Emily Shah
Pronouns: She/Her
Research Mentor(s): Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Co-Presenter: Vanderwerff, Ellia
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: Nikhil Parekh, Emily Shah, Ellia Vanderwerff
Presenter: 118
Abstract
The goal of this project is to evaluate the care of veterans in the VA system using the Whole Health framework, specifically the Circle of Whole Health. This project is important because it focuses on the care of veterans as a whole, not just their physical well being. It emphasizes the idea that there are more aspects to one’s health than just his or her physiology. For this project a survey was created and given to veterans, healthcare workers, hospital volunteers, and families of veterans. The questions were designed to not limit survey participation to just veterans. Instead all of those who interact with veterans could participate. The survey has 55 questions and would take approximately five to ten minutes to complete. The questions on the survey encompassed all eight areas of the Circle of Whole Health: Moving the Body, Power of Mind, Spirit & Soul, Surroundings, Personal Development, Food & Drink, Recharge, and Family, Friends, & Co-Workers. In total, 254 survey responses were collected from a variety of participants. Data is currently being analyzed and analysis of data will be presented at the upcoming poster symposium. The data of this research project is valuable because it emphasizes the importance of looking at all of the factors that contribute to one’s health and will allow one to evaluate the VA Hospital system. It can lead to different therapies being created in the future that are targeted towards meeting the needs expressed in the survey.
Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary, Public Health
