Grace Suter
Pronouns: She/Her
Research Mentor(s): Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Co-Presenter: Clugh, Alexandra
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, Grace Suter
Presenter: 120
Abstract
Veterans around the nation have lifelong access to healthcare following their service through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In recent years, the VA has developed an approach called “Whole Health” aimed at personalizing care and providing resources in all realms of health. Holistic health is about the whole person and focuses on all factors that may play a role in his or her wellbeing, beyond just physical health. The VA Whole Health program is centered around the Circle of Health which contains eight core areas: Moving the Body, Surroundings, Personal Development, Food and Drink, Recharge, Family, Friends and Coworkers, Spirit and Soul, and Power of the Mind. Our research team created a survey to understand veterans’ attitudes about Whole Health, their healthcare in general, and habits surrounding their wellbeing. The survey consisted of questions investigating each of the core areas of health. The survey was randomly distributed to veterans, healthcare workers, volunteers in the VA system, and family members of veterans. Our results will be analyzed through statistical tests and statistical software, including SPSS. The analysis is still being conducted, but our group assumes that the responses will vary between different demographics once the chi-squared analysis is performed. Our group believes that the responses will give us valuable insight on what veterans enjoy and benefit from most within their care and how this aligns with the current offerings of Whole Health. With this information, we can adapt the program to better serve veterans in their health journies.
Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary, Public Health
