Investigating the barriers and facilitators to implementing mental health first aid in the workplace: a qualitative study

Narayanasamy, Melanie Jay; THOMSON, LOUISE; Coole, Carol; Nouri, Fiona; Drummond, Avril

Abstract

Purpose: There has been little research into the use and efficacy of Mental Health First Aid across UK workplaces. The present study investigated the implementation of MHFA across six UK organisations, identifying key barriers and facilitators.
Design: Twenty-seven workplace representatives were recruited from six organisations through purposive sampling and took part in semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences of workplace MHFA. The data underwent thematic analysis, identifying
key themes around implementation.
Findings: Implementation varied across organisations, including different reasons for initial interest in the programme, and variable ways that MHFA-trained employees operated post-training. Key barriers to successful implementation included negative attitudes around mental health, the perception that MHFA roles were onerous, and employees’ reluctance to engage in the MHFA programme. Successful implementation was perceived to be based on individual qualities of MHFA instructors and good practice demonstrated by trained individuals in the workplace. The role of the inner
organisational setting and employee characteristics were further highlighted as barriers and facilitators to effective implementation.
Research implications: MHFA is a complex intervention, presenting in different ways when implemented into complex workplace settings. As such, traditional evaluation methods may not be appropriate for gaining insights into its effectiveness. Future evaluations of workplace MHFA must consider the complexity of implementing and
operationalising this intervention in the workplace.
Originality: This study is the first to highlight the factors affecting successful implementation of MHFA across a range of UK workplaces.

Citation

Narayanasamy, M. J., THOMSON, L., Coole, C., Nouri, F., & Drummond, A. (2021). Investigating the barriers and facilitators to implementing mental health first aid in the workplace: a qualitative study. Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, 16(2), 164-178. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-12-2019-0064

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 6, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Dec 12, 2020
• Publication Date: Jan 22, 2021
• Deposit Date: Aug 14, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 21, 2023
• Journal: The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
• Print ISSN: 1755-6228
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-8707
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 164-178
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-12-2019-0064
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5031619
• Publisher URL: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JMHTEP-12-2019-0064/full/html