[Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing University Health Management: A Qualitative Study].

Area of Science:

• Health Promotion
• Higher Education Management
• Organizational Psychology

Context:

• German universities face increasing workloads and competition, necessitating health promotion.
• University Health Management (UHM) is proposed to foster healthier academic environments.
• Existing conceptual frameworks for UHM lack empirical validation.

Purpose:

• To identify facilitators and barriers to implementing UHM from expert perspectives.
• To provide empirical insights into the practical challenges of UHM adoption.
• To inform strategies for effective UHM development in higher education.

Summary:

• Qualitative study involving 26 experts identified eight key factors influencing UHM implementation: leadership, health as a topic, networks, collaboration, structure, target groups, funding, and legal frameworks.
• Factors like university leadership, clear understanding of UHM, and integration into state policies were crucial.
• Barriers included heterogeneous UHM concepts and time limitations, highlighting the need for tailored approaches.

Impact:

• Recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to UHM is ineffective due to diverse university structures.
• Emphasizes the need for a unified understanding of UHM and its integration into state-level university legislation for successful implementation.
• Provides actionable insights for policymakers and university leaders aiming to enhance health promotion within academic institutions.