The Northern New England CTR Community Engagement Core Research Dissemination Project brainstorms, initiates, guides, and supports research that addresses community priorities. Our Community Engagement Research Navigators serve as community ambassadors to advance community-engaged research in northern New England.
Below, we have created easy-to-understand research summaries from NNE CTR projects. We hope this will help share investigators research and translate into communities more effectively.
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Summary of: Clinician Experiences and Comfort with Providing Harm Reduction Resources to People Who Use Drugs
Amanda Cahn, Melissa Calica, Erin Mooz, Malia Haddock, Wendy Craig, and Tania D. Strout
Drug overdose deaths continue to rise in the United States, including in Maine, which has high rates of overdose mortality, viral hepatitis, and a recent HIV outbreak among people who use drugs. Harm reduction strategies such as naloxone distribution, safer use supplies, and linkage to syringe service programs are well established in research and improve patient safety and engagement. Despite strong evidence, clinical adoption remains inconsistent.
Study found @ "Clinician Experiences and Comfort with Providing Harm Reduction Resour" by Amanda Cahn, Melissa Calica et al.
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Summary of: Financial Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Immigrant Communities in Portland, Maine: A Qualitative Study
Eilish W. Carpenter, Claude Rwaganje, Michael Kohut, Elizabeth A. Jacobs, Kathleen Fairfield, and Gloria Sclar
The COVID-19 pandemic not only disproportionately impacted the health of immigrants in the US, but it led to financial disparities as well.
Study found @ "Financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigrant communities in" by Eilish W. Carpenter
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Summary of: Exploring attitudinal barriers to participation in inpatient fall risk assessment using the Theoretical Domains Framework: A survey of Providers
Emily L. Carter, Sarah Hallen, Gavin W. Welch, Erin N. Gordon, and Mark G. Parker
This study examines why inpatient providers are not consistently engaging in fall risk assessment despite its importance in preventing hospital falls. Using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), the authors identify attitudinal barriers among physicians and advanced practice providers. The findings show that the issue is not lack of belief in the importance of fall prevention, but rather competing priorities and lack of confidence or training, pointing to motivation and workflow integration as key leverage points for change.
Study found @ "Exploring attitudinal barriers to participation in inpatient fall risk" by Emily L. Carter, Sarah A. Hallen et al.
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Summary of: Improving VTE Risk Assessment: Education and Prophylaxis in Rural Cancer Clinics
Heather M. Feldman, Eswar Tipirneni, Shamima Khan, Steven Ades, Allison Holm, and Chris E. Holmes
•Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is the second leading cause of death in patients with cancer and is preventable •Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment and preventative treatment in high-risk patients who are at low risk of bleeding are recommended for outpatients with cancer initiating therapy
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Summary of: Understanding the Role of Misinformation in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in a Rural State
Ann Marie Hess, Colin T. Waters, Elizabeth A. Jacobs, Kerri L. Barton, and Kathleen M. Fairfield
Findings from this study regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and sources of trusted information are important for developing public health strategies to increase vaccination rates. Understanding the concerns of individuals as assessed in this study provides opportunities for trusted health professionals, friends and family to reinforce facts about the importance of being vaccinated.
Study found @ "Understanding the Role of Misinformation in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy" by Ann Marie Hess, Colin T. Waters et al.
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Summary of: AI Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in a Primary Care Setting in Rural Maine
Rachel Heuer MD, Emma DayBranch MPH, Anastasia Tsomides DO, Jessica F. DiBiase MPH, Neil Korsen MD, and Brian Nolan MD
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness globally. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of vision loss by 98%.
Study found @ "AI Diabetic Retinopathy Screening in a Primary Care Setting in Rural M" by Rachel Heuer, Emma DayBranch et al.
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Summary of: Using the Researcher Investment Tool to inform a clinical and translational research initiative
Brenda M. Joly, Kassandra A. Cousineau, Carolyn E. Gray, and Valerie S. Harder
This study applies the Researcher Investment Tool (RIT), a comprehensive instrument that measures researchers’ experiences and perceptions across multiple domains within a clinical and translational research (CTR) initiative.
Study found @ Using the Researcher Investment Tool to inform a clinical and translational research initiative - PubMed
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Summary of: Why did some rural Mainers accept novel COVID-19 vaccines when rolled out in 2021, while others did not?
Michael Kohut PhD, Liz Scharnetzki, Joseph Pajka, Elizabeth Jacobs, and Kathleen Fairfield
Many people, especially in rural areas of the United States, choose not to receive novel COVID-19 vaccinations despite public health recommendations.
Understanding how people describe decisions to get vaccinated or not may help to address hesitancy.
