Reducing stigma towards people with mental illness among medical students (The SaMS Study)

Project Details

People with mental illness encounter varying forms of stigma (negative attitudes) related to mental illness (referred to as stigma) in health services contexts, which can contribute to adverse outcomes. Given the potential impact, medical practitioners have in mitigating inequalities for people with mental illness, reducing stigma amongst physicians is crucial to improving health and socioeconomic outcomes for people with mental illness.

Evidence shows that clinical placements is an important time to target. This study aims to explore how we can support early-career medical practitioners during clinical placements to reduce social stigma towards patients with mental illness. We want to speak to second, third- and fourth-year medical to brainstorm potential solutions.

Study Recruitment

Who can participate?

If you are a second, third- or fourth-year medical student enrolled at Melbourne Medical School, we want to hear from you.

What is involved?

You will be asked to take part in a focus group which will take 75 minutes via Zoom during September 2021 and receive a Coles/Myer voucher.

This study is being conducted in collaboration between the Department of Medical Education and the Melbourne School of Global and Population Health at The University of Melbourne. Results will be presented back to the Department of Medical Education at the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Clinical School hospital sites.

Project contact

Dr Ashley McAllister
ashley.mcallister@unimelb.edu.au or 0477183306

Researchers

Dr Ashley McAllister, The University of Melbourne
Dr Leonie Griffiths,The University of Melbourne
Professor Nicola Reavley, The University of Melbourne
Ms Stefanie Dimov, The University of Melbourne
Dr Stephanie Knaak

Funding

Melbourne Disability Institute Seed Funding