Psychosocial Health of Health Professions Students: A Concept Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Enrollment as a student in a health professions program is reported to be stressful and to impact psychosocial health (PH).

PURPOSE: A concept analysis of PH was conducted using Rodgers' method in the context of these programs.

METHODS

Independent, blinded PRISMA review of 3719 works revealed 35 relevant studies. Narrative summary tables were derived based on evidence synthesis. Antecedents, attributes, consequences, a model case, and a conceptual model were identified.

RESULTS

Pre-conditioned by students' developmental, social, and environmental characteristics, attributes of PH were: (1) mental health, stress, coping, locus of control; (2) resilience, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, hope; (3) self-esteem; (4) social support; (5) physical health, self-care; (6) academic work-life balance; and (7) academic pressure, workload, external influences.

CONCLUSIONS

PH has tangible impacts on academic and clinical performance. Efforts by educators and practicing clinicians to enhance students' PH make a difference.