Quality of Life (QOL) Grant Determining Challenges and Interventions to Improve Healthcare Outcomes for LGBTQ Seniors
Arkene Levy, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine (MD College). She received a Quality of Life (QOL) grant for her project titled “Improving Healthcare Outcomes for LGBTQ Seniors: A Community Linked Cultural Competency Initiative Disorder: A Pilot Study.”
Tell me about your recent grant-funded project.
This QOL grant focuses on obtaining healthier outcomes for LGBTQ seniors living in Broward County. The broader goal of this grant was to understand healthcare challenges faced by LGBTQ seniors in Broward County and implement interventions to improve physical and mental wellness for this demographic.
To do this, we implemented a needs assessment survey which was sent to over 200 individuals in order to identify the major healthcare challenges they face. We used this information to guide interventions and implemented a Pride Fair at NSU that offered health screening services, healthcare counseling, and resources to the individuals who participated from this demographic.
We then investigated how to improve long-term healthcare information for these LGBTQ seniors. We also implemented this learning into the curriculum of medical students in the allopathic medical school at NSU so that students could interact with these seniors. Finally, we offered monthly wellness seminars with speakers that are experts in LGBTQ mental wellness for seniors in Broward County to attend across eight months. This was done in collaboration with the NSU KPCOM Lifelong Learning Institute.
Who is working with you on this project and what were each of your roles? What expertise did you each bring?
I was the Principal Investigator on this project. In this role I had oversight of the budget and designed the projects. My expertise is that I serve as the Director of Diversity and as a professor of Medical Education in NSU MD. Over the years I have also formed great partnerships with community organizations and nonprofits working with vulnerable populations in South Florida which was beneficial for this research.
Dr. Daniel Griffin and Dr. Chasity O’Malley, who are Associate Professors of Medical Education, led the curriculum components of this project. Dr. Samiksha Prasad is an Assistant Professor of Medical Education, and her input was integral in planning the outreach activities. We also had a group of NSU MD students (Diti Patel, Emelia Watts, Jacob Oster, Heidi Kiziah, Katlyn Kenon, and Andrew Stewart) who assisted with data analysis and the organization of events. Our community partners were SunServe and the Pride Center, both of which are social service providers for LBGTQ community members in Florida.
How does this grant intersect with your work at NSU?
This research integrates with my priorities as the Director of Diversity at NSU MD. I am focused on closing the health disparities gap for all marginalized groups and this project addresses health equity for the LGBTQ community.
What advice do you have for other grant seekers at NSU?
From a health equity perspective, when you are looking for funding, be aware of the community you serve and ensure your research goals align with the needs of the community. Also, ensure you are engaging community partners and giving them a seat at the table in terms of designing the research objectives.
What is the next grant proposal or project on your agenda?
Currently, I have three pending grant applications. One proposal is for the American Cancer Society and is focused on advancing diversity in cancer research at NSU, the second is a cancer research grant focused on disparities in ovarian cancer, and the third was sent to the Health Sciences Foundation of Florida and this grant is to build a center for health equity at NSU MD.
What Is your hope for the outcomes of these projects?
My overall goal is to advance health equity by leveraging my knowledge in the basic sciences, medical education, and my relationship with community stakeholders.