Wellness module for medical teachers: A pilot study

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. BackgroundHealth promotion and disease prevention should be facilitated at workplace by advocating a healthy diet and physical activity. In view of many lifestyle disorders health professionals also need to give attention to improve their health behavior.Behavior change plan have been effective in achieving this goal however, it has not been investigated for healthcare professionals.Therefore, wellness module was developed and evaluated regarding its effectiveness in promoting health behavior.MethodTotal sample size is 30 (10 from medical, dental and physiotherapy). 24 responded (response rate 80%). A format for wellness was circulated amongst them and their pre and post test scores were recorded. Qualitative evaluation was done by semi-structured interviews of participants.ResultsOut of 30, 24 faculty responded for follow up (response rate 80%). Wellness goals : 13 physical fitness, 8-nutrition, 2-recreation and 1- safety. Self reported progress showed that 85% achieved target completely and 15% partially.Themes from semi-structured interviews: were barriers for achieving target are lack of time, laziness/ apathy, temptations, sickness, injury/pain. Behaviors reported as important towards goal attainment were time management, feedback partner, self control, visual cues. Benefits of the BCP as reported by participants were increased stamina, feeling of well being.ConclusionWellness module involving behavior change plan was well received by faculty and effective in promoting positive health behavior.