Boston University



Boston University School of Public Health

Student Practicum

Abstracts

Fall 2015

BUSPH Student Practica Fall 2015

The BUSPH Office of Public Health Practice is pleased to present the Fall 2015 Student Practicum Abstract Book featuring students’ practicum experiences. Our office would like to congratulate this semester’s practicum students for their accomplishments and express our appreciation to the agencies and organizations for their commitment to the BUSPH practicum program and for providing our students with valuable, hands-on public health experience.

Table of Contents

Biostatistics………………………………………………7 Environmental Health…………………………………...9 Epidemiology …………………………………………..11

Global Health……………………………………………..19

Health Law, Bioethics, & Human Rights……………….29 Health Policy & Management …………………………..31

Maternal & Child Health ………………………………...41 Social & Behavioral Sciences ……………………….....45

Biostatistics

Name: Chen, Yuting

Practicum Site: Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Data Research Intern

Introduction: The practicum organization, The Center for Research to Evaluate and Eliminate Dental Disparities (CREEDD) ‘s site is in the department of Health Policy & Health Services Research of Boston University School of Dental Medicine. CREEDD’s mission is to improve oral, dental and craniofacial health through research, research training, and the dissemination of health information, with a focus on the elimination of oral health disparities between lower and middle SES classes. The project focuses on analyzing social networks of low-socioeconomic status (SES) public housing women at childbearing age. The objective is to utilize the outcome of the analysis to design oral health interventions targeted at this community and decrease oral health disparities between this community and middle to upper classes.

Methods: The project involved first interviewing the subjects to obtain information from Egos and Alters and then utilize the Microsoft ACCESS to conduct double data entry. SAS programming was then used to find and address data entry errors; SAS macro file are created to conduct the data cleaning. After the data preparation, a preliminary analysis will begin.

Results/Outcomes: The double data entry for egos interview forms are almost done and validation is going on simultaneously the same time. Overall, analytic data preparation for egos is almost complete.

Name: Fortu, Karen

Practicum Site: Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) - Data Coordinating Center

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Research Assistant

Introduction: The Data Coordinating Center (DCC) supports investigators in their research endeavors from data management and database systems development to statistical programming and analysis with the aim of generating the highest quality of data. As a data management resource center, the DCC’s experience is reflected in the various projects and initiatives it has been and is currently involved in. As a research assistant at the DCC, I worked as part of a larger team and supported data management of ongoing projects including the Center for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), the Narcan Program, and the Longitudinal Health Survey of the Fort Devens Cohort of Gulf War Veterans.

Methods: I assisted in the audit of the data from the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center (BU ADC). Also, I heavily supported the adjudication of the Fort Devens Survey data using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) software. I also assisted in verifying data collection forms of the Narcan Program.

Results/Projected Outcomes: The successful audit of the BU ADC data assures data integrity as well as quality data for analysis. The Fort Devens Survey data adjudication resolved discrepancies in the double data entry system, producing a merged dataset that is standardized based upon the investigators’ specified criteria. Regular verification of the Narcan Program data collection forms ensures an updated database system and allows the data and project managers to communicate issues to the research sites in real-time for resolution.

Name: Kulics, Milan

Practicum Site: Silver Pine Medical Group

Location: Sterling Heights, MI United States

Title: Intern at Silver Pine Medical Group

Introduction: Silver Pine Medical Group is a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) in Sterling Heights, MI that serves a large population with chronic illnesses. One group of interest was the diabetic population and their access to quality care in a PCMH setting. The evaluation of the use of electronic medical record (EMR) technology in providing care to the diabetic population at Silver Pine Medical Group, as well as general effectiveness of such technologies in a PCMH setting, were the main objectives of this practicum.

Methods: A literature-based review of PCMH structure and guidelines for technology integration was conducted in the first few weeks of the practicum. Next, an assessment of the current technologies at Silver Pine (Phreesia tablets and Allscripts EMR) was conducted. Interviews with physicians and nurses at the practicum site were conducted to gain insight into the practicality of the EMR program and its use in everyday work. Several managerial meetings were attended to learn about the management of a PCMH and how actions taken by both physicians and staff contribute to patient wellness.

