@article{ref1,
title="Implementing mental health first aid training in a doctor of pharmacy program",
journal="American journal of pharmaceutical education",
year="2023",
author="McKeirnan, Kimberly C. and MacCamy, Kathryn L. and Robinson, Jennifer D. and Ebinger, Michael and Willson, Megan N.",
volume="87",
number="8",
pages="e100006-e100006",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to describe the implementation of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training as a required curricular component in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program; and analyze the impact of MHFA training on student pharmacist's perceptions of stigma, comfort, confidence, and willingness to intervene when someone is experiencing a mental health issue. <br><br>METHODS: Student pharmacists completed an all-day MHFA training as a required element of the PharmD curriculum during the spring of 2022. Pre- and post-survey was completed by students during the in-person training. Questions included items from the Opening Minds to Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers; question, persuade, refer gatekeeper training for suicide prevention; and questions developed by the authors to assess the impact of the training on participant-reported stigma, confidence, and willingness to provide care to those potentially experiencing a mental issue. <br><br>RESULTS: A total of 235 student pharmacists completed the MHFA training. A statistically significant reduction of stigma was seen for 9 of the 15 statements from Opening Minds to Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers. Additionally, all responses related to comfort and willingness to provide care and confidence improved significantly after completing MHFA. <br><br>CONCLUSION: MHFA training was implemented as a mandatory requirement for all student pharmacists in the didactic portion of a PharmD program. This training led to reduced stigma around mental illness and improved confidence, comfort, and willingness to intervene among student pharmacists.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0002-9459",
doi="10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.01.001",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.01.001"
}