Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung SK(1), D Nguyen(2), Yau NY(3), Yeung MY(4), Fung FN(5), Chan CW (6), Tam CW(7), Hwong CL(8), Kai KY(9), Wong KP(10), Au KM(11), Tang SN (12), Tam MY (13), Lau Charles (14), Mak Michelle (15)
Affiliation :
(1-15) Kwai Chung Hospital
Introduction :
Traditionally, the 12-hour evidenced-based Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Standard Course is regularly delivered to carers by face to face mode in Kwai Chung Hospital. Under the COVID-19 pandemic, online MHFA Standard Course is newly promoted for carers who can learn at home safely. This online course consists of two components which are self-pacing eLearning (7 hours) and instructor-led videoconferencing session (5 hours). The course contents include (1) Overview of mental health problems and mental health crises; (2) Apply the MHFA Action Plan to relevant scenarios; (3) Develop a self-care plan to maintain good mental health (4) Clarify any points of uncertainty remaining after completion of the eLearning modules. After completion of course, in general, the mental health literacy will be enhanced, confidence in providing first aid to individuals with mental illness will be increased and the stigmatizing attitude will be also reduced.
Objectives :
To examine the course effectiveness, mental health knowledge, confidence in providing MHFA and stigmatizing attitude after learning online mental health first aid course
Methodology :
The 35 online classes will be organized from 1 July 2021 to 26 December 2022 which are taught by qualified MHFA (online) instructor. The target participants are carers (over aged 18) of in-patients, day patients and outpatients in KCH. After completion of course, standardize questionnaire by self-rating will be given as course evaluation.
Result & Outcome :
Of 98 participants (M:36:, F:62) completed the program and evaluation successfully. The outcome was found that the 88 participants (89.7%) rated very satisfaction towards the content whereas 10 participants (10.3%) rated satisfaction. Of 98 participants (100%) reported that the mental health knowledge was increased; 68 participants (69.3%) reported that they had confidence in providing MHFA; and 80 participants’ attitude (81.6%) towards individuals with mentally-ill had been changed. This pilot telemental health service program demonstrated the potential for the MHFA online course to improve carers’ mental health first aid skills, confidence to help individuals with mental illness and stigmatizing attitudes. It could be useful in supporting their own and others’ mental health.
