Australian Clinical Trials

Broad Health Condition Mental Health
Mental Health
Mental Health
Mental Health
Mental Health

Specific Health ConditionAnxiety
Depression
Studies of normal psychology, cognitive function and behaviour
Other mental health disorders
Learning disabilities

Trial FocusEducational / counselling / training

Recruitment Details

Recruitment status
Active, not recruiting

Recruitment State
VIC

Hospital

Anticipated date of last participant enrolment23/07/2021

Phase of TrialNot Applicable

Has the study received ethics approval?Approved

Trial summary

Half of mental health condition present before the age of 14, making schools an important platform for supporting student mental health. However most of the research has focussed on secondary schools with little attention on the effectiveness of mental health support in primary schools. Therefore, the current study will train a qualified teacher in a new role of Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator (MHWC) in primary schools across Victoria, Australia to build the capacity of schools to support student mental health. 

Our hypothesis is that the MHWC role and associated training (ie. the 'MHWC model') is effective in improving teacher and student outcomes using objective and self-reported measures, when compared to business as usual schools. 

The primary objective of this study is to assess whether the MHWC model leads to changes in classroom teachers’ self-reported confidence to support student mental health and wellbeing. Our hypothesis is that teacher's self-reported confidence to support student mental health and wellbeing will increase following the implementation of the MHWC model. 

Key inclusion criteria

Schools: Primary schools in North West and South West Department of Education regions, Victoria, Australia. 
MHWC and training participants: Teaching qualification and registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching
School staff survey: Classroom teachers, school leaders (Principals, Assistant Principals, Leading teachers & Wellbeing staff), and education support staff
Years 2 and 4 classroom teachers: Teaching year 2 and/or 4 students
Parents / Carers: Primary caregiver of year 2 or 4 student

Minimum age7 Years

Maximum age80 Years

GenderBoth males and females

Can Healthy volunteers participate? Yes

Key exclusion criteria

Schools: Secondary schools (ages 12-20), specialist schools (i.e., schools teaching specialist subjects or specialise teaching students with disability), and schools located outside north-west , and south-west Department of Education regions of Victoria were excluded from the study
MHWC and training: administrative staff
School staff surveys: administrative staff 
Year 2 and 4 teachers: Does not teacher year 2 or 4 
Parents / Carers: Not primary caregiver of student in year 2 or 4