1
|
McCallum M, Baldwin M, Thompson P, Blessing K, Frisch M, Ho A, Ainsworth MC, Mitchell ES, Michaelides A, May CN. Long-Term Efficacy of a Mobile Mental Wellness Program: Prospective Single-Arm Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e54634. [PMID: 38935946 PMCID: PMC11240065 DOI: 10.2196/54634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rising rates of psychological distress (symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress) among adults in the United States necessitate effective mental wellness interventions. Despite the prevalence of smartphone app-based programs, research on their efficacy is limited, with only 14% showing clinically validated evidence. Our study evaluates Noom Mood, a commercially available smartphone-based app that uses cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based programming. In this study, we address gaps in the existing literature by examining postintervention outcomes and the broader impact on mental wellness. OBJECTIVE Noom Mood is a smartphone-based mental wellness program designed to be used by the general population. This prospective study evaluates the efficacy and postintervention outcomes of Noom Mood. We aim to address the rising psychological distress among adults in the United States. METHODS A 1-arm study design was used, with participants having access to the Noom Mood program for 16 weeks (N=273). Surveys were conducted at baseline, week 4, week 8, week 12, week 16, and week 32 (16 weeks' postprogram follow-up). This study assessed a range of mental health outcomes, including anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, well-being, quality of life, coping, emotion regulation, sleep, and workplace productivity (absenteeism or presenteeism). RESULTS The mean age of participants was 40.5 (SD 11.7) years. Statistically significant improvements in anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress were observed by week 4 and maintained through the 16-week intervention and the 32-week follow-up. The largest changes were observed in the first 4 weeks (29% lower, 25% lower, and 15% lower for anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress, respectively), and only small improvements were observed afterward. Reductions in clinically relevant anxiety (7-item generalized anxiety disorder scale) and depression (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale) criteria were also maintained from program initiation through the 16-week intervention and the 32-week follow-up. Work productivity also showed statistically significant results, with participants gaining 2.57 productive work days from baseline at 16 weeks, and remaining relatively stable (2.23 productive work days gained) at follow-up (32 weeks). Additionally, effects across all coping, sleep disturbance (23% lower at 32 weeks), and emotion dysregulation variables exhibited positive and significant trends at all time points (15% higher, 23% lower, and 25% higher respectively at 32 weeks). CONCLUSIONS This study contributes insights into the promising positive impact of Noom Mood on mental health and well-being outcomes, extending beyond the intervention phase. Though more rigorous studies are necessary to understand the mechanism of action at play, this exploratory study addresses critical gaps in the literature, highlighting the potential of smartphone-based mental wellness programs to lessen barriers to mental health support and improve diverse dimensions of well-being. Future research should explore the scalability, feasibility, and long-term adherence of such interventions across diverse populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Baldwin
- Academic Research, Noom, Inc, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Paige Thompson
- Academic Research, Noom, Inc, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Kelly Blessing
- Academic Research, Noom, Inc, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Maria Frisch
- Academic Research, Noom, Inc, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Annabell Ho
- Academic Research, Noom, Inc, New York City, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | - Christine N May
- Academic Research, Noom, Inc, New York City, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Löbner M, Riedel-Heller SG. [Mental Health at Work]. PSYCHIATRISCHE PRAXIS 2024; 51:5-8. [PMID: 38224691 DOI: 10.1055/a-2197-7384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Margrit Löbner
- Institut für Sozialmedizin, Arbeitsmedizin und Public Health (ISAP), Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Leipzig
| | - Steffi G Riedel-Heller
- Institut für Sozialmedizin, Arbeitsmedizin und Public Health (ISAP), Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Leipzig
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
van der Feltz-Cornelis CM, Shepherd J, Gevaert J, Van Aerden K, Vanroelen C, Cepa OB, Recio LG, Bernard RM, Vorstenbosch E, Cristóbal-Narváez P, Felez-Nobrega M, de Miquel C, Merecz-Kot D, Staszewska K, Sinokki M, Naumanen P, Roijen LHV, van Krugten F, de Mul M, Haro JM, Olaya B. Design and development of a digital intervention for workplace stress and mental health (EMPOWER). Internet Interv 2023; 34:100689. [PMID: 38054076 PMCID: PMC10694565 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose We describe the design and development of the European Platform to Promote health and wellbeing in the workplace (EMPOWER) digital intervention that provides an integrative user programme meeting the needs of employees and employers in addressing work stress. Results A user-centred design process was followed from January 2020 until November 2021. A tailored algorithm was developed to provide support at the individual employee level and the company level. Each element of the digital intervention was developed in English and then translated in Spanish, English, Polish and Finnish. The digital intervention consists of a website and a mobile application (app) that provides algorithm-based personalised content after assessing a user's somatic and psychological symptoms, work functioning, and psychosocial risk factors for work stress. It has a public section and an employer portal that provides recommendations to reduce psychosocial risks in their company based upon clustered input from employees. Usability testing was conducted and showed high ease of use and completion of tasks by participants. Conclusion The EMPOWER digital intervention is a tailored multimodal intervention addressing wellbeing, work stress, mental and physical health problems, and work productivity. This will be used in a planned RCT in four countries to evaluate its effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessie Shepherd
