The Impact of a Brief Interprofessional Intervention on Attitudes toward Wellness Promotion among College Students in Helping Professions

Abstract

Research demonstrates that interprofessional education (IPE) is effective in changing attitudes and behaviors among college students and health professionals. This study utilized a longitudinal, mixed-methods design to assess impacts of a brief IPE intervention focusing on multidimensional wellness promotion. The intervention incorporated principles of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and integrated a multidimensional conceptualization of wellness with Solution-Focused Coaching (SFC), an evidence-based approach to behavior change. One hundred and seventy-six (N = 176) students from health science programs (e.g. social work, nursing) at a large Western university were recruited for the study. Quantitative results demonstrated significant (p <.01) differences between pre, postintervention, and six-week follow-up, as well as between intervention and control groups (p <.01). To augment quantitative data, brief, semi-structured interviews were completed with thirteen (n = 13) participants. Results of an Applied Thematic Analysis (ATA) included five emergent themes: increased multidimensional wellness understanding, holistic conceptualization of patients, more training needed related to wellness, encouraging small behavior changes, and the importance of self-care. Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief, solution-focused wellness promotion intervention in changing attitudes, understanding, and intention related to utilizing a multidimensional model of wellness with college students in helping professions.