Person:
Slike, Michelle

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https://www.husson.edu/directory/michelle_slike
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Assistant Professor
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Slike
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Michelle
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DPT, Husson University
EdD, Curriculum and Instruction, Liberty University
MHA, St. Joseph’s College
B.S. Kinesiology, Husson University

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2024 - 20252
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Start date: 2024 ×

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    IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CANCER SURVIVORS THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A WELLNESS WORKSHOP
    (2024-04-18) Cummings, Ashley; Gott, Mallory; Hanning, Amelia; Rowe, Madison; Wasson, Courtney; Slike, Michelle
    Research suggests that cancer survivors living in rural communities struggle with adequate resources related to survivorship. Proper education and intervention has been shown to improve life post-diagnosis. The purpose of this project was to design and implement an evidence-based, educational workshop to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors in rural areas of Maine. Following a needs assessment completed through a rural health facility and the YMCA, focus was placed on the following educational topics: physical and mental well-being, fatigue, lymphedema management, and chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. Two workshops, one in-person and one virtual, were completed in an effort to reach residents in rural areas of Maine. Both workshops were two hours long and were designed and taught by entry-level doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students. Content was delivered using a PowerPoint presentation and active learning strategies. A total of 12 participants completed the workshop, 9 in-person and 3 virtual. Assessment of teaching effectiveness was completed utilizing pre- and post-test assessments, satisfaction surveys, and follow-up phone call interviews 6 months following the competition of the workshop. Strengths identified by the participants during the assessment included organization, informative content, and detailed resources that could be used following the workshops. Weaknesses identified included PowerPoint presentation style and the preference of in-person versus virtual learning. Notably, education on oncology rehabilitation, lymphedema, fatigue management, and chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy led to awareness of resources and enhanced self-care abilities. Wellness resources are lacking for cancer survivors in rural locations throughout the United States. This demand can be met through educational workshops similar to this project. Providing cancer survivors with educational information can improve their quality of life, reduce the risk of recurrence of cancer, and improve the effect of chronic conditions often experienced by cancer survivors.
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    ENHANCING CANCER SURVIVORSHIP EDUCATION: A COLLABORATIVE WORKSHOP APPROACH TO ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION
    (2025-04-17) Alley, Mikaela; Boy, Virginia; Cailler, Taylor; Giles, Ben; Marter, Marissa; McCannell, Jessica; Strickler, Julia; Bochynski, Jennifer; Slike, Michelle
    Purpose: As the number of individuals diagnosed with cancer continues to rise, the need for physical therapy intervention to support physical and mental well-being is becoming increasingly important. Seven doctor of physical therapy students and two physical therapy educators created two educational sessions on oncology topics for the community in Bangor, ME. Goals were to improve student knowledge in oncology topics and provide education to the community regarding the benefits of oncology rehabilitation to improve quality of life. Description: Students developed learning objectives and presentations utilizing learning theories, including: connectivism, constructivism, and andragogy to design two workshops. These workshops included presentations with an incorporation of active learning activities. Topics were determined based on community needs and included: an introduction to oncology rehabilitation, cancer related fatigue, exercise, cancer related pain, lymphedema, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and mental health. These evidence-based workshops were available in-person and remotely via Zoom. Assessment of the learning experience included a participant pretest and post-test and a satisfaction survey. Outcomes: 16 participants attended with two participants attending both presentations. 87% of the participants improved their score from pretest to post-test. The remaining 13% had the same score. Overall, participants felt each workshop was highly organized and reported satisfaction with the material and its relevance to their everyday lives. Participants were also satisfied with the hands-on learning activities. Importance and Future Considerations: Participation in these workshops brought awareness to cancer survivors and caregivers on the benefits of PT rehabilitation. DPT students benefited from this project by growing their knowledge of oncology rehabilitation and their ability to provide patient education. Based on the research outcomes, cancer survivors may benefit from additional education regarding their condition management. Through hands-on workshops, cancer survivors may be more satisfied and prepared to manage their conditions.