- MHARG, Department of Health Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Jessie Gevaert
- Interface Demography, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karen Van Aerden
- Interface Demography, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Ellen Vorstenbosch
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Paula Cristóbal-Narváez
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Mireia Felez-Nobrega
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Carlota de Miquel
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | | | | | - Marjo Sinokki
- Turku Centre for Occupational Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Päivi Naumanen
- Turku Centre for Occupational Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Leona Hakkaart-van Roijen
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management (ESHPM), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frédérique van Krugten
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management (ESHPM), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen de Mul
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management (ESHPM), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Josep Maria Haro
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Beatriz Olaya
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Asplund RP, Carvallo F, Christensson H, Videsäter E, Häggman A, Ljótsson B, Carlbring P, Andersson G. Learning how to recover from stress: Results from an internet-based randomized controlled pilot trial. Internet Interv 2023; 34:100681. [PMID: 38023967 PMCID: PMC10643270 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
•One of the first trials examining the efficacy of a brief preventive recovery training program in a sample of distressed employees.•Preliminary results suggest that employees across a wide range of professions could learn to recover, reduce stress, and improve quality-of-life.•This type of accessible and brief recovery intervention might shape the future of workplace stress prevention, however, more research is needed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Manning JB, Blandford A, Edbrooke-Childs J. High School Teachers' Experiences of Consumer Technologies for Stress Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e50460. [PMID: 37966873 PMCID: PMC10687684 DOI: 10.2196/50460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress in education is an adverse reaction that teachers have to excessive pressures or other types of demands placed on them. Consumer digital technologies are already being used by teachers for stress management, albeit not in a systematic way. Understanding teachers' experiences and the long-term use of technologies to support stress self-management in the educational context is essential for meaningful insight into the value, opportunity, and benefits of use. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was first to understand teachers' experiences of consumer technologies for stress management. They were chosen by teachers from a taxonomy tailored to their stress management. The second aim was to explore whether their experiences of use evolved over time as teachers transitioned from working at home during lockdown to working full time on school premises. METHODS A longitudinal study intended for 6 weeks in the summer term (2020) was extended because of COVID-19 into the autumn term, lasting up to 27 weeks. Teachers chose to use a Withings smartwatch or the Wysa, Daylio, or Teacher Tapp apps. In total, 2 semistructured interviews and web-based surveys were conducted with 8 teachers in South London in the summer term, and 6 (75%) of them took part in a third interview in the autumn term. The interviews were analyzed by creating case studies and conducting cross-case analysis. RESULTS The teachers described that the data captured or shared by the technology powerfully illustrated the physical and psychosocial toll of their work. This insight gave teachers permission to destress and self-care. The social-emotional confidence generated also led to empathy toward colleagues, and a virtuous cycle of knowledge, self-compassion, permission, and stress management action was demonstrated. Although the COVID-19 pandemic added a new source of stress, it also meant that teachers' stress management experiences could be contrasted between working from home and then back in school. More intentional self-care was demonstrated when back in school, sometimes without the need to refer to the data or technology. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study demonstrate that taking a situated approach to understand the real-world, existential significance and value of data generates contextually informed insights. Where a strategic personal choice of consumer technology is enabled for high school heads of year, the data generated are perceived as holistic, with personal and professional salience, and are motivational in the educational context. Technology adoption was aided by the pandemic conditions of home working, and this flexibility would otherwise need workplace facilitation. These findings add to the value proposition of technologies for individual stress management and workforce health outcomes pertinent to educators, policy makers, and designers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia B Manning
- UCL Interaction Centre, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Blandford
- UCL Interaction Centre, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Institute of Healthcare Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Edbrooke-Childs
- Evidence-based Practice Unit, University College London and Anna Freud Centre, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
