Development of an online transdisciplinary student wellbeing bundle: a thematic analysis (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The consequences of burnout for tertiary students across the health professions are well documented and include higher rates of mental health challenges, suicide, alcoholism, and relationship problems. As a key stakeholder in University-offered wellbeing services and support, it is desirable for students to hold a central role in development of such resources, particularly given effectiveness relies on student uptake. Hence there is a compelling need to develop a student-driven approach to promote wellbeing in the tertiary setting at individual, curricula, and systems levels. OBJECTIVE Based on this need, an online student-focused platform was developed using a bottom-up approach to support participant-driven enhancement of wellbeing and resilience to counteract burnout. This study reports on the development of the initial online “Student Bundle”, providing a foundation to inform the design of more locally based approaches to improve wellness and prevent burnout. METHODS Students and academic and professional staff from Griffith University Health groups were invited to participate in a series of focus groups. Sessions sought to collect information on desired structure, resources and overall content of the Student Bundle, with a thematic analysis undertaken to identify emerging themes. RESULTS Focus groups were conducted separately with staff (n=17) and students (n=7). Six main themes in relation to the development of the bundle emerged: Communication/Engagement; Accessibility/Flexibility; Professional practice; Community; Awareness; and Opportunity for personal growth. Stakeholders emphasized a bundle should be engaging and proactive to address wellbeing issues, incorporate aspects linked to professional identity and foster community, connectedness and self-awareness, providing an opportunity for growth. CONCLUSIONS Our research has revealed significant needs in relation to how an online student-focused wellbeing bundle could be delivered and what it could provide. Findings from this study will be used to guide further development and implementation of a multimodal, interactive student wellbeing bundle.