Lauren Gillette
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: 3
Abstract
Our research studies how the VA’s Whole Health program affects the health and well-being of Veterans, staff members and volunteers. Whole Health is a holistic system of care at the Veteran Administration Healthcare System that starts with the individual, focusing on eight aspects of their life including exercise, work, leisure, diet, sleep, relationships, spirituality and stress. Preventative care and medical treatment is personalized to what matters to the patient. Our research group is exploring how different integrative medical modalities affect the patient and the various aspects that contribute to their well-being. Background research has shown that yoga may be effective in treating PTSD and chronic lower back pain, while acupuncture has shown to be an effective treatment for disturbed sleep in PTSD patients. Our group has constructed an online survey that will be distributed to a diverse population of Veterans, staff members and volunteers to assess how five modalities affect their well-being. We are focusing our survey on acupuncture, light therapy, yoga, mindfulness meditation and diet. 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. We are expecting to see that some of the modalities being surveyed positively influence the Veterans and hope to find out specifically which aspects of their circle of Whole Health are being targeted. Once the data is collected, we want to look further into how we can continue to work with the VA to improve the personalized care of their Veterans.
Authors: Lauren Gillette
Research Method: Qualitative Study
