Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Point-Of-Care Data to Improve Mental Health Services for Undergraduate Performing Arts Students

The performing arts industry places unique pressures on individuals, often leading to higher rates of mental health issues. Minimal information exists about how to create on-site intervention strategies for undergraduate performing art students. Athletic trainers at a dedicated university performing arts campus searched their electronic medical record (EMR) for reports of mental health-related issues in the dance, musical theater, and theater undergraduate students. The data analysis revealed anxiety and overstress conditions were primarily reported among dance and musical theater students. After communicating with stakeholders, the athletic trainers implemented a multi-faceted mental health intervention strategy for academic majors across the performing arts campus. The athletic trainers worked with the stakeholders and university counseling offices to destigmatize mental health conditions, reduce barriers, and implement mental health referrals and counseling across the campus. Reviewing internal data and listening to patient concerns enhanced mental health services in this undergraduate performing arts student population.