Improving lives through transparent collaboration, focused research, and meaningful outreach
What we do
We collaborate with the community by sharing information. As a part of UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, the only Level 1 trauma center in southern Colorado, we touch the lives of thousands of injured patients. By teaming up with community organizations to share injury trends and “hot spots,” we ensure outreach and resources are provided to the people who need them most.
We conduct research on how to prevent the injuries that most affect our community. We utilize our resources as an academic medical center to evaluate and improve injury prevention methods through peer-reviewed research. We strive to ensure that the community has access to well researched, evidence-based outreach methods so every dollar spent on prevention makes a difference.
We provide evidence-based injury prevention outreach. Whether it is classes to prevent geriatric falls, interactive classes with teens to prevent drunk driving, or teaching educators how to stop traumatic bleeding, our outreach touches all members of our community.
Why we do it
- Trauma is the No. 1 killer of Americans between the ages of 1 and 44.
- In Colorado, deaths from trauma are 15% higher than the national average.
- Suicide in Colorado is 52% higher than the national average.
- Colorado is ranked 5th in the United States for deaths due to falls.
Source: CDC WISQARS database
UCHealth Memorial Injury Prevention and Research Institute Pillars
The four pillars below make up the primary focus of MIPRI outreach and research efforts.
- Suicide/Violence Prevention. UCHealth MIPRI is teaming up with El Paso county to create a system to identify youth suicide attempt hot spots so educators and youth organizations can provide help before a suicide occurs.
- Pediatric and Adolescent Injury Prevention. UCHealth MIPRI is conducting research on the effectiveness of a screening tool to identify incidents of pediatric and adolescent abuse.
- Geriatric Fall Prevention. UCHealth MIPRI provides free Stepping On classes to teach adults over 65 how to prevent falls, gain coordination, and develop strength so they can continue to live independent lives.
- TBI/Sports & Recreation Injury Prevention. UCHealth MIPRI works to educate parents on how to identify the signs of concussion in their children so they can seek care.
UCHealth MIPRI research projects
Current research projects: overview
Geriatric TBI
The primary aim of this research is to establish an aggregate database of information on baseline clinical and demographic characteristics, medication use, markers of frailty, injury characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes following traumatic brain injuries in geriatric patients.
Tourniquet use in extremity injury
This research evaluates if pre-hospital tourniquet use is being done appropriately and if there are additional education needs.
Syncope-related falls
The goal of this retrospective chart review is to describe the demographics, utility of diagnostic tests, outcomes, discharge disposition, and follow-up of patients admitted after falls with possible syncope.
Rock climbing injuries analysis
This study aims to assess the difference in demographics, injury severity, and pattern between climbers and non-climbers while analyzing trends in climbing injuries.
Time to surgery study
This multicenter, prospective analysis will collect study the effect of time to surgery on mortality of adult hypotensive trauma patients who present with noncompressible torso hemorrhage (which includes chest, abdomen or pelvic injuries)
Women’s health study
This study compiles adult female abuse survivor data on pain, fatigue, PTSD symptoms, and other health measures over time to identify trends and opportunities for intervention.
Strangulation chart review
This study reviews demographics and outcomes of patients that present to the hospital with injuries from strangulation.
Outreach programs
Current outreach programs: overview
Stepping On. Evidence-based fall prevention workshop for older adults who have fallen or are afraid of falling.
P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth). The P.A.R.T.Y. program is an international evidence-based program that provides education for young drivers and at-risk youth.
Stop the Bleed! National education program designed to teach civilians to intervene and prevent death while waiting for first responders.
5th Grade Trauma Talks. Led by Dr. Tiffany Willard, trauma surgeons and medical students speak to local 5th grade classes on trauma prevention.
AIM (Aging with Independence & Mobility) Program
The Aging with Independence & Mobility (AIM) program is a new virtual fall prevention program which allows participants to safely partake in the program through provided technology and resources. The program is free for all participants and is intended for those who are over the age of 50 and who are at risk of falling.
In this program, a physical therapist will demonstrate how to get up from a fall safely and how to manage stairs, curbs, and inclement weather, with an emphasis on educating participants on balance and strengthening exercises. The program will also review home modifications, appropriate footwear, medication management, use of assistive devices, and the importance of vision to reduce fall risk and facilitate behavior change. There will be guest speakers each week going over modifiable risk factors to decrease fall risk.
Each person in the AIM program will participate in a 1-hour session once a week for 4 consecutive weeks.
AIM programming will consist of two options for the participants:
At-home participation
Participants will have the option to take the program virtually from their own home. If needed, UCHealth will provide the participants with the needed technology (iPads with Wi-Fi capabilities, training, etc.) to complete the program. Participants will use the Zoom Platform to login for the 1 hour-long sessions for 4 consecutive weeks.
