Current Research
Every year we help clinicians formulate their research questions, translate them into research projects, and help them implement and analyze the data. Below is a list of our current on-going research within the NNE CO-OP PCBRN.
Increasing Epilepsy Self-Management Access by Embracing a HUB and Spoke Model
Actively Recruiting
Despite mounting evidence of the benefits of epilepsy self-management (ESM) programs, the matter of bringing self-management programs to clinical centers has been challenging. Dartmouth Health’s HOme-Based Self-management and COgnitive Training CHanges lives (HOBSCOTCH) Institute for Cognitive Health and Well-Being has made measurable progress of addressing neurocognitive difficulties and improving the quality of life in people with epilepsy with a central support and an intervention that is telehealth delivered by trained Cognitive Coaches. This implementation science project will build upon the success of the HOBSCOTCH program by proposing partnerships with primary care practices, to integrate the HOBSCOTCH Institute’s resources and streamline the referral process for PWE to access ESM support. Over the course of 5 years, 53 clinical sites, including CO-OP practices, will be recruited to receive the learning sessions that provide the evidence-based resources for ESM and in doing so, will support epilepsy care for patients and contribute to the development of a comprehensive replicable model for community and family practice systems nationwide. This project (2023-2028) is supported by Cooperative Agreement grant funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1-NU58DP007541-01-00).
A Study of Long COVID in Primary Care with the Northern New England CO-OP PCBRN
Actively Recruiting
Studies have estimated that Long COVID prevalence ranges from 10% to 50%. Despite Primary Care’s crucial role managing these patients, Long COVID is especially understudied in primary care. This pilot study seeks to fill this gap by employing a low burden point-of-care clinical encounter survey (Card Study) and through this innovative approach, collect data from sixty primary care providers across CO-OP practices in the Northern New England (NNE) region. By characterizing Long COVID as it manifests in primary care and examining Long COVID’s prevalence, symptoms, impairment level, and management approaches, we will help spur more advanced research studies that enhance patient care, guide treatment, and engage other NNE CO-OP members to investigate Long COVID in primary care.
Northern New England Provider Insights Participatory Engagement (NNE PIPE) Survey
The Northern New England Provider Insights and Participatory Engagement (NNE PIPE) Survey is designed to gather valuable insights from rural primary care providers across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. This initiative offers NNE CO-OP PCBRN members a unique professional development opportunity to directly engage in research. By submitting survey questions, members can contribute to meaningful community-driven research, with selected questions providing the foundation for publications, preliminary data for grant proposals, and presentations at conferences. Members whose questions are selected will also have the chance to present their findings at the 45th NNE CO-OP PCBRN Annual Meeting in January 2025. This platform will showcase their work and facilitate collaboration within the network and beyond. The purpose of the NNE PIPE Survey is to deepen understanding of current practices, evaluate the impact of clinical interventions and policies, and highlight areas in need of quality improvement and innovative research. The survey will help streamline research efforts by consolidating questions submitted by clinicians, academics, and researchers, fostering a collaborative research environment. The NNE PIPE Survey was released in October 2024 and concluded in November, 2024. The NNE PIPE Survey was supported by the NNE Clinical Translational Research Network (NNE-CTR) Pilot Project Program (U54GM115516). De-identified data will be made available upon request. Please email Dr. Meagan Stabler (PI) to request the 2024 de-identified data set until June, 30th 2028
Quality Improvement of HCV Screening Among Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children in Primary Care: A Real-World Pilot
Actively Recruiting
This project addresses the significant gap in screening and treatment for Hepatitis C virus (HCV), particularly among people who are pregnant and perinatally exposed infants in northern
New England, where HCV and opioid use disorder co-occur at high rates. The team will assess historical baseline data via a large retrospective chart review across multiple birthing hospitals and clinics. CDC’s updated 2023 evidence-based screening protocols will then be implemented
in primary care practices, via co-developed processes to increase compliance and follow-up care. Groundwork is underway with interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in OBGYN, family medicine, public health, and infectious disease, with plans to integrate the voice of
patients. This project is supported by the Dartmouth Learning Health System (LHS) Embedded Scientist Training and Research Center (ESTaR).
Assessing the State of Climate-Informed Health Care in Northern New England
Actively Recruiting
This project aims to address the unique climate-related health challenges faced by rural and aging populations in Northern New England (NNE). Given the region’s susceptibility to extreme weather events, poor air quality, and vector-borne diseases, there is a critical need to understand and improve how primary care clinicians (PCCs) address these issues. Through surveys and interviews with both residents and PCCs across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, the project seeks to assess climate-related health needs and identify gaps in clinician knowledge and resources. The findings will guide the development of targeted interventions and region-specific tools to enhance climate-informed primary care, ultimately improving health outcomes and resilience in these vulnerable communities.
Past Research
The CO-OP has over 40 years of research including our widely used Charts. Below is a selected list of our completed projects in recent years.
- Cervical Cancer Screenings – PI: Maureen Boardman MSN, FNP, FAANP & Joyce Cappiello, ARNP
- Data Collection Methods on Primary Care Telehealth and Burnout – PI: Timothy Burdick, MD, MBA, MSc
- Colonoscopy Screening– PI: Audrey Calderwood, MD, MS
- Food Security for Pregnant People – PI Chelsey Canavan, MSPH
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) – PI: Patricia Glowa, MD
- Warm Handoff – PI: Daniel Mitchell, PhD
- Smoke-free Moms – PI: Ardis Olson, MD
- Lung Cancer Screening – PI: Tracy Onega, PhD, MPAS & Jenna Schiffelbein, MPH, RD, LD, CHES
- VA Dual Care – PI: James Schlosser, MD & Donald Kollisch, MD
- Opioid Prescribing Patterns and Analysis of Secular Trends – PI: Constance van Eeghen, DrPH, MBA
- Sexual Education– PI: Rebecca Yukica, DO