Longitudinal assessment of pharmacy student well-being using the well-being index and 5 gears assessment

The objective of the study was to assess the level of pharmacy student well-being during the first 2 years of their didactic education utilizing the Well-being Index (WBI) and 5 Gears assessment.

WBI and 5 Gears data were tracked monthly for first- and second-year students enrolled at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy from September 2019 to March 2022. Data were collected through monthly RedCap surveys, then de-identified and separated into 4 study cohorts (A-D). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Responses from 279 students were evaluated. WBI ratings showed variance across the first and second professional years of the program. Students also reported fluctuations in WBI throughout academic years, most often correlating with major events (scheduled breaks, COVID-19 pandemic). Similarly, the 5 Gears assessments results also changed throughout the study period, including variance within and between each academic year.

Incorporating well-being assessments into the co-curriculum has allowed us to identify when students are struggling with their well-being, provide tools and resources to help enhance their well-being, and opportunities to discuss struggles with their peers. Colleges of Pharmacy must incorporate holistic approaches to address all aspects of well-being, including consideration of how the curriculum is impacting the student experience as well as institutional approaches to well-being.