Results/Projected Outcomes: EMR technology seems to have been utilized to a fair degree, based on standards set forth by the NCQA and BCBSM, and access to records or other services via the EMR have made the quality of diabetic patient care somewhat higher. Despite this, costs of implementing and maintaining such technology have left little room for additional improvements in care, such as a patient registry or clinical decision support features.

Biostatistics

Concentration: Biostatistics

Name: Rusli, Emelly

Practicum Site: Beacon Health Options

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Summer Graduate Associate - Corporate Strategy and Development

Introduction: My position at Beacon Health Options (Beacon) was Analyst/Strategist for their Product Innovation team, which was under the Corporate Strategy and Development department. A main project on which I worked on was a self-managed, mood-tracking App implementation strategy to the U.S. Coast Guard. Suicide associated with depression and workplace distress has been a major concern for the U.S. Coast Guard, which drives the need of a mood-tracking tool. Moreover, I was also working with the Marketing team to write about Beacon’s telehealth solution, a video- based counseling between member and provider.

Methods: My roles on those projects were: 1) identifying meaningful outcome measures for implementation of a mood- tracking App to the U.S. Coast Guard, and 2) creating a product sheet for Beacon’s telehealth service. From the mood-tracking App project, I was able to apply my Biostatistics background into a program evaluation design. Additionally, I could also combine my public health and Marketing background to communicate the emerging use of telehealth to enhance behavioral health service delivery regardless of geographical limitations and/or behavioral health provider shortage.

Results/Outcomes: I presented to client the list of outcome measures for evaluating this mood tracking App, and the list was positively received. Some measures I used revolved around member’s clinical outcomes, their engagement to Beacon’s EAP services, as well as response rate with the App itself. The telehealth product sheet has been produced and will be presented during poster presentation.

Name: Rusli, Emelly

Practicum Site: Boston University School of Dental Medicine

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Research Data Intern

Introduction: My position at BU School of Dental Medicine served as a Research Data Intern within the Health Policy and Health Services department. I worked on a research project to examine the effect of social network to people’s dental health and their access to dental health service. Study population is women age 18-55 years old who live in Boston public housing. Information about each participant (called "Ego") was collected, as well as her social network (called "Alter"). One "Ego" can have more than one "Alters." The “Ego” data will be entered into an Access database twice to reduce error.

Methods: During the practicum, my roles were: 1) to enter “Ego” data from a paper into an Access database, 2) to perform data cleaning and validation using SAS, and 3) to run a preliminary analysis once all “Ego” data have been double-entered using SAS from this experience, I was able to learn about data management (coding, entry, etc.) as well as the importance of cleaning the data prior to analysis. I specifically learned how to use SAS to perform data cleaning (e.g., “proc compare” to compare doubly-entered data), which was essential in my future Biostatistics career.

Results/Outcomes: I aim to present the preliminary analysis about the “Ego” by the end of practicum. I will also show the SAS procedure used to perform data cleaning and validation.

Name: Straitz, Samantha

Practicum Site: World Health Organization

Location: Geneva 27, Switzerland

Title: 2015 Global Survey on Health Technology Assessment by National Authorities

Introduction: Health technologies vary widely in availability and complexity and country leaders face difficult decisions when choosing which technologies to fund that best address their population’s priority health needs. In response to World Health Assembly Resolution 67.23, the WHO 2015 Global Survey on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was administered to all WHO Member States between February 24 and August 31, 2015. The survey evaluated HTA utilization in public sector decision-making, scope and availability of HTA guidelines, institutional capacity supporting HTA, governance of the HTA process and requirements for strengthening HTA capacity at the government and national institute level.

Methods: In June 2015, I wrote and sent a letter to over 100 WHO in- country representatives and Ambassadors of Permanent Missions to the United Nations to ensure completion of the Global Survey and nomination of an in-country health technology focal point. Throughout June-August 2015, I corresponded with these representatives to assist with survey completion. In August 2015, I cleaned all survey response data and submitted this information for analysis and publication.

