Evaluating the impact of an integrated Wellbeing Exercise Referral Scheme on physical and psychological health of University students in a London higher education institution.

Aim: This research study l conceptualised, delivered, and evaluated the impact that an integrated wellbeing exercise referral scheme (WERS) had on the physical and psychological health of university students. The project has a specific focus on evaluation of outcome and process with a view to identifying areas for improvement for subsequent iterations of delivery.

Method: Following self-referral to the University Wellbeing Team, students were triaged into an week exercise referral scheme which was designed around Self Determination Theory (competence, autonomy, relatedness). Using a scaffolding approach to aid behaviour change, the aim is to increase participation in physical activity and operating alongside regular therapeutic intervention to enhance psychological wellbeing.

Measures: The measures included academic engagement and attainment; time spent with Practitioner; wellbeing scores and physical activity measurements. Measures were taken pre, during and post intervention and each participant volunteered to undertake a post intervention interview. Demographics and time to complete the referral scheme were also measured to assess patterns and trends.

Results: A total of 817 students referred themselves to Wellbeing Team, 37 came through the scheme and nine fully completed the intervention. Eight of these (89%) had successful graduate outcomes against a backdrop of 77.3% completion rate for the wider university. Six out the nine participants needed less appointments following the intervention compared with a matched sample. All nine recorded a positive reduction in their PHQ-7 wellbeing scores and only 1 showed a small increase on the GAD-9.

Conclusion: The results indicate positive improvements in all three of the areas that the research study wanted to analyse. It is acknowledged the sample size of participants is small and further research is needed to confirm causality. The recommendations that were extracted from the analysis gives the opportunity to develop the referral framework over the next few years to increase its impact for more students