A stress-reduction eHealth intervention for healthcare workers in primary care settings: an implementation study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Interventions
• Healthcare Workforce Research

Background:

• European healthcare systems face critical challenges in healthcare worker (HCW) retention and recruitment.
• Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout are primary drivers of HCW turnover.
• Existing psychological interventions, including eHealth tools, show promise but lack real-world implementation data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation outcomes of the
• Doing What Matters in Times of Stress
• (DWM) eHealth intervention.
• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of hybrid and remote delivery formats for HCWs.
• To bridge the research-implementation gap for mental health support among frontline HCWs.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative pre- and post-intervention assessments with qualitative interviews.
• The study was conducted at a primary care center in Madrid from October 2023 to February 2024.
• Implementation outcomes were assessed using Proctor's framework.

Main Results:

• The DWM intervention was perceived as acceptable, appropriate, and feasible by participating HCWs.
• High retention rates were observed (80% hybrid, 100% remote).
• Flexible delivery formats and strong group dynamics, particularly in the hybrid model, were key success factors.

Conclusions:

• The DWM intervention, delivered in hybrid and remote formats, is a viable mental health support for HCWs.
• Future research should maintain these delivery formats and address barriers like stigma and time constraints.
• Findings offer insights for scaling up mental health interventions for HCWs and inform public health policy.