Impact of scenario based training on asthma first aid knowledge and skills in school staff: an open label, three-arm, parallel-group repeated measures study

Evaluation of Mental Health First Aid Training and Simulated Psychosis Care Role-Plays for Pharmacy Education

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and simulated psychosis care role-plays on pharmacy students' stigma, confidence, and behaviors when supporting people experiencing mental health symptoms or crises.

METHODS

MHFA training was delivered to final year pharmacy students. Post-MHFA training, students were invited to participate in simulated psychosis care role-plays (co-designed and content validated with mental health stakeholders) with trained actors. Role-plays were observed by peers, tutors, and mental health consumer educators (MHCEs). Students immediately engaged in self-assessment, feedback, and debrief discussions with peers, tutors, and MHCEs. Quantitative analyses (ANOVA and chi-square tests) were conducted on scores awarded by each rater (self, tutor, MHCE) and for each scenario (n = 3). Students completed a 15-item survey exploring mental health stigma and mental health confidence, at 3 timepoints (pre-MHFA training, post-MHFA training, and post-role-plays). Survey scores were analyzed using paired t tests.

RESULTS

Of 209 MHFA-trained students, 86 participated in role-play. The self-assessment mean score was the lowest and the MHCEs' mean score highest. Post-MHFA training, 14 survey item scores significantly improved, implying reduced stigma and increased confidence in providing psychosis care. Post-role-play scores suggested improvements in 12 survey items.

CONCLUSION

Psychosis care role-plays are associated with short-term improvements in pharmacy students' stigma and mental health confidence post-MHFA training; students' self-assessment scores are lower than tutors and MHCEs. It is recommended that future studies further integrate observed behaviors with self-reported data and use simulated patients in clinical practice to evaluate MHFA outcomes longitudinally.

Acceptability of 'Humpr': An Online Tool to Educate Adolescent Sexual Minority Males About Sexual Networking Applications

We examined the acceptability of Humpr - an interactive, online tool developed to educate adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) about how to safely navigate sexual networking applications (SNA). We developed Humpr as part of a larger HIV intervention trial in the U.S. In Humpr, 218 ASMM aged 14-20 (Mage = 17.18) created a mock dating profile, explored simulated user profiles, learned health-related information (e.g. slang indicating HIV/STI risks and/or drug use intentions), and then gave feedback regarding acceptability of the tool. Results showed that Humpr was very well-received, with 94% overall approval rates. Reasons for liking Humpr were evenly split between liking it for educational and entertaining reasons. Participants praised Humpr for its realistic design and interactive interface that allowed them to engage and connect with the tool. The majority (61%) had used SNAs in the past, but many still reported learning something new from Humpr. Participants also appreciated the acknowledgment of SNA use in ASMM and how the education was implemented in an open and judgment-free way. Topics learned from Humpr included how to be safe on SNAs and warning signs for HIV/STI risks. Suggested areas of improvement included having an opt-out option for those who do not wish to participate for any reason (e.g. discomfort) and additional educational content (e.g. consequences of being a minor on SNAs). Taken together, the findings offer preliminary evidence for the potential educational benefits of digital tools like Humpr for ASMM with and without prior SNA exposure.

Mental Health First Aid crisis role-plays between pharmacists and simulated patients with lived experience: a thematic analysis of debrief

PURPOSE

Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, can recognise and assist people experiencing mental health crises. Despite this, little is known about how pharmacists assist and engage with people presenting with signs and symptoms of mental health crises. This study aimed to (i) examine pharmacists' mental health crisis assessment language during simulated patient role-plays (SPRPs) and (ii) explore participants' experiences of participating in SPRPs of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) scenarios.

METHODS

Fifty-nine MHFA-trained pharmacy staff participated in audio-recorded SPRPs of three crisis scenarios enacted by a mental health consumer educator (MHCE). Post-SPRP, pharmacy staff members (including role-playing and observing participants), engaged in reflective debrief discussions with the facilitator and MHCEs. Debrief discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis and suicide assessment language was explored.