Results/Outcomes: The WHO Health Systems and Innovation Cluster determined that HTA-related organizations play an advisory role in policy decisions, HTA focuses on safety and clinical effectiveness and two in three countries rely on national HTA organizations/departments/committees to analyze and evaluate health technologies and their impact. Additionally, findings show public health professionals and civil society representatives support national health bodies in initiating HTA and a lack of qualified human resources and in-country training programs pose primary barriers to producing and using HTA.

Environmental Health

Name: Cunningham, Amparito

Practicum Site: Harvard Legal Aid

Location: Cambridge, MA United States

Title: Chronic dampness in homes and health related outcomes for legal testimony

Introduction: The purpose of this practicum was to identify the appearance of chronic dampness in 11 homes as defined in the MA Housing Code (MAHC) 105 CMR 410.020, 410.500, 410.750 (k) and link the presence of chronic dampness to health outcomes in order to use these as legal testimony for negotiations, settlements and educate attorneys and court personnel.

Methods: This practicum involved comprehensive literature review around mold, chronic dampness and respiratory conditions. It also included assisting during thorough home inspections. The MAHC was the tool used to assess housing characteristics and conditions, for this practicum the presence of chronic dampness. Medical record review for the cases was also conducted when possible. Attendance to trials in court also happened when feasible.

Results/Outcomes: Out of 11 homes, 9 had violations of the housing code 105 CMR 410 under sections 410.500 and/or 410.750(k). In 5 of the homes with violations falling under both sections of the code there were one or more occupants of the home who self-reported suffered from respiratory diseases (asthma). Only in one case the attorney wanted to use the medical history for testimony. Most cases settled without going to trial. There is a long way to go between the legal system and public health in order to make of environmental justice a broader and more comprehensive tool for the health of the families in the homes.

Name: Desanto, Jeffrey

Practicum Site: Peabody Health Department

Location: Peabody, MA United States

Title: North Shore Health Departments of Massachusetts Public Health Accreditation Review

Introduction: The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the quality and performance of tribal, state, local, and territorial public health departments. There are seven steps that must be completed before a public health department receives accreditation. PHAB offers a “readiness checklist,” to assist in preparations for accreditation. For this practicum, I completed a readiness analysis for the eight communities on the North Shore of Massachusetts (Peabody, Danvers, Lynn, Salem, Beverly, Marblehead, Swampscott, and Topsfield).

Methods: The first step was research into the twelve goals that must be completed for the accreditation process. Next, two online surveys were created to collect information pertaining to achievements in each goal for each of the eight communities. The first survey focused on goals two and three. Goal two pertains to the investigation of health problems and environmental public health hazards to protect the community, and goal three relates to documentation that informs and educates citizens about public health issues. The second survey focused on goals six and eight. Goal six includes documentation on the enforcing of health laws, while goal eight deals with documentation pertaining to maintenance of a competent public health workforce.

Results/Outcomes: Results of the first survey revealed more than 75% of the proper documentation could be located for goal two and more than 60% for goal three. Results of the second survey showed that more than 60% of the proper documentation could be located for goal six and less than 30% for goal eight.

Name: Fresta, Christina

Practicum Site: Boston University School of Public Health

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: East Boston Ambient Noise Exposure Assessment

Introduction: Existing literature suggests that exposure to aircraft noise is associated with adverse cardiovascular health. However, the noise metrics primarily used to assess these relationships—the A-weighted decibel—severely discounts infra (0–20 Hz) and low frequency (20–500 Hz) sound. The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of infrasound and low frequency noise stemming from aircraft, conducted an exposure assessment in the East Boston community of Boston, MA.

