Course:LFS350/Projects/F2019/InspireHealth
Project Title
Identification of a subgroup of cancer patients that could benefit from nutrition group sessions.
Organization Name
Keywords
cancer, clinical nutrition, cooking workshops, food skills
Related Course Concepts
Asset based community development, food security
Organization Information
Organization Name
Mission and Vision of Organization
Mission
We inspire people affected by cancer to enhance their quality of life and well-being by integrating wisdom and evidence-informed practices that support mind, body and spirit.
Vision
Health care that supports patient choice, inspires engagement, and promotes physical and emotional health.
Guiding Principles + Values
Values
- We value the connection between mind, body and spirit
- We are guided by a wisdom-based, evidence-informed approach
- We are respectful and open in our communication
- We embody mindfulness, compassion, and peace
- We cultivate a caring community
Contact Information
- Primary Contact Person(s): Lynda Soberanes
- Email: lsoberanes@inspirehealth.ca
- Phone: 604-734-7125 ext 238
- Address: 200-1330 West 8th Avenue
- Website: www.inspirehealth.ca
Preferred Method of Contact
- Best method(s) to contact: Email
- Best day(s) to contact: Wednesdays, Fridays
- Best time(s) to contact: Mornings
Project Description
This project includes searching through our patient database to identify potential participants who would benefit from a workshops/cooking class. Students will update contact information as needed. Students will also interview the Registered Dietitians working at InspireHealth to identify challenges and ideas: What they would like to see happen with the workshops? What is the current situation? What could happen differently?
The main deliverables for the project are a written report and an infographic (note: this infographic will have a different focus from the LFS350 infographic assignment). The report will be used by FNH473 students as the basis of a January 2020 applied public health nutrition project.
What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?
The Nutrition Team at InspireHealth meets with a variety of patients, with different diagnosis, treatments and health challenges. We offer individual consultations to patients, but also offer some workshops and cooking classes to small groups of patients. Some patients have declared that they do not attend to those classes, given that they have health challenges that would impede them to follow the recommendations given in the cooking classes. We aim to offer at least one cooking class that would be of interest and benefit for everyone and we would like to identify a subgroup of patients ( i.e. those following a low-fibre diet or those with digestive sensitivities, etc.) that are not being served by our current offerings, so we can plan a cooking class in the future.
Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)
- Interest in nutrition and cancer
- Effective communicators -- ideally with gentle, positive attitude, given that our population has a high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
Student Assets and Skills (to be developed through the project
At the end of the project you will:
- Have a better understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
- Make use of your critical thinking through the program and creativity to develop an infographic
- Strengthen your understanding of nutrition in a specific group of people (i.e. caner patients and survivors).
Is a criminal record check required?
No
Project Location
InspireHealth clinic Vancouver, or independently as needed
Preferred Days of Week and Hours
Wednesdays and/or Fridays are preferred
Project/Partner Orientation Materials
Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:
- Students are welcome to visit our website: inspirehealth.ca, but orientation around our culture, mission, and daily work will be provided at the beginning of the term.
Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials
The following will be provided at the first community partner meeting:
- TBD
Related Community Service Opportunities for Students
Applications for volunteering are always welcome. Please ask about opportunities.
Expected Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
I hope students will learn about...
- The importance of nutrition in a supportive way in the context of cancer care
I think students will come to appreciate...
- The relevance of person-centred health care, even in a group setting
Through this project, students will develop...
- Critical thinking, oral communication, creativity and sensibility to communicate with patients, and effective communication with dietitians.
Organizational Outcomes
Intended Project (Short Term) Outcome
- In terms of benefits for our patients, we hope that the results from this project will help us understand what are the subgroups that are not being served by our current workshop offerings.
Medium Term Outcomes
If the student project is part of a larger project at your organization, how will the students' work contribute to the goals of this larger project?
- This project is part of the current work of analyzing, evaluating and modifying/adding to our current offerings for groups of cancer patients and survivors.
- In the future, the student research will help us plan accordingly so cancer patients and survivors can get the information that is more relevant for them, that can help them have enough energy to go through their treatments or prevent recurrence.
How does the student project contribute to your organization's mission and long-term vision?
- This project will help with promotion of physical health, as the information included is expected to be evidence-based. This contributes to our goal of providing the best care possible for people living with a diagnosis of cancer,