A realist review of effective university-based wellness programs on physical activity, occupational balance, and vocal health

Background@#Wellness programs can be implemented in a university setting and may include varied elements such as physical activity, occupational balance, and vocal health. However, there is limited information that highlights and synthesizes why and how these programs work. Therefore, this study aimed to understand effective programs on physical activity, occupational balance, and vocal health for university constituents in relation to the implementation contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes (CMO).@*Methodology@#Guided by the Health Belief Model in the context of a realist review design, the researchers conducted an iterative search among seven peer-reviewed electronic databases in the health and education fields using a predetermined set of eligibility criteria. @*Results@#The search identified 6564 records, of which programs from 20 records contributed to data synthesis. Nine CMO statements were created, with physical activity programs accounting for most configurations. Key themes identified were tailored and individualized interventions, medium-term incentivization, lifestyle education programs utilizing information and communications technology, interdisciplinary multi-component programs, use of self-monitoring strategies, social support, and shared experiences among employees and students. Analysis of the mechanisms of these effective university programs revealed processes and structures that were consistent with elements of the Health Belief Model.@*Conclusion@#Effective university-based PA programs result from a health-supporting culture among staff and students, utilizing self-based, technological, and social approaches that target and address individual and organizational behaviors in physical activity, occupational balance, and vocal health. This realist review provides practical information that may guide the development of university-based programs and policies targeting these areas of wellness.

A literature review on the facilitators and barriers to the uptake of interprofessional collaboration in the field of assistive technology within rehabilitation medicine

@#Assistive technology (AT) enables an optimized life for persons with disability through the scaffolding of functional capabilities. However, AT provision faces challenges such as long approval processes, funding inadequacies, and difficulties integrating evidence into practice. A means to address these issues is through interprofessional collaboration (IPC), the process by which health professionals efficiently coordinate and work with each other towards a common goal to maximize limited resources. To promote its effective implementation, there is a need to know the facilitators and barriers that affect its implementation. Thus, this paper aims to review the facilitators and barriers to the uptake of IPC in the field of AT within rehabilitation medicine identified by existing literature. This literature review followed the steps outlined by The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. Articles published between January 2000 until September 2019 were retrieved from four electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct). Three studies were included in the study. Facilitators identified were: (1) optimal work culture, (2) professional competence, and (3) associating with team members. Barriers to effective IPC in the field of AT were identified as: (1) presence of professional silos, (2) lack of unified language, and (3) gaps in bureaucratic support. The mechanisms and factors in implementing interprofessional collaboration identified by the World Health Organization are vital in the field of AT. However, the barriers identified above need to be addressed to promote the uptake of IPC within this specialized field.