Kathryn Torok
Pronouns: she/her
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:
Abstract
Though holistic health and wellbeing is becoming more prominent in society, it can be difficult for individuals to determine which aspects of their Whole Health are lacking. With those features identified, individuals have the ability to help decide which types of therapies or practices would be best suited for their treatment plan, with the goal of uplifting health in all aspects. The research project, led by Dr. Nikhil Parekh from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, seeks to provide individuals an opportunity to share input on the eight core aspects of Whole Health. Whole Health is the VA’s approach to providing holistic patient care. The Whole Health system of care acknowledges that patients may have a variety of reasons, not all of them physical, as to why they do not feel their best. Alongside Dr. Parekh, the research assistants (student researchers through the UROP program) built a survey of more than 40 questions spanning many topics of the Whole Health system. The survey was then distributed through the Qualtrics platform to healthcare workers, Veterans, and students. The research team will soon analyze the data for qualitative and quantitative results. SPSS, a statistical software package, will be used for quantitative analysis. Using information from the data analysis, the research team will develop specific wellness implementation tools, like stress management booklets for students or healthy coping mechanisms for Veterans struggling with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research team understands that there is not one specific path to wellness, but these data-driven implementation tools will allow providers of care to curate treatment plans for patients or individuals.
