Aerospace Medical Association Proposed Research Priorities for Mental Health and Safety in Aviation

INTRODUCTION: Aviation safety sensitive personnel (SSP) function in highly complex environments. SSP mental health is thought to support safety, efficiency, and overall health. Research is needed to identify how to optimize and screen mental health across aviation SSP, but no consensus exists on the research priorities that need to be met.

METHODS: The Aerospace Medical Association established the Mental Health Research Subgroup within the Mental Health Working Group comprising 53 aviation and aerospace medicine professionals representing 9 countries. A five-round Delphi method was employed to generate research priorities.

RESULTS: Research priorities were identified under the following six topic areas: 1) Safety and Performance; 2) Mental Health Initiatives, Education, and Peer Support Programs; 3) Clinical Care, Pharmacology, and Return to Duty; 4) Epidemiology and Natural History; 5) Screening, Monitoring, and Emerging Technology; and 6) Special Considerations and Underrepresented Populations [Aerospace Medical Association Mental Health Research Subgroup Research Priorities Version 1.0 (current as of January 1, 2024)].

DISCUSSION: Research is needed to identify how to optimize and screen mental health across aviation SSP. This effort identified six key research priorities to achieve that aim.

Hoffman WR, Santilhano W, Tvaryanas A, Snyder Q, Spyropoulos BP, Fahnenbruck G, O’Shaughnessy R, Trottier K, Overbo S, Brinks E, Ndoye A, Bongers H, Miranda E, Garcia D, Schroeder D; Aerospace Medical Association Mental Health Research Subgroup. Aerospace Medical Association proposed research priorities for mental health and safety in aviation. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(11):845–850.