This semester I
am doing my research project on the influence healthcare provider observation
and perception has on their utilization of the shared decision making
healthcare model and how this contributes to the disparity in dialysis
treatment among African American and socioeconomically disadvantaged
populations. I became involved with this project through my volunteer work with
SWIRL. SWIRL stands for the social work integrative research lab, and it is an
organization offering BSW students to gain research experience. I am interested
in this project because I believe that adequate healthcare is a right that
should be granted to everyone regardless of race and socioeconomic status and
my passion for social justice is what has drawn me to this project. It is my
professional goal to continuously advocate for disadvantaged populations and
the purpose of this project is to give insight on what is causing my
populations of interest to receive a seemingly unfavorable treatment option.
With the results collected from my data, I hope to advocate for better rapport
among healthcare providers and their patients/clients. This semester I have
weekly meetings with my mentor Dr. Emily Ihara where we go over my progress.
During this time, I also get advice from her on how to fulfill the various
tasks I may be struggling with. I also do weekly office work with SWIRL,
transcribing, coding, as well as literature reviews. One thing I’ve learned
this term is time management. I definitely underestimated the amount of time
and effort that conducting a research study required. Throughout this semester
I’ve began planning better and thinking ahead which has greatly benefitted me.
