An Online Guided Self-help Intervention to Improve Common Mental Health Problems Among Medical Professionals

E-training for Medical Professionals On Wellbeing and Effective Resolutions (E.M.P.O.W.E.R.) - An Online Guided Self-help Intervention to Improve Common Mental Health Problems Among Medical Professionals : A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an online guided self-help intervention developed based on Problem Solving Therapy (PST) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which are both transdiagnostic low-intensity interventions recommended by the World Health Organization, in improving medical professionals' mental health.

Despite the high prevalence of common mental health problems among medical professionals (MPs), their help-seeking for mental health support is low. Existing interventions are empirically effective but practically challenging to be applied in Hong Kong given the long intervention hours and fixed schedule. New interventions are needed to cater for the unique needs of local MPs.

Objectives: An online guided self-help intervention for MPs, E-training for Medical Professionals On Wellbeing and Effective Resolutions (the EMPOWER program), will be developed based on Problem Solving Therapy (PST) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which are both transdiagnostic low-intensity interventions recommended by the World Health Organization. Targeted at local MPs aged 18-60 with depression and/or anxiety symptoms, the intervention aims to reduce their symptoms through strengthening coping skills for work-related problems. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to evaluate (1) the intervention's efficacy in reducing depression/anxiety compared with an active control (education pamphlets); (2) its efficacy in improving the levels of PTSD symptoms, well-being, burnout, and work performance versus active control; (3) the potential mediators/mechanisms explaining any between-group differences.

Method: 120 participants will be recruited online. The EMPOWER group will receive four 30-min self-paced weekly intervention sessions. The active control group will receive four weekly education pamphlets. Data will be collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention and 1-month follow-up. The group effect will be examined by comparing the mean improvement scores and remission rates on the outcome variables among the two groups. The potential mediation effects of problem solving and psychological flexibility between the two groups and the outcomes will also be tested.

Expected outcomes: The investigators expect (1) greater reductions in depression and/or anxiety as well as levels of PTSD, well-being, burnout, and work performance for the EMPOWER group at post-treatment and 1-month follow-up than active control, and that (2) the EMPOWER program will reduce depression and/or anxiety through enhancement in problem solving and psychological flexibility.

Implications: Findings can help to identify a cost-effective, flexible, and readily accessible mental health intervention for local MPs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) being a frontline medical professional working in local public settings;
• (2) at least 18 years of age;
• (3) able to read and understand Chinese;
• (4) have access to the Internet; and
• (5) Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) score>=5, indicating at least mild levels of depression and/or anxiety.

Exclusion Criterion:

• actively suicidal.