Methods: Noise monitoring took place at 52 sites in East Boston, where infra, low, mid, and high frequency noise was collected using an infrasound meter provided by Acentech Inc. Sampling was conducted during the day (7am-7pm) and night (7pm-7am) as well as weekday (Monday- Friday) and weekend (Saturday – Sunday). Additional onsite data collected included meteorological conditions and counts of episodic noise events such as plane, train, and traffic counts and any other audible sounds. ANOVA will be conducted to test for statistically significant differences in mean noise levels. Spearman and Pearson correlations will be used to assess associations between noise metrics and transportation, episodic noise event counts, as well as meteorological and land use variables. Ongoing updates on sampling and analyses are provided to East Boston residents via social media.

Results/Projected Outcomes: We anticipate noise in each metric to vary by time of day and day of week for each East Boston neighborhood (Eagle Hill, Jefferies Point, and Orient Heights), which each vary uniquely in distance from Logan International Airport, land use, and elevation. Results of this study will be disseminated to East Boston residents via a report and presentation.

Environmental Health

Name: Huang, Cassie

Practicum Site: Boston Medical Center

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Children's HealthWatch Practicum Student

Introduction: Housing and shelter is an environmental factor that most people take for granted. Over 600,000 people were homeless on a single night in 2013, and one-quarter of these people were children under 18 years old. Poor housing conditions a vulnerable period of a child’s development can contribute to many adverse health effects including increased rate of hospitalizations, impaired cognitive development, and poor growth. Children’s HealthWatch is a network of doctors and researchers whose goal is to improve children’s health in America. They collect data in hospitals on infants and toddlers of families experiencing economic hardship. The interview contains environmental components, including questions regarding access to shelter and provision of heat and food.

Methods: (1) Comprehensive literature review conducted to synthesize current research on the impacts of governmental assistance programs for families in need. (2) Analysis of cross-sectional data collected in urban hospitals from interviews on household demographics and maternal and child health status, including prenatal and postnatal housing situation, and birth weight and gestational age.

Results/Outcomes: (1) Analysis yielded that access to food programs promoted healthier eating overall and influence non-participants through availability of WIC foods in stores. SNAP and WIC have a positive impact on maternal and child physical and mental health. CACFP improves nutrition in care facilities. Mobile vouchers for housing opportunities lead to improved family heath and growth, fewer monetary tradeoffs, and better school functioning in children. (2) Odds of homeless families having adverse child and maternal health outcomes, and household hardships are higher.

Name: Jump, Emily

Practicum Site: Boston Bikes, City of Boston

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Bike Equity Program Assistant, Boston Bikes

Introduction: The City of Boston recognizes that bicycle commutes provide health benefits to riders and result in lower levels of urban air pollution. Through an innovative collaboration with the Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston Bikes seeks to increase bike access and use among low income Bostonians, a population with low rates of bike use. The Prescribe-a- Bike program leverages a network of BMC physicians trained to offer low income Bostonians “prescriptions” for $ 5 annual bikeshare memberships.

Methods: I focused on expanding Prescribe-a-Bike’s scope, reach, and visibility with the goal of increasing bike use among low-income Boston residents. I conducted a review of existing literature on bikeshare programs, held interviews with prescribing physicians to identify gaps/barriers to prescribing and patient uptake, provided training to physicians and other caregivers on using EPIC to write digital “prescriptions”, and increased program visibility through a campus-wide media outreach strategy. Through our networks, we identified and met with leaders at two Community Health Centers in order to expand the Prescribe- a-Bike model beyond BMC.

Results/Projected Outcomes: Throughout Prescribe-a- Bike’s second season, I 1) continued outreach to primary care physicians and extended training to nurses, physician’s assistants, nutritionists, and physical therapists; 2) coordinated outreach through BMC’s media and communications team, Transcomm, the BMC Food Pantry, Test Kitchen and WIC program offices; and 3) helped expand the Prescribe-a- bike model to Boston’s South End and Upham’s Corner Community Health Centers.

