Alexandra Clugh
Pronouns: she/they
Research Mentor(s): Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Co-Presenter: Suter, Grace
Research Mentor School/College/Department: VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System / NonUM
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 4 – 2:40pm – 3:30 pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Alexandra Clugh, Grace Suter, Nikhil Parekh
Presenter: 120
Abstract
The Veteran Affairs’ Healthcare system, per Congressional legislation, has begun to integrate eight areas of care (including areas such as yoga, acupuncture, mediation, and massage therapy) into the medical benefits package for veterans. Each new service offered is well supported by research in its potential benefits for improving quality of life. Keeping in mind that each patient responds differently to certain aspects of care, this research project set out to survey the interest, engagement, and opinions of veteran patients, VA staff and volunteers, and veteran families on the new Whole Health resources offered within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Veteran Affairs’ Healthcare system, per Congressional legislation, has begun to integrate eight areas of care (including areas such as yoga, acupuncture, mediation, and massage therapy) into the medical benefits package for veterans. Each new service offered is well supported by research in its potential benefits for improving quality of life. Keeping in mind that each patient responds differently to certain aspects of care, this research project set out to survey the interest, engagement, and opinions of veteran patients, VA staff and volunteers, and veteran families on the new Whole Health resources offered within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team developed an online survey in Qualtrics focused on all eight areas of self-care defined in the Circle of Health. The survey was randomly distributed to contacts affiliated with veterans and veteran organizations/services. Participants included veterans, family members of veterans, healthcare workers, and volunteers who interact with veterans. Data collected was analyzed through statistical tests, including the use of SPSS for analysis. The analysis is still underway, but so far the findings suggest that overall the COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress in multiple areas of life for VA Staff and veteran patients. There was a strong interest and engagement in holistic care resources being incorporated into patients’ individual care plans. In a broader sense, the personalized holistic focus of the Whole Health program is an attempt to move away from focusing on what is wrong with patients, and instead apply what matters most to veterans into their healthcare package. Ideally, this also improves the physician-patient relationship which is crucial to providing quality care. Looking forward, further research over the next few years will help provide the necessary feedback to aid future discussions regarding revisions to the program.
Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary, Public Health
