文摘
Background Students are confronted with multiple stressors while studying at universities. Especially the beginning of the study period is seen as a critical point: so far unknown challenges, high academic demands, nontransparent university structures as well as difficulties in scheduling and organizing occur often in this phase. Thus, in the summer term of 2013 the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Department of Health and Social Sciences implemented the interdisciplinary pilot project Gesunder Start ins Studium (“Healthy Study Start- to support students during their first term, while entering this new phase in life. Objectives What kind of needs do occupational therapist students have at the very beginning of their studies and how can these needs be addressed in a tailored health-promoting intervention package? How can an appropriate evaluation concept for this intervention be designed? Methods Needs were assessed with a quantitative survey and by implementing an Open Space. Results Study colleagues were seen as the most important resource at the beginning of university study. Support from higher term students was also mentioned positively. The lack of information as well as the nontransparent and unfamiliar university system were regarded as negative aspects in the study entry phase. Based on the results, the following intervention package was developed: structured transmission of information, outdoor pedagogical cooperation training, peer-mentoring and lecturer-mentoring. Discussion The project can be understood as a pilot initiative with high potential for transferability to other study programs. However, sustainable implementation can only be ensured by financial and time resource allocations from the university.