West AB, Guo YV, Bucher A. Leveraging behavioral science and artificial intelligence to support mental health in the workplace: a pilot study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1219229. [PMID: 37928926 PMCID: PMC10620519 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1219229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many American employers seek to alleviate employee mental health symptoms through resources like employee assistance programs (EAPs), yet these programs are often underutilized. This pilot study explores the design of a behavioral science-based email campaign targeting engagement with stress management and mental health resources via an EAP, among employees of a large home builder in the Southeastern US. Methods Behavioral designers created a behavioral science intervention using a multi-step design approach and evidence based behavioral strategies. For this pilot intervention, employees received either a treatment message [i.e., behavioral science message assembled and delivered via the behavioral reinforcement learning (BRL) agent] or a control message (i.e., a single generic, supportive message with a stock photo) with a call to action to utilize their EAP. Results A total of 773 employees received emails over the course of 1 year. Engagement was high, with an 80% email open rate. Over 170 employees (22%, 159 treatment and 14 control) clicked the CTA and logged into the EAP site at least once. Discussion This pilot study suggests that using behavioral science and artificial intelligence can improve employee usage of EAP, specifically with the intention of exploring mental health and stress management resources, compared to benchmark rates of 5% per year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley B. West
- Lirio, LLC, Knoxville, TN, United States
- Behavioral Reinforcement Learning Lab, Lirio, LLC, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | | | - Amy Bucher
- Lirio, LLC, Knoxville, TN, United States
- Behavioral Reinforcement Learning Lab, Lirio, LLC, Knoxville, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chokka P, Bender A, Brennan S, Ahmed G, Corbière M, Dozois DJA, Habert J, Harrison J, Katzman MA, McIntyre RS, Liu YS, Nieuwenhuijsen K, Dewa CS. Practical pathway for the management of depression in the workplace: a Canadian perspective. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1207653. [PMID: 37732077 PMCID: PMC10508062 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1207653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mental health issues pose a substantial burden on the workforce. Approximately half a million Canadians will not be at work in any week because of a mental health disorder, and more than twice that number will work at a reduced level of productivity (presenteeism). Although it is important to determine whether work plays a role in a mental health condition, at initial presentation, patients should be diagnosed and treated per appropriate clinical guidelines. However, it is also important for patient care to determine the various causes or triggers including work-related factors. Clearly identifying the stressors associated with the mental health disorder can help clinicians to assess functional limitations, develop an appropriate care plan, and interact more effectively with worker's compensation and disability programs, as well as employers. There is currently no widely accepted tool to definitively identify MDD as work-related, but the presence of certain patient and work characteristics may help. This paper seeks to review the evidence specific to depression in the workplace, and provide practical tips to help clinicians to identify and treat work-related MDD, as well as navigate disability issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratap Chokka
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Grey Nuns Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ash Bender
- Work, Stress and Health Program, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stefan Brennan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Ghalib Ahmed
- Department of Family Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marc Corbière
- Department of Education, Career Counselling, Université du Québec à Montréal, Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - David J. A. Dozois
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jeff Habert
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Harrison
- Metis Cognition Ltd., Kilmington, United Kingdom; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, United Kingdom; Alzheimercentrum, AUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin A. Katzman
- START Clinic for the Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Roger S. McIntyre
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yang S. Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karen Nieuwenhuijsen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carolyn S. Dewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Taylor RW, Male R, Economides M, Bolton H, Cavanagh K. Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Digital Interventions for Depressive Symptoms in Working Adults: Multiarm Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e41590. [PMID: 37327027 DOI: 10.2196/41590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent and have broad-ranging negative implications. Digital interventions are increasingly available in the workplace context, but supporting evidence is limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of 3 digital interventions for depressive symptoms in a sample of UK-based working adults experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. METHODS This was a parallel, multiarm, pilot randomized controlled trial. Participants were allocated to 1 of 3 digital interventions or a waitlist control group and had 3 weeks to complete 6 to 8 short self-guided sessions. The 3 interventions are available on the Unmind mental health app for working adults and draw on behavioral activation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Web-based assessments were conducted at baseline, postintervention (week 3), and at 1-month follow-up (week 7). Participants were recruited via Prolific, a web-based recruitment platform, and the study was conducted entirely on the web. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using objective engagement data and self-reported feedback. Efficacy outcomes were assessed using validated self-report measures of mental health and functioning and linear mixed models with intention-to-treat principles. RESULTS In total, 2003 individuals were screened for participation, of which 20.22% (405/2003) were randomized. A total of 92% (373/405) of the participants were retained in the study, 97.4% (295/303) initiated their allocated intervention, and 66.3% (201/303) completed all sessions. Moreover, 80.6% (229/284) of the participants rated the quality of their allocated intervention as excellent or good, and 79.6% (226/284) of the participants were satisfied or very satisfied with their intervention. All active groups showed improvements in well-being, functioning, and depressive and anxiety symptoms compared with the control group, which were maintained at 4 weeks. Hedges g effect sizes for depressive symptoms ranged from -0.53 (95% CI -0.25 to -0.81) to -0.74 (95% CI -0.45 to -1.03). CONCLUSIONS All interventions were feasible and acceptable, and the preliminary efficacy findings indicated that their use may improve depressive symptoms, well-being, and functioning. The predefined criteria for a definitive trial were met. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) ISRCTN13067492; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13067492.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kushniruk A, Zhang Z, Tian M, Mougenot C, Glozier N, Calvo RA. Preferences for a Mental Health Support Technology Among Chinese Employees: Mixed Methods Approach. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e40933. [PMID: 36548027 PMCID: PMC9816948 DOI: 10.2196/40933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace mental health is under-studied in China, making it difficult to design effective interventions. To encourage the engagement with interventions, it is crucial to understand employees' motivation toward seeking help through technologies. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understanding how Chinese employees view digital mental health support technology and how mental health support technology could be designed to boost the motivation of Chinese employees to use it. METHODS A mixed methods approach was used. In total, 458 Chinese employees (248/458, 54% female) in 5 industries (manufacturing, software, medical, government, and education) responded to a survey, and 14 employees and 5 managers were interviewed. RESULTS Government data and employee responses showed that mental health support in China is limited. In the workplace, Chinese employees experience a lower sense of autonomy satisfaction compared with competence and relatedness. Although managers and employees try to empathize with those who have mental health issues, discrimination and the stigma of mental illness are rife in Chinese workplaces. Digital technologies are perceived as a potential medium for mental health interventions; however, privacy is a major concern. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrated the potential of self-help digital mental health support for Chinese employees. Interdisciplinary cooperation between design engineers and mental health researchers can contribute toward understanding the issues that engage or disengage users with digital mental health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zheyuan Zhang
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mu Tian
- Luye Medical Group, Shanghai, China
| | - Celine Mougenot
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Glozier
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rafael A Calvo
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Monfries N, Sandhu N, Millar K. A Smartphone App to Reduce Burnout in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Workplace Health Saf 2022; 71:181-187. [PMID: 36373628 PMCID: PMC10080362 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221123261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Burnout is a significant concern among health care professionals, particularly those working in the emergency department (ED). Given the negative personal and professional consequences that burnout can have on all health care professionals, multidisciplinary solutions are needed to address burnout. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of resilience training delivered through a smartphone application on burnout among health care professionals working at a tertiary-care pediatric ED. Methods: We conducted a single-center pilot randomized controlled study enrolling multidisciplinary health care professionals working in our ED. Participants assigned to the intervention group received self-driven access to a smartphone application that provided a structured resilience curriculum for a period of 3 months. The participants completed psychometric assessments both prior to and following the invention period. Changes in psychometric measures of the intervention group were then compared with a waitlist-control group. Results: Following the intervention period, a total of 20 participants were included in the final analysis. The change in participant scores on psychometric measures prior to and following the intervention period was calculated. A statistically significant mean decrease in burnout measure (emotional exhaustion subscale of Maslach-Burnout Inventory mean score −5.88, p < .001) and increase in mindfulness measure (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale mean score 0.51, p < .001) was observed among the intervention group participants. Conclusions/Application to Practice: Our study suggests that a resilience training program delivered using a smartphone application can be an effective intervention in reducing burnout and increasing mindfulness skills. Our study also demonstrated the potential feasibility of a randomized controlled study of burnout within a multidisciplinary group of health care professionals.