Epidemiology

Name: Alkhulaif, Fatima

Practicum Site: Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) – Data Coordinating Center

Location: Boston, United States

Title: Research Assistant

Introduction: As a research assistant at the Data Coordinating Center (DCC) at Boston University School of Public Health, I worked on the study Uganda Russia Boston Alcohol Network for Alcohol Research Collaboration on HIV/AIDS (URBAN ARCH). The goal of the URBAN ARCH study is to examine alcohol use and consequences in people with HIV infection affected by multiple substances and to mitigate its harm by developing interventions to reduce alcohol use. The URBAN ARCH was conducted at multiple sites: Boston, Uganda, and Russia. The purpose of this practicum is to assist the research team of URBAN ARCH in the set of the data collection tools, data management and data verification in a cohort and randomized clinical trial in Russia

Methods: I worked with the research team of ARCH Russia: 1) to help in maintaining project documentation; 2) to assist in testing electronic forms; 3) to verify data collected utilizing the TELEForms scannable data collection system; 4) write and/or modify a SAS program to call in and check data quality; and 5) to attend weekly study meetings.

Results/Outcomes: The writing and modification of a SAS code to create reports on URBAN ARCH and perform periodic data quality assessment, the verification and auditing of TELEForms and other data quality checks.

Name: Armstrong, Brett

Practicum Site: Brookline Department of Public Health

Location: Brookline, MA United States

Title: Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Analysis Intern

Introduction: The Brookline Department of Public Health’s (BDPH) mission is to monitor and improve the health and quality of life of people living and/or working in Brookline, MA through environmental, community, and clinical initiatives. The Brookline Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Program, a division of BDPH, is tasked with implementing the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The YRBS, a biannual survey that assesses Brookline High School and Middle School students’ participation in various risk behaviors, was administered in the spring of 2015. My practicum project encompassed its data analysis and reporting of results.

Methods: The Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which included one dataset of responses from 1,571 high school students and one dataset of responses from 946 middle school students, was analyzed using Excel and SPSS. The BDPH director, division director, and I met regularly to assess the progress of the analysis, from data cleaning and determining prevalence of risk behaviors to the writing of the report.

Results/Outcomes: The Survey results were analyzed for the overall prevalence of risk behaviors. The behaviors were also stratified by grade level, gender, and race. The findings, including Brookline results from previous years and 2013 Massachusetts and U.S. results, form the basis of the report. I constructed over one hundred charts and graphs to display recent trends, stratified prevalences, and comparisons with state and national data. The report is close to completion and the final step of the project is a presentation to Brookline stakeholders, including the High School’s Wellness Committee in December 2015.

Name: Ciccolo, Gia

Practicum Site: Brookline Sister City Organization

Location: Brookline, MA United States

Title: Follow up Study of Chronic Kidney Disease epidemic in Rural Nicaragua

Introduction: In 2008, an initial population-based prevalence study was done identifying those with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in the municipal of Quezalguaque, Nicaragua (O’Donell et al. 2010). The results suggested a high prevalence of the disease, like many others yet none had studied the same population over time to evaluate a cumulative incidence of CKD.

Methods: Under the instruction of Dr. Brooks (PhD) Dr. Amador (MD) and Dr. Ramirez (PhD, MD) my team and I began the follow up study in May 2015. Prior to arrival I worked on the study preparation including construction and translation of questionnaires and documents as well as ascertainment of IRB approval. In the field, with help of community leaders we organized clinics or visited homes of the pre-determined subset of the cases and controls from the 2008 study. We conducted interviews, took blood pressure and collected urine, saliva, and blood samples from each participant. Additionally, I categorized the preliminary data into both de -identified and master data sets. I also engaged in preliminary validation analyses to compare the creatinine levels measured by the stat sensors versus intravenous blood results.

Results/Outcomes: The results are currently undergoing analysis and will hopefully provide a better understanding of the CKD epidemic in rural Nicaragua over the 7-year time period, allowing a greater understanding of its scope, incidence, causes and morbidity in the population. The information will hopefully directly serve the communities affected in getting one step closer to identifying the causal mechanism for and eventually ending this epidemic.

