in incorporating the tool into the primary care visit (31%). Patients expressed a favorable view of the service, sharing an openness to being screened more regularly (75%) and a desire to have screenings performed at Western Maine Primary Care going forward (81%). Discussion: Patients were generally favorable about their experience with the new DR screening technology. Providers indicated challenges due to the limited availability of trained medical assistant photographers during the initial implementation of DR screening, as well as timing issues in coordinating screening with regular office appointments. Conclusions: This study supports further investigation of this technology in primary care, particularly in areas with challenges to care access. The potential benefits of this innovative tool in caring for people with diabetes includes improving access to retinopathy screenings and supporting wider detection of vision-threatening retinopathy

Studios: New Tools at MaineHealth to Improve Research and Engage Stakeholders

An introduction, description of benefits, and additional information about the new tools of the studios at MaineHealth.https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/lambrew-retreat-2023/1031/thumbnail.jp

Centering Community Voices in our Research

What is Community Engaged Research? Community engaged research (CER) is the process of working collaboratively with groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interests, or similar situations across the lifecycle of research.https://knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/lambrew-retreat-2022/1040/thumbnail.jp