Research
CURRENT/ACTIVE RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
2024 – Present “Utilizing the Acute Care Core Competencies to Enhance Your Clinical Teaching”, Co-author, IRB approved – in data collection
2023 – Present “Functional Outcomes Following a Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Pathway in Patients Post Lung Transplantation”, First author, IRB approved- manuscript in progress
2023 - Present “The Efficacy of a one-time ICU based simulation as determined by Core Competencies for Entry-level Practice in Acute Care Physical Therapy: DPT student and clinical instructor perceptions”, First author, IRB approved-in data collection
2016- 2018 PRIMROSE: Effect of randomization to neuromuscular blockage on physical functional impairment and recovery in ARDS.
Multi-center prospective cohort study assessed effect of NMB on the early development of neuromyopathy; on muscle function and strength at hospital discharge; and on physical recovery and healthcare utilization at 6 and 12 months after the development of severe ARDS.
- Acted as in hospital outcomes assessor–Medical ICU, University of Colorado Hospital
2016-2018 ROSE: Re-evaluation of Early Systemic Neuromuscular Blockade.
Multi-center, prospective, 2-arm, unblinded, randomized clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of early neuromuscular blockade in reducing mortality and morbidity in patients with moderate-severe ARDS in comparison to a control group with no routine early neuromuscular blockade
- Acted as in hospital outcomes assessor–Medical ICU, University of Colorado Hospital
Publications and Presentations
PEER REVIEWED SCIENTIFIC AND PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Keefer R, Trutmann S, Barnes A. Implementing the Lung Transplant Frailty Scale in Pre-Transplant Evaluations: A Quality Improvement Initiative. CO APTA Conference. Golden, CO. October 2025. (Poster)
Barnes, A. Keefer R. Persistent Hypotension Following Orthotopic Heart Transplant and Impact on Acute Care Physical Therapy and Mobility: A Case Report. UCHealth Rehabilitation Spring Symposium. Aurora, CO. May 2025 (Poster)
Sawyer E. Keefer R. Nordon-Craft A. Empowering Tomorrow’s Therapists and Today’s CIs: Harnessing Acute Care Competencies for Patient Care Excellence. Combined Sections Meeting. Houston, TX. Feb 2025 (Educational Session Speaker)
Delos Santos, A. Keefer R. Malone D. Acute Care for Chronic Pain: Applying Orthopedic Low Back Pain Guidelines to the Realities and Complexities of a Hospitalized Patient. CO APTA Fall Conference. Breckenridge, CO. Sept 2024 (Poster)
Downey M. Keefer R. Malone D. Physical Therapy for a Woman with Complex Medical Conditions: How Class III Obesity, Low Baseline AM-PAC score, and Pain Fear Avoidance Impacted Plan of Care. CO APTA Fall Conference. Breckenridge, CO. Sept 2024 (Poster)
Huestis J, Delvecchio M, Keefer R. Empowering Rehabilitation: Acute Physical Therapy Management of Ischemic Stroke Through Forced Use Therapy. Combined Sections Meeting. Boston, MA. Feb 2024 (Poster)
Keefer R, Logan J, Malone D, Palmer J. DPT Student Preparedness for Acute Care Clinical Experience Following ICU Simulation Experience. Combined Sections Meeting. Boston, MA. Feb 2024 (Poster)
Keefer R, White C, Downey R. Outcomes Following the Implementation of a Rehabilitation Clinical Pathway Following Lung Transplantation. Combined Sections Meeting. Boston, MA. Feb 2024 (Poster)
Keefer R. White C, Downey R. Outcomes Following the Implementation of a Rehabilitation Focused Clinical Pathway Following Lung Transplant. Rocky Mountain Evidence Based Practice Symposium. Denver, CO. November 2023. (Platform)
Logan, J, Laxton L, Keefer R. Creation and Implementation of a Multi Modal Interdisciplinary ICU Competency. Combined Sections Meeting. San Diego, CA. Feb 2022 (Platform)
Logan, J, Laxton L, Keefer R. Creation and Implementation of a Multi Modal Interdisciplinary ICU Competency. 11th Annual Johns Hopkins Critical Care Rehabilitation Virtual Conference. Nov 2022 (Virtual Poster)
Medina R, Kehoe K, Quirk J, Crow M, Post M, Malone D. Relationship between self-reported and performance-based measures of functional capacity in lung transplant candidates. Combined Sections Meeting. Denver, CO. Feb 2020 (Poster)
Medina R, Kehoe K, Quirk J, Crow M, Post M. Assessment of frailty and low functional capacity in lung transplant candidates: a quality improvement program. Combined Sections Meeting. Denver, CO. Feb 2020 (Platform)
Medina R, Post M. Frailty and lung transplantation. University of Colorado Health Annual Rehabilitation Symposium. Aurora, CO. Sept 2019 (Speaker)
Medina R, Elliott J, Buness M, Kyle B, Quirk J. Reversing Frailty: Identification and Intervention in Kidney Transplant Candidates. University of Colorado Health Annual Rehabilitation Symposium. Aurora, CO. April 2018 (poster)
Medina R, Harper L, Downey R, Ridgeway K. Physical Therapists in Critical Care: Moving Beyond Early Mobilization to Encompass a Broader Scope. Combined Sections Meeting. New Orleans, LA. Feb 2018 (Educational session Speaker)
Medina R, Harper L, Downey R. Mobilization of Mechanically Ventilated Patients During a Nine Month Medical ICU Quality Improvement Program. University of Colorado Health Annual Rehabilitation Symposium. Aurora, CO. 2017 (poster)
Medina, R. ICU Physical and Occupational Therapy Quality Improvement project in Small Community Hospital: Feasibility and Outcomes. University of Colorado Health Annual Rehabilitation Symposium. Aurora, CO. April 2016 (poster)
