Kristin Lefebvre, PT, PhD

Director, PhD in Clinical Research

Professor

Department

Clinical Research

Physical Therapy

Education

PhD in Health Policy, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

MPT, University of Delaware

Certificate in Foundations of Clinical Research, Harvard University School of Medicine

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Contact Information

Biography

Dr. Kristin Lefebvre is the Director of the Ph.D. in Clinical Research and a Professor of Physical Therapy in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Jamestown in Fargo, ND. She has been accepted to and will be attending the Harvard University Certificate in Foundations of Clinical Research in the Summer and Fall of 2022, where she will become adept in the programming language of STATA.

Dr. Lefebvre is a physical therapist with ABPTS board certification in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy and over 17 years of teaching experience in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. She is a current Associate Editor for the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Journal and the current Research Chair for the Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section. She has also served as the Nominating Committee Chair and Secretary for the Academy in the past.

Dr. Lefebvre completed her master’s in physical therapy at the University of Delaware in 2000 and a PhD in Health Policy at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in May 2008. Her doctoral thesis examined the AHRQ NIS Inpatient Data Set for racial differences in level of amputation among minorities with vascular disease.

Her research interests include evaluation of health disparities in primary care practice with particular interest in the cardiovascular and pulmonary patient, the provision of preventative care among patients with cardiovascular diseases, use of outcome measures in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy and curricular and educational design and evaluation of interprofessional high fidelity simulation experiences. She has multiple national and international disseminations including two book chapters and 16 peer reviewed articles in high impact journals.

Honors and Awards

  • Widener University Fitz Dixon Innovation in Teaching Award Nominee from the School of Human Service Professions: Nominee 2016, 2017
  • Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association Acute Care Special Interest Group Excellence in Acute Care Award: Winner 2016
  • Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section of the American Physical Therapy Association Merit Award: Winner 2016
  • Ferry D, Wellmon RW, Lefebvre KL. Human patient simulation can positively change attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration and learning among physical therapy and nursing students. Oral presentation at: International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare; January, 2016; San Diego, CA. Winner 4th place overall research abstract
  • Lefebvre, KM. Racial disparities in level of amputation among individuals with vascular disease. Oral presentation at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2008; Nashville, TN. Award for Best 2008 platform, Health Policy and Administration Section of the APTA
  • Lefebvre, KM. Racial variation in severity of amputation in the VA health system FY 2001. Oral presentation at: University of Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Research Day; May 2004; Philadelphia, PA. Award for Best 2004 platform, University of Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Research Day.

