A collective agenda: A qualitative study on Exercise is Medicine® On Campus gold-level institutions.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) international campaign leverages university resources (e.g., health centers, recreation, and kinesiology departments) to encourage students, faculty, and staff to integrate physical activity into campus culture. This involves evaluating student physical activity levels during health visits and establishing referral systems for exercise prescriptions. EIM-OC allows universities to earn tiered recognition (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) based on their on-campus physical activity promotion and integration. For Gold recognition, schools must incorporate routine physical activity assessments into their health system, ultimately connecting healthcare providers with health/fitness professionals (HFPs, e.g., campus recreation professionals, kinesiology professors). This research worked to uncover pivotal factors driving EIM-OC on-campus collaborations through HFPs' perspectives. Methods: HFPs (n = 11) working full-time at a Gold-level institution (n = 10 in United States) participated. Semi-structured, Zoom-recorded interviews with a generic qualitative research design were completed between June and September 2022. Results: Major thematic findings included the importance of tangible support (e.g., personnel), encounters with both trust and tension cross-campus, positive student development opportunities, and variations in outcome reporting and program evaluation. Faculty and staff emphasized the need for methods to obtain and sustain program funding. Participants also expressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to increase the collective impact of EIM-OC on student health and overall collegiate success. Conclusion: HFPs expanded on their EIM-OC experiences and program sustainment or growth requirements. With increased interdisciplinary collaboration, rigor in outcome reporting, and tangible resources, the collective impact of EIM-OC on student health outcomes and overall collegiate success could be greatly perpetuated.