Epidemiology

Name: Cikesh, Bryanna

Practicum Site: Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Intern

Introduction: Injuries are a serious public health problem in Massachusetts. While the overall percentage of assault-related gunshot and stab wounds is small, such injuries impact our communities disproportionately. WRISS (Weapons Related Injury Surveillance System) is a passive surveillance system, in which hospitals report cases of injury from gunshot or sharp instrument to the Massachusetts Public Health Department. WRISS allows the Department to assess current trends in assault-related gun and sharp instrument related injuries.

Methods: I worked with the program coordinator to 1) Enter case reports into the WRISS system. 2) To clean the WRISS data from previous years. 3) Find trends of Weapon related Injuries from 1994 to 2013 using Statistical Software. 4) Find groups at risk for being cases of assault-related gun and sharp instrument related injuries using 2012 data.

Results / Outcomes: Our results found over all weapon related injuries for all intentions decreases after 1994. The crude rate of weapon related injuries for 2012 was 29 cases per 100,000 people, with a majority of them being from sharp instrument wounds. Those who were male Caucasian and between 15-24 years of age, accounted for rate of cases in assault-related gun and sharp instrument related injuries. Male African Americans between the 15-24 years of age were found to account for the second highest rate of cases assault- related gun and sharp instrument related injuries. With weapon related injuries having a heavy toll on Massachusetts residents, this data can be used for policy decisions and future prevention measures.

Name: Corpuz, Kathryna

Practicum Site: Palladium

Location: Washington, DC United States

Title: Research Assistant Intern for Stigma and Discrimination Project

Introduction: Palladium is a global health consulting firm that has worked in development and international health for over 50 years. In collaboration with Persons Marginalized and Aggrieved (PEMA) Kenya, a Mombasa-based NGO, Palladium has begun to implement the Department of State’s Global Equality Fund project: Facing Our Fears. This project aims to strengthen LGBT human rights in Kenya through the sensitization and training of religious leaders on issues affecting gender and sexual minorities.

Methods : I virtually collaborated with the team from Palladium to provide research and project management support through these activities: 1) collected demographics about practiced religions in Kenya; 2) reviewed PEMA’s original curriculum and provided comments to assist with initial revisions; 3) identified potential stakeholders; 4) searched for resources on existing curricula about LGBT human rights and religions; 5) mapped out writings of African theologians on gender and sexual diversity; 6) reviewed the project proposal and monitoring plan to determine strategies for program evaluation.

Results/Outcomes: From my research, I produced two information sheets about practiced religions and potential stakeholders from local organizations in Kenya. I also developed an extensive annotated bibliography on African theological writings and an accompanying report on major themes to guide conversations of religious leaders on issues related to gender and sexual diversity. Lastly, I created a draft of an evaluation plan to support project implementation.

Name: DiBella, Jacqueline

Practicum Site: Boston University School of Medicine

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Research Assistant

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes the airways to become inflamed. Researchers recognize that asthma is a genetic disorder, but are beginning to examine how genetics and environmental factors interact to fully understand the disease. The children enrolled have been participants since 2004. The children are seen annually in clinic for various testing, questionnaires, and biological sample collection. Throughout the study, the researchers have collected environmental data including dust samples from the participants’ home. The primary purpose of the URECA study is to determine the wheezing and asthma phenotypes in minority children growing up in urban neighborhoods as they develop from birth to adolescence.

Methods: I worked with the researchers in the ICAC studies to 1.) Assist in the transition from one data management system to a new system and help with data-entry into both; 2.) Attend clinic with participants and take measurements as well as collect, label, and store samples from each child; 3.) Assist with other administrative activities like preparing and breaking down binders, filing forms from clinic and phone questionnaires, and recruitment.

Results/Outcomes: It is important for researchers to have a reliable and easy way to record data while in clinic. The new data-management system will help the team record relevant information that can assist in collecting data for each participant. The ICAC team is hopeful that information on the wheezing and asthma phenotypes in inner-city children will help in understanding how asthma works and why there is a greater prevalence in urban environments.