Publications

  • Toonstra A, Lefebvre K, Denn J, Goecke M, Grossoehme L, Jarocki E, Leslie C, Peckumn R, Rundquist P, Warfield S. Impact of blood pressure cuff over-inflation on blood pressure measurements in adults. CPTJ. 2022. [In Press.]
  • Dias K, Shoemaker M, Lefebvre KM, Heick J, Collins S. A knowledge translation framework for optimizing physical therapy in patients with heart failure. PTJ. 2021. 101(6). pzab079. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzab079. Online ahead of print.
  • Dias K, Shoemaker M, Lefebvre KM, Heick J, Collins S. An executive summary of the physical therapist clinical practice guideline for the management of individuals with heart failure. CPTJ. 2021. 32(3). 85-91.
  • Dias K, Shoemaker M, Lefebvre KM, Heick J, Collins S. An executive summary of the physical therapist clinical practice guideline for the management of individuals with heart failure. CPTJ. 2021. 32(3). 85-91.
  • Lefebvre KM, Wellmon R, Bartlo P, Bednarek M, Hoffman J, Karnes J, Vandenberg L. The effects of guarding on the outcomes of the six-minute walk test. CPTJ. April 2021. 32(2): 66-74.
  • Shoemaker M, Dias K, Lefebvre KM, Heick J, Collins S. Physical Therapy Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Individuals with Heart Failure. PTJ. 2020;100(1): 14-43.
  • Wellmon R, Lefebvre KM, Ferry D. High-fidelity simulation can positively change student attitudes toward interprofessional learning and collaboration. J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(8):456-65.
  • Bartlo P, Lefebvre KM, Wellmon RH. Demographics and credentials of faculty teaching cardiovascular and pulmonary content. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2017;28(2):1-12.
  • Lefebvre KM, Chevan J. The persistence of gender and racial disparities in vascular lower extremity amputation: An examination of HCUP-NIS data (2002–2011). Vasc Med. 2015;20(1):50-9.
  • Lefebvre KM, Wellmon R, Ferry D. Changes in attitudes toward interprofessional learning and collaboration among physical therapy students following a patient code simulation. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2015;26:8-14.
  • Lefebvre KM, Longaker E, Monaghan R, Mason J, Palombaro K. A review of exercise protocols for patients with peripheral arterial disease. Top Geriatr Rehabil. 2013;29(3):165-178.
  • Lefebvre KM, Longaker E, Monaghan R, Mason J, Palombaro K. Facilitators and barriers surrounding the use of the ankle brachial index in outpatient physical therapy practice. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2013;24(1):7-13.
  • Lefebvre KM, Lavery LA. Disparities in amputations in minorities. Clin Orth Rel Res. 2011;469(7):1941-1950.
  • Lefebvre KM, Chevan J. Sex disparities in amputation. Arch Phys Med Rehab. 2011;92(1):118-24.
  • Lefebvre KM, Anderson T, Herbertson K, Keirsey A, Wnorowski H, Palombaro K. The use of cardiopulmonary quality of life measures in physical therapy practice: An exploratory study. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2010;21(4):5-13.
  • Lefebvre KM. Metraux S. Disparities in level of amputation: implications for improved preventative care. J Natl Med Assoc. 2009;101(7):649-55.
  • Lefebvre KM. Lattanzi JL. Health disparities and physical therapy: A literature review and recommendations. HPA Journal. 2007;7(1):1-10.
  • Lefebvre KM. Research corner outcome measures in cardiopulmonary physical therapy: A focus on the ankle brachial index. Cardiopulm Phys Ther J. 2006;17(4):134-36

Book Chapters

  • Lefebvre KM. Bartlo P. Outcome measures: A guide for the evidence based practice of cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. In: Hillegass E, 5th ed. Essentials of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company. 2020: pending publication.
  • Lefebvre KM. Bartlo P. Outcome measures: A guide for the evidence based practice of cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. In: Hillegass E, 4th ed. Essentials of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company. 2016: 724-65.
  • Lefebvre KM. Outcome measures: A guide for the evidence based practice of cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. In: Hillegass E, 3rd ed. Essentials of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company; December 2010:708-33.
  • Lefebvre KM. Lattanzi JL. Health disparities and physical therapy. In: Leavitt R, ed. Cultural Competence: A Lifelong Journey to Cultural Proficiency. Thorofare, NJ: Slack Incorporated; 2010: 99-119.

