Jaci Fowler
Pronouns:
Research Mentor(s): Dr. Nikhil Parekh
Research Mentor School/College/Department: VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System / NonUM
Program: UROP
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Authors: Nikhil Parekh, Summer Blackmer, Jaci Fowler
Abstract
Whole Health is a system of healthcare that looks into eight different areas of well-being of veterans who receive care in the VA Healthcare System. These eight areas of well-being consist of: surroundings, moving the body, personal development, food & drink, recharge, family, friends & co-workers, spirit & soul, and power of the mind. Our team of student researchers is trying to determine the areas of well-being that are understudied and in that process, to create a project that helps individuals to learn more about their health. Our research team developed a survey focusing on the eight areas of well being and distributed that to veterans, healthcare workers, and students. Steps in creating the survey included research on each topic area of the either areas of well-being. The team did this through PubMed searches of existing research as well as collaboration between researchers to find areas of shared interest. We developed a 50 question survey through Qualtrics and will be analyzing quantitative data through SPSS as well as analyzing qualitative data through Excel. Our research group tested the survey with a small group of participants to make sure the content was clear and to make sure that the pool of questions provided accurate data to analyze. The survey was modified and then distributed in a random manner through the online Qualtrics platform. Our goal in distribution is to have over 200 responses for the randomized group of participants. Then we will analyze the data to understand both the qualitative and the quantitative data that we have collected. Through this analysis, the team will develop various implementation projects that can better the local community and that will make Whole Health relevant to them.
