Research and Evaluation

Our courses are grounded in rigorous evidence and evaluation. This steadfast commitment to research and evaluation makes us global leaders in the field of mental health education.

Global Movement

Delivered in 29 countries, with over 7 million people trained worldwide.

Unparalleled Reach

Courses adapted to different countries, communities, cohorts and participants.

Evidence-based

Award-winning course curriculum informed by guidelines developed using the Delphi Consensus Method.

Lived experience

Guided by the voice of people with lived experience of mental health problems, their caregivers, and professional experts.

Evidence-Based Mental Health
Education

At Mental Health First Aid Australia, we pride ourselves on being a leading provider of early intervention, evidence-based global mental health education.

For over 20 years, our work has been guided by our commitment to high-quality research using a broad range of methods, including rigorous scientific studies. This research has yielded significant insights into the real-world application of mental health first aid, informing our course curriculum to meet the population needs in various settings both in Australia and around the world.

Our research, conducted in collaboration with leading global universities, has been published in peer-review academic journals worldwide, demonstrating the efficacy and impact of our training.

Evaluation

Underpinned by values of integrity, we are committed to developing, undertaking and reporting on evaluation-related activities in accordance with appropriate ethical, legal and professional frameworks and standards.

As a type of critical and systematic analysis, an evaluation involves the collection, analysis and usage of information to enhance learning, learner experience, instruction, program development and implementation, and serves as a foundation for decision-making and future enhancements.

We encourage the use of diverse evaluation tools and measures to foster continuous improvement, ensure program and policy accountability, and uphold best practice. Evaluation types can include impact and process evaluations, experimental and counterfactual trials, needs analyses, and more.

All types of evaluation are designed to provide credible evidence that strengthens and supports our vision and mission.

The Delphi Method

To ensure the utmost reliability and ethical decision-making in the development of our Mental Health First Aid guidelines, our research primarily uses the Delphi Consensus Method. This method involves gathering expert opinions to reach a consensus on the best practices and guidelines for the practical application of mental health first aid. Our experts include:

Lived Experience

People with a lived experience of a particular mental health problem.

Caregivers

Individuals who have lived experience in providing support to someone with a mental health problem.

Professionals

Clinical experts who specialise in writing clinical practice guidelines, and others with a high degree of professional experience with a particular mental health problem.

We conduct a broad literature review to scope a wide range of professional opinions and advice. Panels of experts contribute their insights to determine what the best advice is, shaping our curriculum and instilling confidence in what our courses teach.

Regular updates occur to ensure that our guidelines remain current and reflect the latest research.

Research Impact

Since the delivery of our first course in 2000, Mental Health First Aid has become one of the most trusted evidence-based mental health education programs in Australia and worldwide.

Our Guidelines

Browse our list of evidence-based guidelines informed by the expert consensus of people with lived experience, their caretakers, and experts in the field.

Learn more