A Randomized Controlled Evaluation of a Compassion-course for Healthcare Professionals

Last updated on July 2021

Recruitment

Recruitment Status: Recruiting
Estimated Enrollment: Same as current

Summary

Conditions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Compassion
Occupational Health
Psychological Stress

Type

Interventional

Phase

Not Applicable

Design

Allocation: RandomizedIntervention Model: Parallel AssignmentIntervention Model Description: The intergroup effect on the primary outcome measure is estimated to be Cohen´s d = 0.5. A power of 80% requires 198 participants in each arm. With about 20% data loss, 238 participants are needed in each arm. In addition, there is a group that is randomized to the waiting list, with a power of 0.8, about 30 participants are required + dropout = 36 participants. Randomization takes place as follows: 476 participants, 238 in each arm, are randomized to participate in the compassion course or to the general stress management course. 36 people are randomized to a waiting list for ten weeks and then to the general stress management. Randomization is performed by an external part with the distribution 17,17,4. The outcome measures are mainly analyzed with a generalized estimating equation for repeated measurements to determine whether change over time differs between the groups and whether the improvements achieved lasts over time.Masking: None (Open Label)Primary Purpose: Treatment

Participation Requirements

Age: Between 20 years and 125 years
Gender: Both males and females

Description

Reactions to severe stress is one of the most common causes of sick leave in Sweden. Previous research has shown that compassion interventions for staff can affect work-related stress by increased self-care, better self-awareness and an increased healthy attitude, however, Swedish studies on the subject are scarce. Compassion is a motivation to reduce suffering in oneself and others characterized by a warm, understanding, and respectful attitude. In addition to beneficial effects for the staff, a compassion-oriented approach, has shown to improve the relationship between patient and staff, increase patient satisfaction with care and reduce patient anxiety and stress. As a result of the covid-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals have been exposed to difficult physical and mental work conditions that cause feelings of stress and inadequacy. In the long run, increased stress can cause fatigue and increased number of sick leaves. This can in turn contribute to increased stress for the staff who remain working and difficulties to recruit new staff, which make the situation worse. There is a lack of interventions for staff aimed at preventing stress-related health issues, enabling recovery and reduce mental suffering linked to a stressful work situations. The aim of this study is to find a method that help healthcare providers cope with stress of conscience in relation to stressful work situations, particularly during the current covid-19 pandemic. A five week internet-based compassion course of five modules will be conducted and evaluated with the aim of exploring whether the course contributes to reduce stress of conscience and work-related stress, and increases the levels of professional quality of life and self-compassion among healthcare professionals. The internet-based compassion course will be compared with: one group that is on a waiting list for ten weeks and then receives an internet-based general stress management course and one group that participate in the general stress management course.

Tracking Information

NCT #

NCT04700878

Collaborators

Vastra Gotaland Region
Kalmar County Council
Sormland County Council, Sweden
Kronoberg County Council

Investigators

Principal Investigator: Anna S Bratt, PhD Linnaeus University