Nicole Alexander
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Dr. Nikhil Parekh, National VA Whole Health Educator, VA Ann Arbor Whole Health Director
Research Mentor School/College/Department: VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System,
Presentation Date: Thursday, April 22, 2021
Session: Session 4 (2pm-2:50pm)
Breakout Room: Room 14
Presenter: 2
Abstract
The Veterans Association (VA) is a government agency providing comprehensive healthcare for Veterans. Many VA hospitals have implemented the Whole Health system of care which is an approach to healing that emphasizes patient empowerment and holistic methods that treat the body, mind and spirit. Some integrative methods included in Whole Health are yoga, music therapy, tai chi and personal goal setting. Previous research has shown that therapies, such as these, have improved symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression and PTSD in Veterans. Given these benefits, our goal is to analyze perceptions and uses of holistic services. Results can be used for self-reflection or possible pragmatic areas of emphasis. In order to collect data, a twenty-question survey on Qualtrics will be distributed digitally to Veterans and employees at the VA hospital. We expect a sample size of around 25 participants. The questions are open-ended, multiple choice, scale-based and multiple select. Multiple choice answers will be analyzed quantitatively, while open-ended questions will be examined using keyword coding. At the time of publication of this abstract, the data has been collected and preliminary analysis is in process. Specific, detailed, and final results will be available at the time of the Symposium presentation. Implications include educating Veterans on unfamiliar Whole Health programs and promoting integrative healthcare. Data can also be used to tailor resources for Veterans and employees. The content of future studies will depend on the pending results and analysis.
Authors: Nicole Alexander, Nikhil Parekh
Research Method: Qualitative Study
