Workplace Research
Controlled trial of MHFA in the workplace, 2002
Because the first study had no control group, a second trial was conducted in which course participants were compared with a wait-list control group. This randomised controlled trial was carried out in 2002 with employees of two Australian government departments who did the course during their work time. This trial involved 301 participants who were randomised to either participate immediately in a course or to be wait-listed for 5 months before undertaking the training. The trained group improved more than the wait-list control group in the following areas:
- Greater confidence in providing help to others
- Greater likelihood of advising people to seek professional help
- Improved concordance with health professionals about treatments
- Decrease in stigmatising attitudes
- Improved mental health in the participants themselves
The mental health benefits of the course to participants were unexpected because the course does not provide therapy and promises no personal benefits. We think the course may have mental health benefits by providing participants with good quality information which allows them to make better choices about their own mental health care.
Download full report of workplace trial from BMC Psychiatry 2004, 4:23 here.