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Summary of: Lessons Learned: Enhancing Rural Risk Communication for Future Health Crises through the PHERCC Framework
Abimbola Leslie, Elizabeth K. Woods, Eline M. Van den Broek-Altenburg, and Jan K. Carney
This study shows the importance of evidence-based, adaptive, and population subgroup sensitive communication during public health emergencies. The PHERCC framework provided a useful structure for identifying barriers, building trust, and guiding responsive strategies. Investing in inclusive communication systems and leveraging community partnerships are important for effective responses to future health crises.
Study found @ Lessons learned: enhancing rural risk communication for future health crises through the PHERCC framework
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Summary of: Identifying Overdose Risk Factors for People Hospitalized with Injection Drug Use-Associated Infections in Maine
Melanie Mait, Kim Murray, Tania D. Strout, and Kinna Thakarar
This study examines overdose risk factors among people hospitalized with injection drug use (IDU)-associated infections in Maine. Findings highlight key predictors of overdose risk, particularly recent emergency department (ED) use and homelessness, pointing to critical intervention points within the healthcare system.
Study found @ "Overdose Risk Factors for People with Substance Use-Associated Infections" by Melanie Mait, Kim Murray et al.
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Summary of: Association Between Primary Care Provider Status and Preventive Health Care Among People Who Inject Drugs
E Katherine Nenninger, Katherine Sharp, Bianca Bstamente, Kim Murray, and Kinna Thakarar
People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for preventable infections, yet preventive care delivery remains inconsistent. This study examines whether having a primary care provider (PCP) improves access to preventive services in Maine. While many PWID are connected to primary care, the findings show that preventive care is fragmented across settings, with PCP access improving some outcomes (like hepatitis B vaccination) but not ensuring comprehensive prevention.
Study found @ "Primary care and preventive care among people who inject drugs" by E Katherine Nenninger, Katherine Sharp et al.
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Summary of: Reaching Structurally Vulnerable Populations Using Low-Barrier COVID-19 Testing Clinics Co-Created with Community Based Organizations
David Ngandu, Gloria Sclar, Ambia Ahmed, Sumayo A Awale, Caroline Fernandes, Joshua Goldstein, Hina Hashmi, Shruti Joshi, and et al.
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected people from structurally vulnerable communities. There was a need to improve COVID-19 testing in these communities to reduce viral spread and connect to treatment.
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MIND-CARE Maine: Mindfulness Intervention for Caregivers of Children with Autism in Rural Environments of Maine
Northern New England Clinical & Translational Research Network
Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience high stress related to behavioral, communication, and caregiving demands, which can increase anxiety, depression, and health risks. Rural caregivers face added challenges such as social isolation, limited specialized services, and barriers to in-person mental health support. A mobile app-based mindfulness program may offer a more accessible option for caregivers in these underserved settings.
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Summary of: Numerous assets are available to support rural nutrition security in northern New England
Claire H. Ryan, Caitlin Morgan, Jonathan G. Malacarne, and Emily H. Belarmino
Numerous assets are available to support rural nutrition security in northern New England.
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Summary of: Effect of a Quality Improvement Initiative on Procedural Abortion Pain and Anxiety Using a Standardized Patient-Focused Sedation Options Counseling Guide
Stephanie Small PhD, WHNP, ANP
Sedation decreases the discomfort of pain and anxiety during a procedure.
Our quality improvement initiative using a standardized sedation options counseling guide to provide patient-focused counseling decreased pain, but not anxiety, during abortion procedures. This adjunct to established pain management options is a simple improvement on current practice.
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Summary of: Evaluating community engagement efforts in a clinical and translational research initiative
Kelly Finck Waters, Brenda Joly, Carolyn E. Gray, Jan K. Carney, and Kathleen Fairfield
Community engagement is a core element of translational science, yet tools to assess its quality and reach remain limited. This study evaluated the Northern New England Clinical and Translational Research Network’s efforts to strengthen community academic partnerships through its Community Engagement and Outreach Core using the PARTNER CPRM platform, which combines network analysis with survey-based trust and value metrics.
Study found @ "Evaluating community engagement efforts in a clinical and translationa" by Kelly Finck Waters, Brenda Joly et al.
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Summary of: Feasibility of Continuous Home Monitoring of Particulate Matter and Lung Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Who are Exposed to Wood Smoke
S Wayne, K Cowan, L.M. Paulin, J Emery, and D.A. Kaminsky
Particulate matter (PM) contains microscopic solids or liquids that are so small they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Examples include smoke, dust, soot, and fumes.
There is increasing evidence that small particles have harmful effects on people’s breathing. Wood stoves are a source of indoor PM.
