Health Insurance Literacy: Empowering Austin Musicians
The University of Texas at Austin
Degree: Master of Science in Information Studies
Class: Understanding Research, INF 397C
Type: Group Work, 4 members
This project was a collaborative effort involving four students enrolled in the Master of Science in Information Studies (MSIS) program at UT Austin. Together, we spearheaded a research initiative employing a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies aimed at enhancing healthcare literacy within the Austin music community. This initiative was driven by identified needs from the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM). For a comprehensive overview of our project, including our research methodology, please refer to our attached project poster.
In my capacity, I assumed leadership of the qualitative analysis component of the project. Leveraging my extensive network within the Austin music community, cultivated over nearly a decade of involvement, I orchestrated the scheduling of interviews, formulated pertinent interview inquiries, conducted extensive research and literature reviews, and facilitated seamless coordination with the quantitative analysis team to synthesize results and provide recommendations. Additionally, I conducted interviews with Austin musicians, designed surveys, and collated survey responses for the quantitative analysis team within our group.
Reflecting on this experience, I am deeply impassioned by the collaborative work with the Austin music community. It illuminated the profound impact that limited healthcare literacy can have on the mental and physical well-being of gig economy workers. While we navigated challenges, particularly in scheduling, I recognize that there is potential for further refinement, particularly in expanding the sample size should this research be considered for publication. This endeavor has reinforced my commitment to advocating for enhanced healthcare literacy within our community, and I look forward to leveraging these insights in future initiatives.
