Inventory of Mental Health Services in Academia and Researchers’ Awareness of Their Availability Mixed Method Research Protocol and Pilot Study in Switzerland

Objective: To inventory occupational health services (OHS) in European higher education institutions (HEI) and assess researchers’ awareness of these services.

Methods: The protocol, validated in Switzerland, combined a mapping study of OHS with semi-structured interviews with researchers. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA software and triangulated with OHS inventory data.

Results: OHS in 14 Swiss HEI typically include basic medical consultations, mental health counselling, and legal advice. Access varies by users’ status, often favoring students. Service varies across institutions, creating potential inequalities. At one Swiss HEI, twelve researchers were interviewed; stress derived primarily from time pressure and work overload. Respondents desired better communication with management and a more supportive environment. Despite the availability of four OHS at this HEI, awareness of, and confidence in these services were low, and confidentiality concerns led many to seek external support.

Conclusion: Interviewees had limited awareness of available mental health related OHS, and most decided not to rely on institutional HEI services due to confidentiality related concerns. External psychological help services appear more trusted and potentially more effective.