RESULTS

The majority of role-playing pharmacists asked about suicidal ideation using appropriate, direct language (n = 8). Qualitative analyses of debrief discussions yielded four themes: (i) Relationship with the consumer, (ii) Verbal and non-verbal communication, (iii) Challenges with crisis assessment, which included difficulties associated with initiating conversations about suicide and mania, and (iv) Reflective learning.

CONCLUSION

While pharmacists demonstrated the appropriate suicide assessment language post-MHFA training, pharmacists felt uncomfortable initiating conversations around suicide and lacked confidence during crisis assessments. SPRPs provided pharmacists with opportunities to reflect on and practice MHFA skills in a safe learning environment. Future research exploring how MHFA training and SPRPs impact pharmacists' ability to provide MHFA in real-world settings is warranted.

Mental Health First Aid training and assessment in Australian medical, nursing and pharmacy curricula: a national perspective using content analysis

BACKGROUND

Suicide is among the leading causes of death among people aged 15 to 29 worldwide. Healthcare professionals interact with people at risk of suicide regularly, yet mental health and crisis first aid training is lacking in curricula. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches crucial communication and crisis first aid skills and is increasingly recognised as integral to healthcare education. This study aimed to explore the extent of, as well as barriers and enablers to MHFA training delivery and assessment in Australian medical, nursing and pharmacy curricula.

METHODS

All accredited Australian medical, nursing and pharmacy program providers were identified through Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and National Boards websites and invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. A purpose-designed interview guide explored if and how MHFA training was delivered and assessed in curricula, as well as perceptions of and barriers and enablers to MHFA training. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim, allowing for deductive content analysis to compare MHFA training provision across programs.

RESULTS

Of 75 invited program providers, 36 (48%; 13 medical, 13 nursing and 10 pharmacy) participated, of which 15 representatives (42%; six medical, two nursing and six pharmacy) reported providing MHFA training to students. Differences in mandating training, year level of students completing training, type of training delivered and source of MHFA instructors were identified. Barriers to MHFA implementation included perceived adequacy of existing curricula, lack of funding and time, while facilitators included perceived benefit and availability of funding.

CONCLUSION

MHFA training is provided to more than one third of medical, nursing and pharmacy students in Australia. Increased funding may facilitate the integration of MHFA as a minimum standard of mental health training for future healthcare professionals. Further research exploring the effectiveness of MHFA in improving behaviours and its impact on patient outcomes is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was approved by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee [Project number: 2020/087].

School practices in supporting children with asthma in Malta

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to obtain information about teachers' knowledge, attitudes, practices and beliefs about medication related to working with children having asthma in state primary schools in Malta. This study provides information about management in a country with a high prevalence of asthma among children, and limited availability of school nurses.

METHODS

A cross-sectional electronic survey investigating beliefs about medicines, asthma knowledge, attitude toward students with asthma, self-efficacy and practice in an asthma exacerbation, current practices, views, experiences and training relating to asthma was sent to all participating state primary schools in Malta.

RESULTS

A total of 167 teachers from 26 schools answered the questionnaire. The majority of respondents (56%) were unaware of children's conditions and limited information about children's asthma was provided to them. Only 20% of teachers reported receiving training on how to support children with asthma. Overall, teachers reported low asthma knowledge scores (mean score of 5.5 ± 3.3 out of a possible maximum of 14), and poor self-efficacy with only 6% agreeing that they can support a student having an asthma exacerbation on their own rather than sending the student to hospital. The study also demonstrated a strong interest by teachers to receive asthma education.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions with regard to identifying students with asthma, asthma training for teachers, individualized asthma action plans, enhanced communication between school staff, parents and the medical team, and standard guidelines/policy are needed to provide a supportive school environment for primary school children with asthma.