Effects of Mental Health First Aid Training in Hospital and Community Pharmacists: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Background: Mental health is essential for overall well-being but is often overlooked or stigmatized. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides initial support to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and guide individuals toward appropriate care. While MHFA equips healthcare providers to address rising mental health needs, its impact on pharmacists remains underexplored, warranting this systematic review.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to comprehensively synthesize the effects of MHFA training for pharmacists on their knowledge, attitudes, and competency in providing mental health support.

Methods: The authors systematically searched nine electronic databases, gray literature, and reference lists of included articles. Article selection was based on predefined criteria, and outcomes were analyzed using narrative synthesis. The review included nine articles from 1,258 identified studies, representing diverse study designs and populations. Risk of bias and the certainty of evidence were assessed using appropriate tools.

Results: The positive effects of MHFA training have been observed, including enhanced understanding of mental health conditions, reduced stigma surrounding mental health, and increased confidence and skills in mental health interventions among hospital and community pharmacists. Most pharmacists recognize the importance of MHFA training and demonstrate a strong willingness to engage in both initial and ongoing training. However, mixed effects were noted regarding their preparedness to administer MHFA.

Conclusion: Pharmacists who completed MHFA training were found to engage in conversations about mental health more frequently, offer compassionate support, and demonstrate a willingness to assist individuals struggling with mental health crises. Future research utilizing robust study designs should investigate whether MHFA training significantly benefits patients and pharmacists.