Evaluation of a Mental Health Course for Service Providers
Author Information
Author(s): Pam Grootemaat, Cathie Gillan, Gillian Holt, Wayne Forward, Narelle Heywood, Sue Willis
Primary Institution: Centre for Health Service Development, University of Wollongong, Australia
Hypothesis
Does the Working Together for Mental Health course improve the knowledge and confidence of human service providers in supporting individuals with mental health issues?
Conclusion
The course successfully improved participants' confidence and knowledge in providing services to individuals with mental health illnesses.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants showed significant improvement in self-assessed knowledge and confidence three months after the course.
- Initial attitudes towards mental illness were largely positive, with no significant change post-course.
- Participants reported a significant increase in confidence to provide support to clients with mental illness.
Takeaway
The course helped people who work with those having mental health issues feel more confident and knowledgeable about how to help them.
Methodology
Participants completed questionnaires before, immediately after, and three months after the course to assess changes in knowledge, confidence, and attitudes.
Potential Biases
Self-selection bias may have affected the range of responses to attitude questions.
Limitations
The study did not assess actual changes in work practices or include a control group for comparison.
Participant Demographics
84.9% female, 72.4% aged 36 or older, 46.7% with university or postgraduate education, 56.6% working full-time.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website