Since arriving at the PCCR, I have continued to help with the planning for several studies, sitting in on different meetings, and attending some classes on the Palmer campus.
The study I have been helping with the most is a Delphi panel study to validate Quality Indicators (Qis). The purpose of the QI indicator study is to use consensus methods to validate an initial set of quality indicators for chiropractic care. Panelists consisting of 3 groups of chiropractors will review a proposed set of QIs. One of the groups is chiropractors who work in an integrated setting (a setting with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals). I worked on looking for chiropractors in the US who work in an integrated setting and then collecting publicly available contact information so that the study could progress after the IRB’s approval. I have been a part of weekly meetings for the QI study since arriving at the PCCR and continue to learn about the planning and proposal states of conducting studies throughout this process.
I have also helped with the planning stages of a follow-up study to the QI Delphi study. One of the things that this follow-up study will look at is the feasibility of adopting QIs based on the location/setting of the chiropractors. This study will involve a nationally representative survey of chiropractors. I have been working on getting the names of VA chiropractic clinicians, what VA facility they work at, and finding the contact information for the chiropractic clinics at the different VA facilities. I have also been gathering the names and potential contact information of all the licensed chiropractors in each state (to get the information for the single-disciplined chiropractors).
Throughout the work I have been doing, I have become very familiar with different processes for gathering information, as well as gaining proficiency with organizing different data collections in Excel. I have continued to learn about some of the work that goes into the experiments behind the scenes (including learning about the IRB application processes). I have sat in on meetings for other ongoing studies at the PCCR and meetings for Palmer research honors students. Palmer has a research honors program, so I have seen a little of what being a research honors student at Palmer would look like throughout those meetings.
Aside from learning about the research process, I have also been exposed to some class content in the chiropractic program. I have attended several lectures at Palmer and presentations from Palmer students. I attended Biochemistry I, Foundations of Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, and Movement Science. Nutrition is a strong interest of mine so having the opportunity to sit in on multiple nutrition lectures was amazing and it gave me more insight into research topics I am interested in pursuing. My experience at the PCCR continues to contribute to my future career because I am gaining knowledge about what pursuing a research career would be like.
Outside of the PCCR, I have continued to explore the local shops and restaurants in Davenport. I visit the Farmers Market every weekend and have begun exploring new walking trails including one along the river. I also toured the Palmer Mansion where I learned about the history of the Palmer family and the Palmer campus. The Palmer Mansion is filled with souvenirs from the Palmer family's worldly travels, I have included pictures of two of my favorite statues up above. It is hard to believe that I am already halfway through my experience here!