Epidemiology

Name: Farmer, Asha

Practicum Site: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Location: Atlanta, GA United States

Title: Graduate Student Data Analyst - PLAY-MH

Introduction: Project to Learn about Youth Mental Health (PLAY-MH) is a study that collects screening data on school- aged children from teachers, and diagnostic interview data from parents and the children themselves. The current data is of adolescents in grades ranging from kindergarten to twelfth grade from the states South Carolina and Colorado. The study tests the prevalence of many different mental health disorders. This section focused on tic disorder symptoms and Tourette’s disorder.

Methods: I worked closely with the lead Biostatistician of the project to transfer the questionnaire to match the new DSM-V code for tic disorders. We worked in SAS throughout my practicum to continuously run new codes and develop new questionnaire transferred from the previous DSM-IV manual.

Results/Outcomes: I developed a scoring algorithm for a measure designed to identify children who meet criteria for tic disorders that was newly developed for this project and used collected data to test the scoring algorithm on SAS.

Name: Frohlich, Lillian

Practicum Site: Boston Children's Hospital

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Clinical Research Coordinator - Testicular Torsion Study

Introduction: In my role as a Research Coordinator at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Emergency Department (ED), I assisted with a study addressing the effectiveness of a clinical tool used to diagnose Testicular Torsion (TT) in males. The objective of this study is to identify clinical variables associated with TT and elaborate a scoring system for prediction and diagnosis of torsion applicable for general practitioners. The use of a scoring system to help non-specialists diagnose TT could decrease the time spent with testicular ischemia, which would decrease the likelihood of testicular non-viability and reduce the cost of treatment for patients presenting with acute scrotal pain. The purpose of my practicum was to aid in participant enrollment and to determine the use of urinalysis in the evaluation of males presenting with acute scrotal pain.

Methods: My responsibilities included: 1) enrolling participants into the study; 2) assessing the recruitment rates for the manuscript; 3) conducting a chart review for participants to determine the use of urinalysis, urine culture, ultrasound, STI testing, and Urology consultations.

Results/Outcomes: My projected results include: 1) A drafted “Figure 1” including all patients presenting to the ED with testicular pain/swelling, numbers of who was excluded and who was missed, and the proportion of those enrolled who were diagnosed with TT; 2) Assessment of the utilization and results of urinalysis for the population enrolled, stratified by diagnosis.

Name: General, Kevin

Practicum Site: Slone Epidemiology Center

Location: Boston, MA United States

Title: Research Assistant

Introduction: Larger than recommended doses (>4g/day) of acetaminophen (APAP) can result in potentially adverse reactions. Understanding the trends in APAP use and nonuse is essential in identification of potential violators (those who use >4g/day of APAP). The Slone Epidemiology Center (SEC) is involved in a long term program of behavioral surveillance of APAP users and non-users. The SEC assists in the development of survey protocols and instruments and the analysis of subsequent data.

Methods: Developed codes and codebook with specified indicators to make open-ended questionnaire data more user friendly and to aid in qualitative data analyses. Manipulated, cleaned, and extracted necessary survey data using Microsoft Access and Excel in preparation for quantitative analyses. Completed summary measures related to physician prescriptions and violators compared to non-violators.

Projected Outcomes: Data analyses are ongoing. Results from the analyses will help provide measures of attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors relative to APAP use and provide methods to track changes in these measures. Understanding trends in APAP utilization will help to determine the focus and potential impact of consumer product education initiatives.

Name: Hall, Julia

Practicum Site: National Institute of Epidemiology

Location: Madrid, Spain

Title: Research Intern

Introduction: Working for the National Surveillance Network at that National Institute of Epidemiology (INE) in Madrid I have learned how a disease surveillance network works, from the reporting of diseases through automated computer programs, to managing compliance of all of the representative areas of a country in order for the whole system to work. I was given the lead on two very different studies investigating data previously collected from the INE.

Methods: The first study is a temporal and spatial cluster analysis of potential outbreaks of Shigellosis in Spain from 2008 until 2013 using SATSCAN. The second study is a time- series analysis using a negative binomial regression model, in order to detect associations between the seasonality of Influenza and Meningococcal Disease (MD).

Results: In the investigation of Shigellosis outbreaks, there were 13 significant (P ................
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