(344) The Development and Implementation of Intentional Student Wellness Programming Using a Novel Survey Tool

Objective : (1) To identify student needs, as they relate to well-being, in the College of Pharmacy and (2) To design and implement intentional programming that supports student success and well-being.

Methods: A 42-question survey was developed and administered during the Fall 2021 semester to all Union University College of Pharmacy (UUCOP) students. The survey assessed students’ access to basic needs according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, students’ perceived wellness across the 8 Domains of Wellness according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and students’ willingness to engage in behavior change across each domain according to the Transtheoretical Model of Change. Responses were collected and assessed to identify gaps in students’ basic needs and domains of wellness in which students felt least well and most willing to change. A Wellbeing Community was created to address these results with targeted interventions.

Results: 58 students completed the survey (40% response rate). 47% of respondents indicated inadequate access to sleep. All other basic needs were met by at least 93% of respondents. Perceived wellness ratings were lowest in the physical (2.71/5), emotional (3.12/5), and financial (3.19/5) domains, which were also associated with the greatest willing to change. In response, the Wellness Community offered therapy dog experiences, gratitude boards, coloring contests, a financial planning session, a yoga event, and sponsored food during exam week. Students largely enjoyed these events, but perceived wellness benefit varied.

Conclusions: The survey tool successfully provided actionable insight into gaps in student well-being, resulting in the development of targeted wellness-related programming.