Collapse
|
11
|
Pfaffinger KF, Reif JAM, Spieß E, Czakert JP, Berger R. Using digital interventions to reduce digitalisation-related stress-does it work? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022:1-16. [PMID: 35996884 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2115234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Digitalisation entails positive and negative consequences for employees. In a longitudinal, randomized control group design over 14 days (N = 95 participants), we piloted and expected each of three app-based interventions to positively influence general well-being, well-being related to information and communication technology (ICT), and recovery compared to the control group with no intervention. The meditation intervention significantly increased general well-being (satisfaction) and recovery (detachment) compared to the control group but did not reduce general stress. The cognitive-behavioural intervention significantly increased general well-being (less stress). The informational intervention however increased the general stress level. No intervention changed the level of ICT-specific well-being. Thus, classic stress interventions conveyed via ICTs (app-based) may be effective for addressing classic stress symptoms, but not yet for new forms of stress. Future research should investigate structural differences between classic stressors and new kinds of ICT-related stressors to identify starting points for new types of interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina F Pfaffinger
- Economic and Organizational Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany.
| | - Julia A M Reif
- Economic and Organizational Psychology, Universitaet der Bundeswehr Muenchen, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Erika Spieß
- Economic and Organizational Psychology, Ludwig Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jan Philipp Czakert
- Department of Social and Quantitative Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rita Berger
- Department of Social and Quantitative Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nixon P, Ebert DD, Boss L, Angerer P, Dragano N, Lehr D. Efficacy of a web-based stress management intervention for employees experiencing adverse working conditions and occupational self-efficacy as mediator: A randomized controlled trial (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e40488. [DOI: 10.2196/40488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
13
|
Wong AKC, Wong FKY, Bayuo J, Chow KKS, Wong SM, Lee AYL. A randomized controlled trial of an mHealth application with nursing interaction to promote quality of life among community-dwelling older adults. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:978416. [PMID: 36329920 PMCID: PMC9623156 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.978416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Using mHealth apps alone at home without the support of healthcare experts could mean that older adults might not fully utilize the functions of the apps, recognize their benefits, and sustain their use. Incorporating an integrated health-social partnership model to support the app usage when further help is needed by the older adults might maximize the apps' benefits in the long term. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the benefits of adding nursing interaction supported by a health-social partnership model in the use of mHealth, and the sustained beneficial effects on psychological outcomes, including quality of life, self-efficacy, and depression, among older adults after the completion of the program. METHODS A three-arm, randomized controlled trial design was adopted. Community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain, hypertension, or diabetes, were randomly assigned to either the mHealth, mHealth with interactivity, or control group. Subjects in both the mHealth and the mHealth with interactivity groups received the mHealth application. In addition, the mHealth with interactivity group received support from a nurse case manager, who was supported by a health-social partnership team. mHealth apps and services from a nurse case manager were not provided to the control group. The primary outcome measure was quality of life, and secondary outcomes were self-efficacy and depression. Data were collected at pre-intervention (T1), post-intervention (T2), and at 3 months post-intervention to measure the sustained effect of the program. RESULTS There were 74 mHealth+I, 71 mHealth, and 76 control group subjects enrolled in the program. No statistically significant between-group, within-group, and interaction effects between group and time in both physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were found among the three groups. The mHealth group showed an improvement in PCS and depression scores from T1 to T2, sustained at T3; while the mHealth+I group demonstrated improved self-efficacy from T1 to T2, with a decrease at T3. CONCLUSION Adding nurse-directed telephone calls may be of little to no benefit at all in the long term. Future studies may consider a longer intervention period to build and sustain quality of life and self-efficacy levels among community-dwelling older adults. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03878212.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Frances Kam Yuet Wong
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jonathan Bayuo
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Siu Man Wong
- The Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Athena Yin Lam Lee
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|