Research data underpinning the paper titled “Prioritising Mental Health in Medical Education: Insight from a Qualitative Meta-Synthesis”

Mental health disorders among medical students represent a significant yet under-addressed issue, with disclosure remaining a complex and multifaceted challenge. A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to explore medical students’ perspectives on disclosing mental health disorders and the factors influencing their decisions, aiming to provide actionable insights to inform institutional and policy-level interventions. A systematic search of nine databases (last updated 31 July 2024) identified peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2024. Eligible studies focused on medical students’ experiences and perspectives regarding mental health disclosure. Data were synthesised using Thomas and Harden’s Thematic Synthesis Method, with reporting aligned to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme framework and confidence in the findings was evaluated using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research approach. This review protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024521037).

This document contains:

• The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) Checklist
• The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Checklist
• Literature Database Search Results
• The Characteristics of Excluded Studies
• Copy of Data Extraction Sheet
• The Appraisal of the Methodological Limitations of the Included Studies According to the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Checklist
• The GRADE-CERQual Evidence Profile Table Listed Under Theme Headings