Assessing Need and Evaluating Programs for a Health Science Center Library’s Wellness Initiative

Overview What is wellness? Wellness is a multifaceted and holistic concept that stems from the patient-centered healthcare paradigm.1 It refers to a dynamic process, in which individuals become aware of the importance of healthy living and consciously make choices towards a fulfilling life. Hettler’s Dimensions of Wellness model encompasses six elements: emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual (Figure 1). Recent models tend to include two additional components—environmental wellness and financial wellness (Figure 2). Newer frameworks also emphasize the interconnectedness of wellness dimensions (Figure 3), intersectional wellness (Figure 4), and the impact of health disparities on wellness.