The new science of sleep: From cells to large-scale societies

In the past 20 years, more remarkable revelations about sleep and its varied functions have arguably been made than in the previous 200. Building on this swell of recent findings, this essay provides a broad sampling of selected research highlights across genetic, molecular, cellular, and physiological systems within the body, networks within the brain, and large-scale social dynamics. Based on this raft of exciting new discoveries, we have come to realize that sleep, in this moment of its evolution, is very much polyfunctional (rather than monofunctional), yet polyfunctional for reasons we had never previously considered. Moreover, these new polyfunctional insights powerfully reaffirm sleep as a critical biological, and thus health-sustaining, requisite. Indeed, perhaps the only thing more impressive than the unanticipated nature of these newly emerging sleep functions is their striking divergence, from operations of molecular mechanisms inside cells to entire group societal dynamics

Improving the Quality and Delivery of Substance Use Disorder Resource List

Introduction The state of New Mexico has numerous organizations that help individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) social workers had previously started a list of these resources; however, it was neither updated nor used often. We aim to improve the quality, awareness, and delivery of this list on UNMH internal medicine (IM) inpatient units. Methods To improve the quality of the list we developed a concise SUD resource document using the pre-existing list as a template. We modified the list after feedback from patients, providers and literacy specialists. The final list was organized alphabetically and categorized according to the services offered, with brief descriptions about each facility added. For baseline data on awareness of the list, we administered surveys to available inpatient IM providers. 31st increase the awareness of the list, we educated IM residents on clinical inpatient services at UNMH biweekly about its purpose and availability. We administered surveys before each education session for two months. To improve the accessibility of the list, we regularly supplied each resident workroom with the resource list. After receiving hospital approval, we uploaded the list onto the UNMH electronic medical record system. Results At baseline, we surveyed 37 IM providers. 89% viewed the delivery of resources to patients with SUD as important. Of this group, 55% were aware that the list was available to give patients and only 20% of them knew how to access it. After two months of education, 100% of surveyed providers viewed the delivery of resources to patients with SUD as important. We increased the awareness and knowledge of its accessibility by 18% and 60%, respectively, from baseline. Conclusion Our quality improvement project increased awareness and ease of access of the SUD resource list. These successes demonstrate that a simple delivery method for resource lists can be implemented in a short time. Our next steps include spreading awareness of how to access the list electronically through biweekly education sessions and ongoing surveying, as well as educating other hospital departments. We are currently assessing whether retrospective chart reviews may help determine the frequency of its use

COVID-19 Story Slam

The Office of Professional Wellbeing, Society of General Internal Medicine, American College of Physicians, and Native Health Initiative presents UNM HSC’s first Story Slam. Creatives in healthcare gather to share their stories of loss, resilience, and gratitude as they reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic through this one hour event.https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_covid19_reflections/1004/thumbnail.jp

Working With Communities: Rural and Urban Underserved Program Scholars Take on Broader Health Issues Working with Communities

Clinicians in medically underserved communities encounter both community-wide health issues and community strengths. Together these raise the opportunities and responsibilities for clinicians to take action outside the clinical exam room to improve health in the community. Rural and Urban Underserved Program (RUUP) Scholars develop skills through engagement with communities in: 1) Health related advocacy, 2) Volunteer clinical care, 3) Health education pipeline support, 4) Non-clinical public health based community work, and/or 5) Community health education. Emphasis is on meaningful yet practical ways of partnering with others to work toward improved health goals. Students are encouraged to choose projects which take advantage of their growing medical knowledge and skills and prepare them for community engagement work in their medical careers . This poster will review the goals for and approaches to RUUP Scholar involvement in community engagement as a central part of the program. Examples of community projects, early outcomes, and challenges encountered in specific work will be presented