Browsing by Author "Simbeni, Sophia"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Branding Their Business and Developing and Refining Their Menus: A Qualitative Study of Mobile Food Vendors in Southeastern MichiganDeVlaminck, Kylie; Reznar, Melissa; Talbot, Jaclyn; Jarbo, Candis; Liechty, Faith; Simbeni, Sophia; Reznar, MelissaA modernized aspect of the food away from home (FAFH) culture are food trucks, as they allow consumers to make more educated decisions about their food consumption, while basing their business practices around co-creation. Thirteen qualitative interviews were conducted using semi structured questioning to investigate how food truck operators brand themselves and refine their menus. Using open, line-by-line coding in order to identify key phrases of text, coded information was analyzed to determine overarching themes. Following interview analysis, it was concluded that food truck operators developed a unique identity for their trucks to stand out amongst competitors and attract customers. These identities were primarily based on life experiences and personal cultural perspectives. Upon implementation of their identity, external (from consumers) and internal (from truck operators) feedback influenced menu adjustments in a physiology-like feedback loop model. Consumer’s specific menu needs, ingredients, nutrition, preparation, and ethnicities in the food all had an influence on menu specifications. Applicable to both food trucks and restaurants at large, co-creation, or working directly with the consumers to better reflect their desires, allows consumers to make more educated decisions about their meal purchases. Thus food trucks may just be the bridge between healthier meals and FAFH.Item Identifying Clinical Staff Awareness and Accommodations for Adult Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)Simbeni, Sophia; Dereski, MaryIntroduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by challenges with social skills, communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 1:54 children with ASD. As these children reach adulthood, a paucity of resources and properly trained healthcare personnel to treat these individuals may exist. This project attempts to identify clinical staff ASD awareness and accommodation gaps in providing healthcare. Methods: Data was collected from two populations. 1) clinical staff (e.g. nurses, medical assistants, receptionist) in primary care offices, and 2) adult patients with ASD and their parents or caregivers. Participants were recruited in collaboration with the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services Program (OUCARES). Recruitment efforts encompassed 30 offices, 4 events, and one listserv email to all OUCARES members. Survey responses were compared for common or unique themes. Results: Participants included 3 clinical staff, 6 adults with ASD, and 1 parent. None of the clinical staff reported patient accommodations. Adults with ASD stated that the accommodations received were those they or their parents provided. Five of the 6 adult patients responded that they do not alert their physician offices about their ASD. Rather, parents disclose this information to the offices or no information is shared. Six out of 7 adult patients had parents accompany them to their appointments. Additionally, all 3 clinical staff members said that parents/caregivers should attend appointments. Discussion: The low yield of participation may indicate an unwillingness to discuss ASD. The patient’s reliance on parents to disclose or assist during appointments is reported, however this may not foster the patient-doctor understanding needed to provide optimal healthcare quality. The apparent disconnect between the primary care office staff, the adult with ASD, and specific accommodations that could facilitate care, should be further investigated.