Peer Reviewed Scientific and Professional Presentations

  • Toonstra A, Lefebvre KM, Denn J, Goeke M, Peckumn R, Grossoehme L, Leslie C, Warfield S. Woods E. The effect of cuff inflation pressures on BP measurement. Oral presentation presented: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2021 Orlando, FL.
  • Johnson S, Lefebvre KM, Dripps M, Kolch K, Prestegard S, Schwartz E, Weeks L. Men’s Pelvic Health: Exploration of Entry Level DPT Content Based on a Nationwide Survey.  Oral presentation presented: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2020 Denver, CO.
  • Lefebvre KM, Francis M, Wellmon RH, Erdman EA. Can An Interdisciplinary Mobility Simulation Meet the Objectives of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC)?: A Qualitative Study. Platform presented: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; January, 2019, Washington, DC.
  • Burkholder BB, Delahanty TA, Langer ES, Marceca NJ, McCoy KE, Reiter KL. Lefebvre KM. Positive Effects of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in the Post Heart Transplant (HTx) Population: A Systematic Review. Oral presentation presented: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; January, 2019, Washington, DC.
  • Rajan R, Brady M, Joyce M, Stewart M, Suchocki L, Lefebvre KM. Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Critically Ill Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review. Poster presented: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2018, New Orleans, LA.
  • Lefebvre KM, Bartlo P, Bednarek M, Hoffman J, Vandenberg L, Wellmon RH. The effects of guarding on the six minute walk test. Oral presentation presented: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2018; New Orleans, LA.
  • Collins S, Dias K, Shoemaker M, Lefebvre KM, Heick J. Heart failure clinical practice guideline development. Oral presentation presented: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2018; New Orleans, LA.
  • Ferry D, Lefebvre KM, Wellmon RH. Attitudes change during an interprofessional simulation with physical therapy and nursing students. Poster presented at: Sigma Theta Tau International’s 28th International Nursing Research Congress; July, 2017; Dublin, Ireland.
  • Francis M, Lefebvre KM, Wellmon RH, Erdman EA. Interprofessional transfers laboratory experience improves student attitudes towards interprofessional learning, collaboration, teamwork and self-efficacy. Oral presentation at: Sigma Theta Tau International’s 28th International Nursing Research Congress; July, 2017; Dublin, Ireland.
  • Lefebvre KM, Francis M, Wellmon RH, Erdman EA. Interprofessional transfers laboratory experience improves student attitudes towards interprofessional learning, collaboration, teamwork and self-efficacy. Oral presentation at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2017; San Antonio, TX.
  • Ferry D, Wellmon RH, Lefebvre KM. Human patient simulation can positively change attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration and learning among physical therapy and nursing students. Poster presented at: Eta Beta Chapter 32nd Annual Nursing Research Conference; April, 2016; Chester, PA.
  • Conner-Kerr T, Lefebvre KM, Prybolo S, Robinson AA, Smith N. Developing human patient simulation scenarios for physical therapy curricula. Oral presentation at: Combined Section of the APTA; February, 2016; Anaheim, CA.
  • Bartlo P, Lefebvre KM, Wellmon RW. Demographics and credentials of faculty teaching cardiovascular and pulmonary content. Oral presentation at: Combined Section of the APTA; February, 2016; Anaheim, CA.
  • Lefebvre KM, Wellmon RW, Ferry D. High-fidelity simulation can positively change attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration. Poster presented at: Combined Section of the APTA; February, 2016; Anaheim, CA.
  • Ferry D, Wellmon RW, Lefebvre KL. Human patient simulation can positively change attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration and learning among physical therapy and nursing students. Poster presented at: International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare; January, 2016; San Diego. Winner 4th place—overall research abstract
  • Lefebvre KM, Chevan J. Gender inequities in severity of lower extremity amputation among patients with diabetes: An evaluation of HCUP NIS data 2002-2011. Oral presentation at: AHRQ 2015 Annual Conference cohosted with Academy Health; October, 2015; Crystal City, VA.
  • Ferry D, Lefebvre KM, Goodrow S, Pascal K. Interprofessional collaboration of nursing and physical therapy students during a code simulation. Widener University High Intensity Practices Fair; Widener University; May, 2015; Chester, PA.
  • Wellmon RW, Lefebvre KM, Ferry D. Using a patient code simulation scenario to change attitudes toward interprofessional learning and collaboration among nursing and physical therapy students. Poster presented at: Collaborating Across Boarders V (CAB V) Conference; September, 2015; Roanoke, VA.
