Evidence of Learning Assessment #5

Maleeha Khan

Date: March 16, 2020

Subject: COVID 19

Analysis:

Eager to complete the final preparations for my original work, I dove into spring break

determined. At the time, however, I did not realize how drastically our world would change as a

result of the COVID 19 pandemic. While I am willing to make personal sacrifices, such as social

distancing, and understanding of the fact that many exciting events I was looking forward to for

senior year will be cancelled. I was devastated when I realized I would have to make significant

changes to my original work. As a brief recap, my initial plans for my original work included;

● Seminar

○ Purpose: Promote the safety of dementia patients

○ Plan: Use presentations and a panel of experts to convey my message

○ Audience: Dementia patients and their caretakers

○ Location: Local senior center or my high school lecture hall

● Research Guide

○ Purpose: Promote the safety of dementia patients

○ Plan: Create a comprehensive guide outlining measures to reduce the risk

of falling and medication mismanagement in dementia patients

○ Audience: Caretakers and family members of dementia patients

 Thankfully, COVID 19 does not drastically interfere with the creation of my research

guide. However, this pandemic does limit my ability to carry out the portion of my original work

I was most looking forward to, the seminar. COVID 19 poses the greatest risk to the elderly, as a

result it will be difficult for my target guests (dementia patients and their caretakers) to attend.

When I was initially brainstorming methods to overcome this challenge (and the number of cases

of COVID 19 was relatively low in my area), I pondered the possibility of simply inviting the

caretakers and family members of dementia patients. As this group is at a lower risk of

contracting the virus. Although this sounds promising, I soon realized that even if this

demographic was at a lower risk, it would be difficult for these individuals to find care for their

loved ones with dementia. Furthermore, CDC recently issued a warning discouraging people

from attending large gatherings. Considering these many factors, I believe continuing

preparations for the seminar is not feasible.

Although I was sincerely looking forward to meeting dementia patients and their family

members/caretakers at my seminar, I know this decision is for the best. As it is better to be

overly prepared and overly cautious in these situations than not. Reflecting on my preparations

for my original work, I am truly glad that I recently decided to add the research guide as my final

product. These guides were initially intended to be distributed at the seminar and shared online

via social media. Even though I can no longer give out these guides at the seminar, I can still

utilize the internet as a tool for spreading my research. Throughout all of this uncertainty caused

by the COVID 19 pandemic, my appreciation for the internet is significantly elevated. From the

ability to pursue online schooling to the chance to salvage what is left of my original work, I am

grateful for the many opportunities the internet provides me with.

 To take advantage of this resource, I am planning on pursuing the one of the following

alternatives;

● Creating a Facebook support group for patient safety

○ After some research, I found that of the many groups on Facebook none of

the groups specifically target the areas I research I specialized in: falling

and medication mismanagement. By creating a group online, not only will

I have the power to share my research, I will also have the opportunity to

learn from the perspectives of other family members of dementia patients

across the globe. I am excited by the prospect of creating this online

community and connecting individuals of similar backgrounds.

○ This idea was inspired by a conversation I had with Dr. Dike at a recent

mentor visit. During this discussion my mentor and I spoke about the

power of social media and how I can use it to extend the reach of my

research guide.

● Creating a website on the safety of dementia patients

○ This website would outline all of my research on dementia and patient

safety and serve as a resource for caretakers. However, I am worried that

the creation of this website would closely mirror my research guide and

only contain redundant information.

While I am still in the process of brainstorming additional alternatives, I am currently

leaning towards creating an online Facebook group. My decision to pursue this alternative was

inspired by the idea that I will be helping create a community of individuals that support a loved
one with dementia. As I mentioned previously, in addition to sharing my own research on the

topic I will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of people across the globe. One

potential struggle I can see from this is learning how to spread awareness of the group and

gaining members. As of now, my plan is to utilize my community facebook page as a platform

and share the group with friends and family I know that are affected by dementia.

The COVID 19 crisis has significantly changed my vision for the final moments of my

senior year and my remaining weeks in the Independent Study and Mentorship program. As

frustrating as this experience is, this challenge has taught me resilience. While my original work

is not shaping up to follow the plans I had initially outlined, I am looking forward to pursuing

this alternative plan.