The Interprofessional Academy of Educators: Inclusive, Collaborative, Innovative

Issue to be addressed: To elevate the educational mission of the institution, UNMC established the Interprofessional Academy of Educators in 2016. Designed by educators for educators, this interprofessional community strives to improve health professions education by encouraging curricular innovation, supporting educational scholarship & offering mentorship for early career and seasoned educators. Method: The inaugural class included a unique blend of medical scholars from 8 Colleges, 2 Institutes, Academic Affairs, IT Services, and Library Sciences. Members span a 500-mile wide campus. Eight SIGs foster interprofessional collaboration & scholarship. An academically diverse leadership team of five oversees the Academy.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/cahp_mits_pres/1003/thumbnail.jp

Imaging the Transgender Patient

Within the health care system, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons face many obstacles that lead to health disparities. These disparities include social stigma, lack of provider knowledge and training, lack of sufficient health insurance coverage, and layout of physician practice. As noted by the Joint Commission, federal law prohibits the discrimination of individuals based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, and sex within the health care system.1 It is essential for all health care providers to be educated on the best practices in regard to caring for the LGBT patient. The focus of this exhibit is to define and explain terminology important in the care of the LGBT patient, identify health disparities faced by the LGBT patient, describe the health care needs of the LGBT patient and to list the best practices in regard to creating a welcoming and safe environment for the LGBT patient.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/cahp_mits_pres/1000/thumbnail.jp

The Utilization of the Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table in the Education of Imaging Science Students

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of the Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table in the education of imaging science students and to assess the beliefs and perceptions of the students in regard to using the Table for teaching imaging-based anatomy & pathology. Subjects & Methods: Study participants included 17 medical imaging students to include 9 Diagnostic Medical Sonography students, 2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging students, 2 Nuclear Medicine Technology students, 2 Radiation Therapy students and 2 Cardiovascular Interventional Technology students. Data was collected through focus groups and course/instructor evaluations. The researchers followed Creswell’s procedure for data analysis and representation. Results: Assessment of students’ perceptions showed that 96% of students felt that the Table was a positive/beneficial tool in terms of their learning. Students also noted several advantages to using the Table in the education of imaging science students. Conclusion: The use of virtual dissection technology seems to have a promising role in future educational training although more research is needed to better understand the efficacy of using this technology in the classroom. The results of this study show that students appreciate learning with this technology and believe that it is a beneficial and effective tool in preparing them to enter a health care profession.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/cahp_mits_pres/1005/thumbnail.jp

Open Book Testing in Health Science Education: Student Perceptions and Outcomes in Ultrasound Physics

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of open book exams (OBE) in the education of imaging students and to assess the beliefs and perceptions of the students in regard to the use of open book testing. Subjects & Methods: Study participants included twenty-seven sonography students enrolled in an academic health sciences center. OBE was implemented in two ultrasound physics courses. Data was collected through focus groups & exam outcomes. Creswell’s procedure for data analysis & representation was followed. Results: Overall outcomes showed no statistically significant difference between exam grades for the different cohorts with the exception of one exam. A 100% pass rate on the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography’s (ARDMS) Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam was noted for all groups. For the majority of students, exam tension & stress was not reduced on the first exam, but was reduced for the remainder of the exams. Overall, students had a positive perception of OBE. Conclusion: Study findings support open book testing data reported in the literature. Although there was no effect on exam grades, the reduction in anxiety and stress supports the continued use of open book testing in the sonography curriculum.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/cahp_mits_pres/1006/thumbnail.jp

Mindful Meditation Practice for Imaging Professionals

Although a career in medical imaging is very fulfilling and rewarding, research shows that health care professionals are becoming more prone to burnout. The healthcare environment can be face-paced, stressful and demanding. Burnout syndrome results from emotional exhaustion that causes depersonalization and decreased professional accomplishment.1-3 Burnout can have a negative impact not only on the individual, but the environment as well. Decreased patient satisfaction and increased errors are both associated with burnout in the healthcare setting.2 Mindfulness can be defined as the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experiences moment by moment.4 Mindfulness training has been scientifically shown as a method to decrease burnout, improve satisfaction and enhance patient care. Mindful interventions have shown to improve mental, emotional and physical well-being.2-8 This poster will outline signs of burnout and stress along with information on how to incorporate mindful practice for health care professionals.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/cahp_mits_pres/1001/thumbnail.jp

