DigitalCommons@UNMC

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  Mindful Meditation Practice for Imaging Professionals

  Tanya M. Custer and Kim Michael

  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.

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  Following the Growth of Sarah's baby: An IPE Activity for Medical Nutrition & Diagnostic Sonography Students

  Tanya M. Custer, Megan Timmerman, Cynthia M. Schmidt, Teresa L. Hartman, Harlan Sayles, Kathryn Wampler, Lea Lambing, and Kim Michael

  Objectives: Interprofessional education (IPE) involves collaborative learning among students from different professions. While acceptance of these types of activities is increasing, there are opportunities to expand the number of health care professions involved in IPE. The purpose of this study was to explore student perceptions and outcomes after participation in a Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) and Medical Nutrition Education (MNE) interprofessional education activity centered around a clinical case study on fetal growth. Subjects & Methods: The IPE activity was administered to four student cohorts from academic years to 2015-2016 to 2018-2019. Participants included 66 students (n=39 DMS and n=27 MNE). Data was gathered through pre- & post-tests based on a patient case-study and evidence-based search skills knowledge and a post-activity survey. Assessment sessions were held on the first day and on the last day of the activity. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean pre-and post-test scores for the group overall, (p=

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  Bezoar: Imaging Findings & Case Study of a Rare Pathology

  Tanya M. Custer and Kim Michael

  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.

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

  Kim Michael and Tanya M. Custer

  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.

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  The Interprofessional Academy of Educators: Inclusive, Collaborative, Innovative

  Tanya M. Custer and Kim Michael

  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.

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  Imaging the Transgender Patient

  Tanya M. Custer and Kim Michael

  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.

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

  Tanya M. Custer and Kim Michael

  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.