Strengthening Mental Health Literacy in Interprofessional Health Science Students Utilizing Mental Health First Aid and Simulation

Background: The prevalence of mental health issues increased dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic. Providing programs to build mental health literacy of healthcare students is a necessity. This study examines the efficacy of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) for improving the mental health literacy of healthcare students and assessing the value of a post-training simulation experience to reinforce skills. Research supporting the use of MHFA in the lay population to recognize psychological distress and provide effective support readily exists; however, few studies focus on MHFA’s value for healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: Participants included graduate students from physical therapy, physician assistant, and occupational therapy. This study was a one-way repeated measures design. Data from the students were collected using the Mental Health Literacy for Health Care Professional Students (MHLS-HC) before MHFA training, after training, and after a simulation experience. Pairwise t tests with a Tukey correction were calculated to determine significant interactions. Results: Change scores on the MHLS-HC show that all student disciplines educated in the MHFA had statistically significant increases in mental health literacy scores. After simulation, small additional increases in scores were noted for students participating in simulation synchronously, unlike scores for students participating asynchronously. Conclusion: This study supports the use of MHFA to improve mental health literacy and skills in healthcare students. Simulation enhanced the impact of the MHFA program when utilized in a synchronous format. Continued development of programs for healthcare students to manage the mental health needs of their future patients and colleagues fills an urgent need within the global community.