R2MR: An evaluation of pre-post training data across cohorts

Introduction: The Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) program has been collecting matched pre- and post-training data on key performance indicators from its mental health education packages with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members since 2017. Methods: For the current study, we conducted a large-scale outcome evaluation by aggregating the data from the program to determine the overall impact that R2MR training has had on its outcomes and to assess whether its effectiveness is moderated by the type of training received. Participants were 2,824 CAF members who had received deployment, occupation, or career R2MR training from 2017 to 2024 and for whom we had matched pre- and post-training data. Outcomes included objective and subjective measures of R2MR key concept knowledge, confidence in detecting mental health issues, confidence in supporting others with mental health concerns, intentions to seek mental health help when needed, and stigma. Results: Across all groups, we found a small pre-post training increase in objective knowledge and stronger pre-post training changes in subjective knowledge, confidence in detecting mental health issues, and intentions to seek help. No significant changes were observed for confidence in supporting others and stigma. We also found that the career training (basic training) group experienced greater pre-post changes in their confidence in detecting mental health issues compared to the deployment training group. Discussion: Overall, R2MR training appears to be having the intended effect on some key outcomes, including knowledge of taught skills, confidence in detecting one’s own mental health issues, and intentions to seek care when needed. However, the curriculum could more effectively target stigma and confidence in supporting others.