Cedarville University Students Enhance Cancer Care Through Research

Noelle Straka, an undergraduate student from Cedarville University, is actively engaged in research projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients. Partnering with Pink Ribbon Good (PRG), a nonprofit organization based in Dayton, Ohio, Straka and her peers are exploring innovative ways to support women and families affected by breast and gynecological cancers.

The initiatives involve collaboration with healthcare providers and focus on various aspects of patient care, such as transportation, education, and emotional support. PRG provides essential services, including free healthy meals, rides to treatment, house cleaning essentials, and peer support for patients and their families.

Research Projects Focused on Patient Support

Straka is part of a team of pharmacy students conducting four group research projects in conjunction with PRG. Their work investigates how PRG’s transportation services and educational resources influence cancer treatments and symptom management for patients. These research efforts are set to continue throughout the fall and spring semesters.

In one of the projects, Straka and fellow student Eliya Craig, from Tyrone, are examining the effectiveness of PRG’s transportation services in facilitating patient access to care. They presented their findings at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy annual meeting held in Minneapolis on October 18. Their research aims to provide valuable insights into how reliable transportation can alleviate barriers faced by cancer patients seeking treatment.

Patient Perceptions and Care Quality

In addition to the transportation project, Straka and Craig are leading another initiative that focuses on analyzing patient surveys. This project seeks to understand patient perceptions of care and how these perceptions impact their overall treatment experience. By gathering and evaluating this data, the team hopes to contribute to the ongoing conversation about improving cancer care practices.

The collaboration between Cedarville University students and Pink Ribbon Good exemplifies the commitment to enhancing patient experiences within the healthcare system. As they continue their research, Straka and her colleagues aim to shed light on the critical factors that can significantly improve the lives of those affected by cancer.