Ana Pislaru
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Research Mentor(s): Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Co-Presenter:
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: Ana Pislaru, Nikhil Parekh
Presenter: 110
Abstract
Compared to the general population, veterans are at a greater risk for numerous, unique health challenges at the physical and psychosocial levels. To support veterans, the VA Healthcare System was implemented. In the 2010s, it started to apply the Whole Health method in its services by looking at an individual’s social, spiritual, environmental, physical, mental, and emotional background when developing their health plan. The concept of Whole Health is relatively new, so U.S. veterans, their families, and healthcare staff Whole Health status, knowledge of Whole Health methods, and potential Whole Health initiatives need to be further explored. A Qualtrics survey was distributed to 254 U.S. veterans, their families, and healthcare staff encompassing Whole Health. Chi-Square Tests of Independence were run to assess associations between safe environmental factors and Likert Scale rankings and burnout symptom type and symptom occurrence. Chi-Square Goodness of Fit Tests were run to assess differences in facilitator preference for spirit and soul connection and among weekly burnout symptom frequency. All four of the statistical tests run were significant at the p=0.05 level, and associations and differences could be established at the population level. The project highlights the necessity to continue supporting Whole Health initiatives and promoting physical and mental health well-being among U.S. veterans, families, and healthcare staff. Based on research data, the VA Healthcare System could implement environmental and social workshops.
Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary, Public Health
