Virginia Via Research Day Book 2026

Medical Student Research Public Health

T. Fuchs, OMS-II; A. Funkhouser, OMS-II; E. Geddes, OMS-II; P. Buchanan, OMS-II; M. DeGrassi, OMS-II; D. Downing, OMS-II; W. Iftikhar, OMS-II; Y. Moustafa, OMS-II; J. Nicholson, MAT; B. Kadio, MD, MPH, PhD Corresponding author: tfuchs@vt.vcom.edu 11 EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A COMMUNITY-BASED CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE SCREENING AMONG OLDER ADULTS AT WARM HEARTH VILLAGE

VCOM-Virginia, Blacksburg, Virginia Warm Hearth Village, Blacksburg, Virginia

health, and any follow -up actions, willingness for future screenings, and support for expanding the program. Two open-ended questions asked about the most useful aspects of the program and suggestions for improvement. The survey responses were summarized with descriptive statistics, and qualitative comments were grouped into themes to inform future program improvements. Results: Eleven of 36 screening attendees completed the follow-up survey (31% response). Most respondents (81.8%, 9/11) reported improved understanding of their kidney health after the screening. About half (45.5%) found the results explanations completely clear, another 45.5% found them somewhat clear, and one respondent (9.1%) felt the explanations were not clear. The screening was well-received: 72.8% rated the program as convenient or very convenient. Overall, 63.6% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied, 36.4% were neutral, and none were dissatisfied. Additionally, 81.8% expressed willingness to participate in future CKD screenings, and 100% supported expanding the program to other communities. One of the participants received a referral for follow-up care and attended the recommended appointment. Qualitative feedback highlighted the value of free on-site testing, early

detection, and one-on-one counseling. Participants suggested improvements including clearer written results summaries, shorter wait times (better staffing/ scheduling), and stronger follow-up communication. Conclusions: Community-based CKD screening in a retirement community was feasible and beneficial, leading to improved participant knowledge and high satisfaction. Strong interest in future screenings suggests that seniors value and will engage in such preventive health programs. However, our evaluation identified opportunities to further increase the program’s impact by strengthening result communication and follow-up procedures. Key improvements include providing plain-language written results, minimizing wait times via better staffing/ scheduling, and offering on-site referrals with proactive follow-up communication to enhance understanding and satisfaction. IRB Statement: This project was reviewed and deemed exempt by the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) Institutional Review Board, as it involved only de-identified survey data from participants and was determined to pose minimal risk. This project was IRB approved on September 26, 2025.

Context: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent in older adults, yet often undiagnosed due to low awareness. Early detection via community screenings can slow disease progression and improve linkage to care for at-risk seniors. Warm Hearth Village (WHV), a retirement community in Blacksburg, Virginia, hosted a free CKD screening event in October 2024. Objective/Hypothesis: This evaluation assessed whether the one-day WHV CKD screening improved participants’ kidney health knowledge, provided clear results and guidance, was convenient and satisfactory, and motivated health-protective actions (e.g., interest in future screenings). Additionally, we collected participant recommendations to improve future screenings. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous post-event survey of all 36 attendees of the October 2024 WHV screening, where 11 residents provided a response (31% response). WHV staff distributed surveys on paper (for those without email) and online (for those with email), then provided the de-identified responses to the research team. The questionnaire assessed the participants perceived knowledge gain, clarity of results, program convenience, satisfaction, motivation to protect kidney

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2026 Research Recognition Day