The Utilization of the Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table in the Education of Imaging Science Students

Study Background: The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of the Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table in the education of imaging science students and to assess the beliefs and perceptions of the students in regard to using the Table for teaching imaging-based anatomy and pathology. Subjects and Methods: Seventeen medical imaging students participated in the study including nine Diagnostic Medical Sonography students, two Magnetic Resonance Imaging students, two Nuclear Medicine Technology students, two Radiation Therapy students and two Cardiovascular Interventional Technology students. Data was collected through focus groups and course/instructor evaluations. The researchers followed Creswell’s procedure for data analysis and representation. Results: Assessment of students’ perceptions showed that 96% of students felt that the Table was a positive/beneficial tool in terms of their learning. Students also noted several advantages to using the Table in the education of imaging science students. Conclusion: The use of virtual dissection technology seems to have a promising role in future educational training although more research is needed to better understand the efficacy of using this technology in the classroom. The results of this study show that students appreciate learning with this technology and believe that it is a beneficial and effective tool in preparing them to enter a health care profession

Bezoar: Imaging Findings & Case Study of a Rare Pathology

A bezoar is a hard, indigestible mass of material that forms within the alimentary canal, most commonly the stomach.1 Bezoars are classified according to composition. The most common type of bezoar is a phytobezoar composed of indigestible food fibers that occur in fruits & vegetables, including celery, pumpkin, prunes, raisins, & sunflower-seed shells. Other common types of bezoars include trichobezoars, composed of hair, & pharmacobezoars, made of undissolved medications. A number of risk factors have been associated with bezoar development. Patients who have undergone gastric surgery, such as partial gastrectomy, are at an increased risk of developing a bezoar due to delayed gastric emptying, decreased stomach size, or reduced stomach acid production. Other risk factors include diabetes mellitus, end-stage kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, intrahepatic cholestasis, & psychiatric illness.2,3 This poster will present the rare finding of a large duodenal bezoar.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/cahp_mits_pres/1002/thumbnail.jp

The use of portable electronic devices as an evaluation tool in the clinical setting

The Portable Electronic Device (PED) is emerging as an effective tool which can aid in evidence-based practice along with supporting the educational needs of both clinical and classroom training (Honeybourne, 2006; Applegate, 2010). Specific types of PED’s may include personal digital assistants, smart phones, iTouch, iPads, laptops and tablets (Figure 1). Research on the use of mobile devices has been conducted in fields such as medicine and nursing; however, there is little research in the field of radiation science. More research is needed to determine how these devices can be used as an instructional aid and competency assessment tool for radiation science students (Applegate, 2010)

Avoiding bowel toxicity in the treatment of the renal surgical bed

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common cancer associated with the kidney. RCC accounts for approximately 3% of all adult malignancies with the incidence increasing by almost 2% per year.1,2 Radical nephrectomy is the standard of treatment for patients with localized disease; however approximately 30% of patients present with metastasis.2 The use of radiation therapy is most often limited to post-operative cases when residual tumor is identified or for symptomatic relief of metastatic disease. Definitive radiation treatment is not commonly indicated due to the low tolerance to radiation of surrounding abdominal structures such as the small bowel, ipsilateral kidney, and spinal cord. For patients diagnosed with left-sided RCC, the main dose limiting structure is the small bowel. The following case study will focus on avoiding bowel toxicity with the use of post-operative radiation therapy for the treatment of a Stage III left-sided renal cell carcinoma

HPV-related cancers: case studies and treatment

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with more than 150 viruses.1 HPV is an infection of the basal epithelium and transmission can occur either by direct contact or during childbirth. More than 50% of sexually active people will be infected with some form of HPV during their lifetime.2 Two categories of sexually transmitted HPV include low-risk HPVs, which are not cancer causing, and high-risk, or oncogenic HPVs, which can lead to a cancer diagnosis. Malignancies found to be associated with HPV infection include cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile and anal cancers as well as cancers of the oropharynx. Treatment of HPV-related cancers often includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Health education and prevention is necessary to reduce cancers related to HPV infections. Education on abstinence and vaccinations are two methods proven to be effective. The role of the health care provider is to educate adolescents regarding the risk of sexually transmitted disease and ways to protect themselves from HPV-related cancers such as the cases reviewed in this exhibit