  • Lefebvre KM, Adel A, Jensen D, Himelright A, Pevar M, Ribsam N. The respiratory benefits of yoga. Poster presented at: Combined Section Meeting of the APTA; February, 2015; Indianapolis, IN.
  • Lefebvre KM, Wellmon RW, Ferry D. Fostering effective interprofessional collaboration skills among nursing and physical therapy students using a patient code simulation scenario. Oral presentation at: Combined Section Meeting of the APTA; February, 2015; Indianapolis, IN.
  • Lefebvre KM, Wellmon RW, Ferry D. Fostering effective interprofessional collaboration skills among nursing and physical therapy students using a patient code simulation scenario. Oral presentation at: Interprofessional Care for the 21st: Redefining Education and Practice. Thomas Jefferson University Center for Interprofessional Education; October, 2014; Philadelphia, PA.
  • Lefebvre KM, Ferry D. Using bloom’s taxonomy to qualitatively evaluate the experience of entry level doctoral physical therapy students experience during an acute care Simulation. Poster presented at: 12th Annual International Nursing Simulation/Learning Resource Centers Conference: Hit the Jackpot with Evidence Based Simulation; February, 2014; Las Vegas, NV.
  • Ferry D, Lefebvre KM, Brown N. An interdisciplinary nursing and physical therapy code simulation: Opportunities for further exploration. 12th Annual International Nursing Simulation/Learning Resource Centers Conference; June 13, 2013; Las Vegas, NV.
  • Lefebvre KM, Conahan K, Olhlaver J, Thomas D, Trombetta A, Royer C, Palombaro K. The effects of guarding on the six minute walk test. Poster presented at: International Meeting of the American Thoracic Society; May, 2013; Philadelphia, PA.
  • Lefebvre KM, Conahan K, Olhlaver J, Thomas D, Trombetta A, Royer C. The effects of guarding on the six minute walk test. Platform presentation: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February 2013; San Diego, CA.
  • Lefebvre KM, Cody C, Longaker E, Monaghan R, Mason J, Palombaro K. Facilitators, barriers and professional issues surrounding the use of the ankle brachial index in outpatient physical therapy practice. Oral presentation at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February 2012; Chicago, Il.
  • Sharby N, Klappa S, Lefebvre KM. Social responsibility: Transforming ourselves, transforming our world.  Oral presentation at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2011; New Orleans, LA.
  • Lefebvre KM, Chevan J. Gender disparities in level of amputation. Oral presentation at:  Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2011; New Orleans, LA.
  • Lefebvre KM, Anderson T, Herbertson K, Keirsey A, Wnorowski H. The use of cardiopulmonary objective quality of life measures in physical therapy practice: A qualitative study. Oral presentation at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2010; San Diego, CA.
  • Lefebvre KM, Anderson T, Herbertson K, Keirsey A, Wnorowski H. Cardiopulmonary objective quality of life measures for use in physical therapy practice. Oral presentation at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2009; Las Vegas, NV.
  • Lefebvre KM, Anderson T, Herbertson K, Keirsey A, Wnorowski H. Cardiopulmonary objective quality of life measures for use in physical therapy practice. Oral presentation at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2009; Las Vegas, NV.
  • Lefebvre, KM Racial disparities in level of amputation among individuals with vascular disease. Poster presentation at: American Public Health Association Annual Conference; October, 2008; San Diego, CA.
  • Lefebvre, KM Racial disparities in level of amputation among individuals with vascular disease. Presented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February 2008; Nashville, TN.Award for best platform, Health Policy and Administration Section of the APTA
  • Lefebvre, KM Health disparities and physical therapy: Bringing therapists to the forefront of health disparities research. Oral presentation at: Combined Section Meeting of the APTA; February, 2008; Nashville, TN.
  • Lefebvre, KM Health disparities: A literature review and recommendations. Poster resented at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2007; Boston, MA.
  • Lefebvre, KM Ethics forum panel. Oral presentation at: Combined Sections Meeting of the APTA; February, 2007; Boston, MA.
  • Lefebvre, KM Racial variation in severity of amputation in the VA health system FY 2001. Oral presentation at: University of Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Research Day; May, 2004; Philadelphia, PA. Award for Best 2004 platform, University of Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Research Day.
  • Lefebvre, KM An ethical evaluation of the supreme court precedent on ERISA. Oral presentation at: Ethics and Life Sciences Conference; June, 2004; Newark, DE.
  • Lefebvre, KM, Morrison JL The ERISA act of 1974: The need for a paradigm shift in healthcare regulation.  Oral presentation at: International Business and Economics Research Conference; October, 2003; Las Vegas, NV.

Professional Memberships

  • American Physical therapy Association
  • Cardiopulmonary Section Member