Projected Changes in Temperature-related Morbidity and Mortality in Southern New England.

Background: Climate change is expected to result in more heat-related, but potentially fewer cold-related, emergency department visits and deaths. The net effect of projected changes in temperature on morbidity and mortality remains incompletely understood. We estimated the change in temperature-related morbidity and mortality at two sites in southern New England, United States, through the end of the 21st century.

Enhancing resiliency for elderly populations : Shelter-in-place planning and training at facilities serving elderly populations through the Rhode Island Senior Resiliency Project.

Elderly populations are disproportionately affected by disasters. In part, this is true because for many older adults, special assistance is needed to mitigate the consequences of disasters on their health and wellbeing. In addition, many older adults may reside in diverse living complexes such as long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and independent-living senior housing complexes.

Heat-related morbidity and mortality in New England: Evidence for local policy.

Background: Heat-related morbidity and mortality is a recognized public health concern. However, public health officials need to base policy decisions on local evidence, which is often lacking for smaller communities.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between maximum daily heat index (HI) and morbidity and mortality in 15 New England communities (combined population: 2.

Randomized Trial of Communication Facilitators to Reduce Family Distress and Intensity of End-of-Life Care.

Rationale: Communication with family of critically ill patients is often poor and associated with family distress.

Objectives: To determine if an intensive care unit (ICU) communication facilitator reduces family distress and intensity of end-of-life care.

Methods: We conducted a randomized trial at two hospitals.

Current and Projected Heat-Related Morbidity and Mortality in Rhode Island.

Background: Climate change is expected to cause increases in heat-related mortality, especially among the elderly and very young. However, additional studies are needed to clarify the effects of heat on morbidity across all age groups and across a wider range of temperatures.

Objectives: We aimed to estimate the impact of current and projected future temperatures on morbidity and mortality in Rhode Island.

Primary care residents want to learn about the patient-centered medical home.

Background And Objectives: The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is an important model of primary care with a promise of improving quality, reducing costs, and improving patient satisfaction. Many primary care residency programs have PCMH initiatives, but it is unclear if residents are interested in learning more about the PCMH. Our objective was to examine primary care residents' attitudes and knowledge about the PCMH model and how it relates to them.

Development and evaluation of an interprofessional communication intervention to improve family outcomes in the ICU.

The intensive care unit (ICU), where death is common and even survivors of an ICU stay face the risk of long-term morbidity and re-admissions to the ICU, represents an important setting for improving communication about palliative and end-of-life care. Communication about the goals of care in this setting should be a high priority since studies suggest that the current quality of ICU communication is often poor and is associated with psychological distress among family members of critically ill patients. This paper describes the development and evaluation of an intervention designed to improve the quality of care in the ICU by improving communication among the ICU team and with family members of critically ill patients.