The Potential of an Embedded Mental Health Services Program Toward Increasing Health Care-Seeking Behaviors Among U.S. Air Force Aircrew: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Abstract

The U.S. Air Force implemented the Integrated Operational Support model, which involves embedding health care professionals within operational units to meet the health needs of the airmen. This study assessed the extent to which airmen sought out both traditional and embedded mental health services, as well as perceptions of factors that hinder or encourage health care-seeking behaviors. A mixed-methods approach including a web-based occupational psychological health assessment and semi-structured interviews was used to assess airmen's experiences with seeking mental health care services. A total of 447 Remotely Piloted Aircraft operators participated in an occupational psychological health assessment (42% response rate) in 2018, and 15 airmen across five high operational tempo, restricted-access installations completed a semi-structured interview (60% participation rate) in 2021. From the occupational assessment, females (33%) sought care from the traditional mental health clinic significantly more than males (21%; χ2 = 5.10, P = .02). However, there were no significant gender differences in seeking embedded mental health services. Respondents who had not sought out help from either the traditional clinic or embedded services were significantly more likely to seek assistance from embedded mental health services (M = 4.29, SD = 2.09) over the traditional clinic (M = 3.92, SD = 1.90), t(205) = 4.94, P < .001. A resounding interview theme was the deep appreciation that airmen expressed for the availability of embedded mental health professionals. Airmen also discussed factors that hinder health care-seeking behaviors with the top-reported factor being the stigma associated with seeking mental health. The top three reported factors that encourage health care-seeking behaviors included leadership and mental health professionals normalizing care, trust in embedded mental health professionals, and ease of access to care. Findings suggest that having mental health professionals integrated within the unit brings the care straight to the airmen and may reduce the stigma associated with airmen asking for help.