Active Projects

Touch 2 Screen Project:
PI: K. Allen Greiner, MD, MPH
This R01 grant proposal involves use of multimedia modules (audio, video, tailored messaging) on touchscreen computers which will deliver information and assist patients in planning for colorectal cancer screening tests. The modules will rely “implementation intentions” of participants to assure screening test completion and facilitate a shared decision-making framework. It will be conducted in the urban safety-net clinics of KPEPR. The proposal was funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute as of May, 2007 and is the first ever R01 grant awarded to a faculty member in the Department of Family Medicine. Preliminary work on the project is underway and two research abstracts have been generated from interview and pilot participant data. Visit our project website at www.touchtoscreen.com for more details.

Smiles Across Kansas: 2007 Update. 
PI: Kim Kimminau, Ph.D., PI
Source:  Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Oral Health.
Award: $10,000.
As a follow-up to a statewide report conducted by the PI in 2005, this project provides a snapshot assessment of how the state is doing in reaching Healthy People 2010 oral health goals for youth since that time.  The project involved data analysis and completion a report that is being used by the Office of Oral Health for monitoring and strategic planning.

Evaluation of the HPV Community Immunization Initiative.
PI: Kim Kimminau, Ph.D.
Source: Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. Award: $45,326.
A process evaluation for the Foundations’ HPV vaccine program is being conducted to better understand the effectiveness of their targeted public health vaccine campaign.  The cervical cancer vaccine (Gardasil®) helps protect against four types of human papillomavirus of which two types cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and the other two cause 90% of genital warts. The vaccine is being provided free of cost to girls, youth and women who do not qualify for other vaccine programs, who are uninsured and who cannot afford the cost for the three shot series.  Program evaluation will be focused on the age, race, and ethnicity of participants as well as include an assessment of how the participating clinical sites are able to accommodate the program.

Sunflower Foundation Safety Net Survey. 
PI: Kim Kimminau, Ph.D.
Source: Sunflower Foundation   Award: $8,300.
Using the Institute of Medicine’s report, America's Health Care Safety Net: Intact but Endangered, for guidance, an online survey was developed that includes questions concerning 16 areas of safety net clinical challenges, operations, staffing, and meeting client needs.  The survey was completed by the CEOs and presidents of safety net organizations from across the state.  Results will help shape the activities of the primary care association in Kansas as well as assist the Sunflower Foundation in identifying ways their philanthropic support can assist the safety net in the state.