What do dark chocolate, exercise, and fresh air have in common? In this webinar, three scientists will explain the scientific method and describe how to critically evaluate information about these stress-reducing interventions. Next, the presenters will model how to leverage evidence to support quality improvement and resource acquisition in healthcare facilities. Participants will learn how to seek support from stakeholders and incorporate scientific evidence into concise, effective communications for decision-makers. 

Objectives

By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:
    • Explain how the scientific method can be used to evaluate the impact of wellness interventions including exercise, fresh air, and eating dark chocolate
    • Provide at least three ways to assess the credibility of informational sources
    • Describe how scientific approaches can be used to support decision-making and improve practices 
    • List three strategies for leveraging scientific evidence when collaborating with other stakeholders to address personnel and resource needs

Instructors

Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
President and CEO, Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Cori Ofstead is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument reprocessing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy International Open, Urology, Journal of Wound Care, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, The Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, HSPA, AORN, SGNA, AGA, ASGE, and several universities. 

Krystina M. Hopkins, MPH
Krystina Hopkins was a research manager with Ofstead & Associates, Inc. before moving on to a
frontline quality management position at a local hospital. She has an MPH in environmental health,
specializing in infectious disease. Her research has been published in AJIC, ICHE, Endoscopy International
Open, Journal of Wound Care, Urology, AORN Journal, BI&T, and HSPA’s PROCESS
magazine. Ms. Hopkins has over 15 years of hands-on health and healthcare-related research
experience in diverse in-patient, outpatient, and academic settings. Prior to joining Ofstead in 2017, she
supported clinical trials in environmental health, health economics, and community-based research as a
research project manager at Medica Research Institute. Ms. Hopkins was also involved with projects
related to molecular and microbiology, epidemiology, infectious disease, and occupational health in
various roles at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Abby G. Smart, MPH 
Senior Research Associate, Ofstead & Associates, Inc. 
Abby Smart, MPH joined the Ofstead & Associates team in 2019, where she participates in real-world studies and conducts surveillance of peer‐reviewed evidence and government reports. She has developed CE courses and YouTube videos on infection control topics. Her recent work focuses on surgical instrument, flexible endoscope, and ultrasound probe processing and inspection. She was a co‐author on manuscripts related to instrument processing published in AJIC, BI&T, Urology, Journal of Medical Virology, and HSPA’s PROCESS magazine. Abby has experience in a variety of research settings, including a developmental psychology research group and virology and chemistry labs where she conducted analysis for public health and environmental research.