Clinic Projects
Each student in the Patient Advocacy Program is encouraged to complete a project that meets a specific need identified by the clinic partner. Advocates at each site meet with their preceptors mid-way through Fall Quarter to discuss project ideas and agree on preliminary project assignments. Each student must complete a clinic-approved project work plan at the end of Fall Quarter in order to pursue a project during Winter and Spring.
Timelines and products will vary for each student and must be clearly defined and outlined through regular communication with the clinic-based project advisor. Project groups of 2-3 students are welcomed, provided that the scope of the project is scaled appropriately and work is clearly divided equally among students.
Please note: We only support projects that make a positive contribution to the clinics and do not create additional work and/or undue burden for clinic staff.
Past Projects
2008-2009 Projects
- Building a Chronic Disease Management Strategy at MayView Community Health Center (CDEMS) [4th year project -- Continuation of project #1 from 2006-07]
- Improving Health Education to Reduce the Deficit in Healthy Diet and Exercise in Latino California Immigrants (MayView Community Health Center-Mountain View)
- Practical Methods of Improving Patient Satisfaction at Arbor Free Clinic
- Assessing the Burden of Mental Health Illness at Mayview Community Health Center, Palo Alto and Mountain View CA
- Increasing Use of Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs at Samaritan House Clinic
- Analysis of SHA Responses and Demographic Data for MayView Clinics CDEMS Patients
- Developing a “Heart to Heart” class (MayView Community Health Center-Mountain View)
- A Diagnostic Tool For Examining Medication Adherence in Patients With Low Health Literacy at Ravenswood Family Health Center in Belle Haven
2007-2008 Projects
- Establishing an Electronic Management System for Diabetes at MayView Community Health Center (CDEMS) [3rd year project -- Continuation of project #1 from 2006-07]
- Promoting Effective Patient Physician Communication and Encouraging Active Self-Care at Arbor Free Clinic
- Evaluating and Overcoming Barriers to Effective Long-Term Management of Pediatric Obesity at MayView Community Health Center
- Mental Health Resources in San Mateo County (Samaritan House)
- Restructuring Health Education and Planning for the Future of Pacific Free Clinic
- Addressing Illiteracy at Belle Haven Clinic (Ravenswood Family Health Center)
2006-2007 Projects
- Implementing the Chronic Disease Electronic Management System (CDEMS) at MayView Community Health Center [Extension of project #2 from 2005-06]
- Mammography Screenings in Women Ages 50-69: MayView Community Health Center
- Insurance eligibility and prescription drug coverage at Ravenswood Family Health Center
- Improving Health Literacy Among Vietnamese Patients at Pacific Free Clinic
- Health Education Needs at Pacific Free Clinic
- Improving Dental Care Access at Pacific Free Clinic
- Opthalmology Education at the Arbor Free Clinic
- Empowering Diabetes Patients through Education (Samaritan House Clinic)
- Implementation of Diabetes Intervention Compliance Study (Samaritan House Clinic)
2005-2006 Projects
- Increasing Attendance at the MayView Community Health Center Diabetes Class
- Long-Term Management of Type 2 Diabetes at MayView Community Health Center
- Interpreting and the Medical Assistant Role at Ravenswood Family Health Center
- Updating Oral Health Referral Sheets at Arbor Free Clinic
- The Link between Compliance with Diabetes Interventions and Improved Control (Samaritan House)
- Promoting Healthy Eating in the Vietnamese Patient Population at Pacific Free Clinic
- Mental Health of Latinos in Community Clinics (MayView Community Health Center)
- Practical Approaches in Addressing Childhood Obesity (MayView Community Health Center)
- Intent to Prevent: An intervention for Personalized Lifestyle Changes Designed to Minimize the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes (Arbor Free Clinic)
- Child Passenger Safety Education and Resources (Ravenswood Family Health Center)
