Dr. Broussard studies how social interactions influence the spread of diseases, particularly COVID-19. He emphasizes the need for better public health strategies by exploring the differences between individuals with varying levels of social connections. Additionally, he examines how certain medical treatments, like botulinum toxin injections, affect patient safety during surgeries. Dr. Broussard is also interested in the dietary habits of African American women, aiming to reduce cardiovascular risks linked to their eating patterns.
Key findings
In a study on COVID-19, a new model improved predictions about virus spread by considering both highly connected individuals and those with fewer connections, showing that traditional models were not adequate.
In examining neuromuscular monitoring during surgery, initial tests indicated no muscle response (0/4) in a patient recently treated with botulinum toxin, revealing the importance of patient history for anesthesia safety.
Out of 114 new medical residents, only 66% practiced hand hygiene correctly, and just 52% correctly identified patients, highlighting significant gaps in basic safety practices.
Among 100 African American women surveyed, 65% preferred high-fat foods and 87% derived over 30% of their calories from fat, which increases cardiovascular disease risk.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Broussard study COVID-19?
Yes, he analyses the impact of social connections on the spread of COVID-19, which helps in developing public health strategies.
What treatments has Dr. Broussard researched?
He has researched the effects of botulinum toxin injections on patient safety during surgeries.
Is Dr. Broussard's work relevant to women with heart disease?
Yes, he specifically studies dietary habits of African American women to address risks for cardiovascular disease.
What is the focus of Dr. Broussard's research on patient safety?
He focuses on improving basic safety practices among new medical residents, ensuring they follow essential protocols.
Publications in plain English
Beyond scale-free networks: integrating multilayer social networks with molecular clusters in the local spread of COVID-19.
2023
Scientific reports
Fujimoto K, Kuo J, Stott G, Lewis R, Chan HK +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how social connections in Houston, Texas, affected the spread of COVID-19, particularly the Delta variant. Researchers found that while traditional models that assume most people's interactions are equal didn't fit well, a model that accounted for both highly connected individuals and those with fewer connections worked better. Understanding these social dynamics is important for creating more effective public health strategies to control the virus.
Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers in their efforts to manage COVID-19.
Botulinum Toxin A Injection and Perianesthesia Neuromuscular Monitoring: Case Report and Review.
2022
Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
Munsterman C, Broussard T, Strauss P
Plain English This study looked at how botulinum toxin (often used for cosmetic purposes) can affect neuromuscular monitoring during surgery. A case involving a woman showed that her recent botulinum toxin injections made it hard for doctors to monitor her muscle response during anesthesia, with initial tests showing no response (0/4) until later testing revealed some muscle activity (2/4). Knowing a patient's history with botulinum toxin is crucial for safe anesthesia, especially when certain nerve access is limited.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery and their doctors by ensuring safer anesthesia management.
An Assessment of Basic Patient Safety Skills in Residents Entering the First Year of Clinical Training.
2018
Journal of patient safety
Comunale ME, Sandoval M, Broussard T
Plain English This study looked at how well new medical residents follow basic safety practices, specifically hand hygiene and correctly identifying patients, when they start their training. Out of 114 residents, only 66% washed their hands before entering a patient's room, and just 52% identified the patient correctly by comparing their name and birthdate to the ID band. These findings highlight a significant gap in essential safety skills, which shows that more training is needed to ensure that these practices are consistently followed to keep patients safe.
Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring that their healthcare providers are following safety protocols.
Cardiovascular risk in African American women attending historically Black colleges and universities: the role of dietary patterns and food preferences.
2010
Journal of health care for the poor and underserved
Brown SC, Geiselman PJ, Broussard T
Plain English This research examined the eating habits of 100 African American women aged 18 to 40 who attend historically Black colleges and universities. The study found that 65% preferred high-fat foods and 87% got more than 30% of their calories from fat, which increases the risk of heart disease. This is important because African American women face higher rates of cardiovascular disease, so educating them about healthy eating could improve their long-term heart health.
Who this helps: This helps African American college women by providing insights for better dietary choices.