A Service Evaluation of the Military HeadFIT Initiative: An Implementation Study

Amber McKenzie, Bethany Croak, Laura Rafferty, Neil Greenberg and Sharon A. M. Stevelink
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Amber McKenzie: King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
Bethany Croak: King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
Laura Rafferty: King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
Neil Greenberg: King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
Sharon A. M. Stevelink: King’s Centre for Military Health Research, King’s College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-14

Abstract: (1) Background: UK Armed Forces personnel provide first response, support and protection during national and international disasters and conflicts. They thus have a psychologically challenging role which requires them to maintain a good state of mental health and wellbeing. HeadFIT is a preventative initiative developed to help foster mental fitness through various self-help tools and resources online including techniques to de-stress and increase drive. This paper reports on an independent service evaluation of HeadFIT to examine feasibility and acceptability among Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel. (2) Methods: Qualitative interviews were held with the HeadFIT beneficiaries, including military personnel and civil servants. The beneficiaries provided feedback on HeadFIT through questionnaires and interviews, and website traffic data were also collected. Qualitative data were analysed using framework analysis. (3) Results: Beneficiaries generally reported positive views on the HeadFIT initiative, with most agreeing that the tools could support them to foster their mental fitness. However, concerns were raised around the uptake of HeadFIT and participants suggested methods to improve usability. (4) Conclusions: Several recommendations were made to improve the resources, usability, uptake, and implementation and communication of HeadFIT.

Keywords: HeadFIT; mental fitness; military; service evaluation; mental health; wellbeing; initiative; Defence; Civil Service (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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