UCHealth staff will complete one in-home visit to drop off a packet of information, do a home safety check, administer a pre-evaluation test, drop off (if applicable) technology, and provide Zoom training.
In-person participation
Participants will have the option (in most counties) to take the virtual program in-person at pre-designated locations in rural areas. This option can benefit those who do not have Wi-Fi at their home. Host locations will arrange the technology setup and provide the physical space for participants to view the lessons on Zoom and practice the exercises as necessary.
How to enroll or learn more
To begin the enrollment process or for more information, click here. You may also email us at [email protected] or call 719.365.2872.
Other information
- Each programming session will be four weeks long and facilitated at different host locations throughout the state of Colorado. The goal of the AIM program is to host ten sessions in 2021.
- For a complete 2021 schedule of sessions and locations, reach out to us directly at [email protected] or call 719.365.2872.
- Participants in this program are committed to attending at-home or in-person virtual fall prevention educational classes. The program will run for four consecutive weeks and each class will be one hour.
- For at-home participants, a UCHealth staff member will administrator a home visit to provide any needed technology, perform a home safety check and two baseline fall evaluation tests. For participants attending the in-person classes, the evaluations will be done during the first class of the programming session.
- Directly following completion of the AIM program, a UCHealth staff member will administer a post-program survey and two post-program fall evaluation tests. Phone call check-ins will be made at three, six, and twelve months following completion of all four classes.
- If at any time throughout the registration process, the in-person home visit, or during classes, the UCHealth staff determines that you are not a good fit for this particular program, they will make recommendations on other programs and/or therapy.
AIM is made possible by support from the NextFifty Initiative and the UCHealth Memorial Injury Prevention and Research Institute (MIPRI).
Community partners
El Paso County Public Health Youth Suicide Prevention
Preventing Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.)
Student placement opportunities
Syncope-related falls research
Hypotheses and specific aims: The goal of this retrospective chart review is to describe the demographics, utility of diagnostic tests, outcomes, discharge disposition, and follow-up of patients receiving a routine workup after any fall with or without syncope admitted to a trauma center.
Background and significance: Syncope is a prevalent problem in the United States, accounting for 1 to 3% of all ED visits. Most trauma centers now deal with an aging population and falls are increasingly common as a traumatic mechanism leading to injury. At Memorial Hospital Central, falls account for 40% of all the trauma volume. There is controversy about the utility of a “syncope work-up” in this patient population.
Work breakdown
80 hours a semester:
- 12 hours of observation (optional)
- 8 hours outreach experience (location and times vary)
- 30 hours data abstraction (conducted at Memorial Hospital Central, Monday through Friday anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
- 30 hours project development work (can be completed remotely)
Required qualifications
Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program.
Application procedures
Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Suicide risk factor research
Hypotheses and specific aims: The goal of this retrospective chart review is to describe the risk factors, demographics and lethal means of suicide fatalities in El Paso county over a five-year period.
Background and significance: In 2017, Colorado averaged 20.3 suicide fatalities per 100,000 people, compared to a nationwide rate of 14.0 suicide fatalities per 100,000 people. This makes Colorado the 10th worst state in the country for suicide rate. El Paso county’s suicide fatality rate is even higher, at 22.8 suicide fatalities per 100,000 people. Behavioral health and public health professionals require a greater understanding of risk factors for suicide to appropriately focus efforts and address root causes.
Work breakdown
80 hours a semester:
- 12 hours of observation (optional)
- 8 hours outreach experience (location and times vary)
- 30 hours data abstraction (conducted at Memorial Hospital Central, Monday through Friday anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
- 30 hours project development work (can be completed remotely)
Required qualifications
Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate program.
Application procedures
Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Injury prevention outreach
Program summary
UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central is the only Level I trauma center in southern Colorado. As a Level I trauma center, Memorial Central is required to conduct injury prevention outreach in the local community. Current injury prevention outreach programs include:
- Preventing Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y): An international evidence-based program that provides education for young drivers and at-risk youth
- Stepping On: An evidence-based fall prevention workshop for older adults who have fallen or are afraid of falling.
- Trauma Talks Tough: Memorial Trauma Services provides presentations on consequences of unsafe driving in conjunction with Drive Smart Colorado.
- 5th Grade Trauma Presentations: Led by Dr. Tiffany Willard, trauma surgeons and medical students speak to local 5th grade classes on trauma prevention.
- Bike helmet give-aways in conjunction with Drive Smart Colorado.
- Stop the Bleed: A national education program designed to teach civilians to intervene and prevent death while waiting for first responders.
Work breakdown
80 hours a semester:
- 12 hours of hospital observation (optional)
- 50 hours outreach experience (location and times vary)
- 18 hours outreach analysis and research (can be done remotely)
Required qualifications
Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate program.
Application procedures
Send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Contact us
To contact UCHealth MIPRI, email [email protected]
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