Research and evaluation Mental Health First Aid training has been evaluated since it began in 2000. MHFA organisations and independent organisations study the effects of the training. The following three studies have taken place in the last year: Systematic review and meta-analysis of Mental Health First Aid training: Effects on knowledge, stigma, and helping behaviour (May 2018) This international study reviewed and analysed research on MHFA Two Day courses. The meta-analysis included 18 studies and 5,936 participants. They found that MHFA training improves mental health first aid knowledge, recognition of mental ill health and beliefs about the most effective forms of treatment. It increases confidence in assisting someone with a mental health issue and increases intentions to provide mental health first aid to a small extent. MHFA training also reduces stigma. These effects were present up to six months after completing the training. Effectiveness of eLearning and blended modes of delivery of Mental Health First Aid training in the workplace: randomised controlled trial (September 2018) This study compared the effects of eLearning and blended (eLearning plus face-to-face time) MHFA courses. Both courses improved knowledge and reduced stigma. However people were more likely to rate the blended MHFA course highly on usefulness, amount learned and intentions to recommend the course to others. Blended MHFA training may be an alternative to face-to-face MHFA training. Long-term follow-up will explore this further. The MENtal Health First Aid in The WORkplace (MENTOR) report (November 2018) This study was done by the University of Nottingham. Researchers surveyed 139 people from 81 organisations across England. They asked them what had changed in their workplaces because of MHFA England training. 91% said there had been an increased understanding of mental health issues in their workplace. 87% said more mental health conversations were happening at work. 83% had noticed an improvement in procedures for signposting to further support. The findings suggest that MHFA England training improves mental health-related knowledge and skills in the workplace.
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