Summary
Background
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the initial help offered to a person developing
a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The MHFA course is
a 12 h evidence-based course which teaches members of the general public to provide first
aid assistance until the crisis resolves or the individual receives professional help.
While the MHFA program does not teach people to provide a diagnosis or treat mental
health conditions, it has been established as an effective tool in improving mental
health literacy, reducing stigma and increasing helping behaviours.
Aim
The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of students who completed a tailored
13-h version of this MHFA course specifically developed for undergraduate nursing
and midwifery students.
Method
Sixty-six students, the majority of whom were female and aged 17–55 years, completed
an online survey. The survey sought to explore the perspectives of students in respect
of both undertaking the course as well as its value in retrospect. Areas explored
in the survey included: relevance and value of content; strengths and weaknesses of
the course; if and how they had applied any of the skills learnt and overall perceptions
of the course.
Results
Findings showed that the vast majority of students (86%) regarded the course as appropriate
for nursing and midwifery students with 89% stating they would recommend the course
to other university students.
Conclusion
Data indicates that the course had application and impact following completion beyond
what had been anticipated by the students. Responses to the open ended questions suggest
widespread support for the routine offering of this course for beginning nursing and
midwifery students nationwide.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 01, 2016
Accepted:
April 17,
2016
Received in revised form:
April 7,
2016
Received:
December 2,
2014
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
