Understanding the Evaluation and Scope of Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid is one of the world's most researched public mental health programmes. It has been shown to increase understanding of mental disorders as well as confidence and intent to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health condition.
Questions about the science underpinning Mental Health First Aid training occur from time to time. This focus often reflects a misunderstanding of the program's goals and the available evidence base.
How is Mental Health First Aid training evaluated? What outcomes does it measure?
Since the development of MHFA in 2000, Mental Health First Aid courses have been rigorously evaluated by researchers all around the world, independent of Mental Health First Aid Australia.
Individuals who have completed Mental Health First Aid courses are evaluated for their knowledge of various mental diseases, grasp of available treatments, and confidence and intention to offer appropriate mental health first aid responses.
Individuals who attend a Mental Health First Aid training course benefit from enhanced mental health literacy and confidence in delivering help to someone who may be facing a mental health condition, according to these reviews.
What evidence does Mental Health First Aid Australia have to indicate the efficacy of its courses?
You can find program evaluations of Mental Health First Aid courses on the Mental Health First Aid International website (https://mhfainternational.org/mhfa-program-evaluations/).
Is there evidence that Mental Health First Aid training improves the mental health of the recipient?
Evaluations of Mental Health First Aid courses do not assess the mental health outcomes of recipients of mental health first aid, which is recognised as a limitation in evaluation studies.
Researchers currently face challenges in monitoring or reporting on improvements to the mental health of recipients, due to both ethical and practical limitations on accessing recipients of mental health first aid. This means researchers currently don’t have access to data on actual suicides prevented as a result of Mental Health First Aid training.
In the future, Mental Health First Aid Australia hopes to conduct social impact research that examines whole workplaces or communities. The aim is to understand changes in the months and years following the implementation of Mental Health First Aid training. This would enable us to identify improvements in mental health, along with cultural changes such as reduced experiences of stigma and discrimination.
It is important to understand both the scope and limitations of research evidence. Mental Health First Aid Australia will continue to expand its research base and consider innovative approaches to answering some of the difficult questions it currently cannot answer.
Is there evidence that Mental Health First Aid training prevents suicide?
Evaluations of Mental Health First Aid courses do not report on suicide prevention.
Researchers currently face challenges in monitoring or reporting on improvements to the mental health of recipients, due to both ethical and practical limitations on accessing recipients of mental health first aid. This means researchers currently don’t have access to data on actual suicides prevented as a result of Mental Health First Aid training.
A number of Mental Health First Aid courses have been accredited by Suicide Prevention Australia as safe, high-quality, and effective suicide prevention programs. This accreditation is based on a rigorous assessment that indicates the courses meet the Suicide Prevention Australia Standards for Quality Improvement, 2nd Edition, developed in collaboration with people of lived experience of suicide, help-seekers, clinicians, service providers and accreditation experts. For more information about the accreditation, please visit Suicide Prevention Australia’s Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program (https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/accreditation-program).
How does Mental Health First Aid support the mental health and well-being of Mental Health First Aiders?
Each Mental Health First Aid course includes information to help the participant understand the scope of the Mental Health First Aider role and recommends that the Mental Health First Aider remain cognisant of their own mental health as they take on this role.
Course materials strongly recommend that if at any time a Mental Health First Aider feels that their mental health or well-being is compromised as a result of their role, to cease performing the role and seek appropriate help.
Workplaces are encouraged to build support networks for their Mental Health First Aiders, and are encouraged to ensure support mechanisms are in place if the Mental Health First Aider feels that their mental health is compromised.
Where does Mental Health First Aid training sit within the mental health spectrum?
Mental health is a spectrum, and the needs of people at different points of the spectrum vary enormously, which means there is no one-size-fits-all solution to mental health interventions. To address the needs of people at different points in this spectrum, workplaces and communities need to implement a range of mental health programs and training best suited to their needs.
Mental Health First Aid training is primarily focused on early intervention. The graphic shown can help you to understand where Mental Health First Aid training sits within the mental health spectrum.
Mental Health First Aid training equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to recognise and respond to signs of emerging or worsening mental health problems or a mental health crisis, until professional help is received or the crisis resolves. Knowledge and skills taught in Mental Health First Aid training is known to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigmatising attitudes of participants.
Mental Health First Aid training should be viewed as one part of a spectrum of interventions. Like physical first aid, it can act as a crucial bridge between everyday individuals and professional services, helping to provide initial assistance and encouraging individuals to seek appropriate professional help when needed.
Mental Health First Aid Australia encourages organisations to take a multifaceted approach to mental health programs in the workplace that can cover a broad spectrum of interventions.
Does Mental Health First Aid address psychosocial hazards?
No, Mental Health First Aid training does not address psychosocial hazards.
Psychosocial hazards typically refer to workplace factors or conditions that may cause psychological harm or distress. Common psychosocial hazards at work can include job demands, poor support, lack of role clarity, a poor physical environment, and bullying, harassment and discrimination.
It is essential for workplaces and communities to address and mitigate psychosocial hazards to ensure employee well-being; however, this is not the role nor intention of Mental Health First Aid training. Addressing psychosocial hazards in the workplace requires a comprehensive strategy that includes workplace policies, programs and training specifically designed to mitigate these hazards. Contact us at Wellbeing Campus if you would like us to support you and your team in policy development, prevention and assessment of psychosocial risks in the workplace.
Similar to physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid training is focused on building capacity for individuals to provide immediate assistance to someone in need. It enables people to recognise the signs of a mental health problem, have a supportive conversation they may otherwise have felt unable to have, and provide information about options for seeking professional help.