UpLift Trial: an experimental comparison of two digital health interventions for occupational burnout in healthcare professionals

INTERVENTION: Consenting NHS staff will be randomly assigned to one of two groups (1:1), by a research assistant using a computerized randomisation algorithm. The randomisation sequence will be based on random blocks of 10 participants, and stratification according to participants’ employing organisation (trial site) and role (administrative; mental health; other health care roles). Participants will take part in one of the two 6‐week interventions, either Intervention 1 or Intervention 2, depending on their group assignment. Intervention 1 integrates concepts from cognitive behavioural therapy and positive psychology. Intervention 2 integrates concepts from key theories in the field of occupational burnout: the job demands‐resources model, the effort‐reward imbalance model, and the job crafting model. All participants will complete outcome measures using an online survey at a baseline assessment after they provide informed consent. All participants will then take part in one of the two 6‐week interventions, depending on their group assignment. Outcome measures using an online survey will be assessed again following week 3, week 6, and finally at a 6‐month follow‐up. All measures will be completed online using an industry‐standard survey system which automatically sends email reminders to consenting participants. In both groups, participants will have access to one of two “blended care” interventions which have been developed by the research team with reference to the current evidence‐base in the field of occupational burnout. These interventions will involve weekly 1 h online workshops delivered by psychological professionals, for a total of 6 weeks, using video‐conferencing software that can involve CONDITION: Occupational burnout in health care professionals ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders ; Occupational burnout in health care professionals PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Occupational burnout will be measured using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks, and 6 months SECONDARY OUTCOME: ; 1. Demographic information, including age, gender, ethnicity, job role, and hours worked (full‐time or part‐time) by participant self‐report at baseline; 2. Number of sickness absence days they have had during the 1‐month period preceding the start of the study by participant self‐report at baseline, and self‐report of any sickness absence days taken during the active study and observation period; 3. Mental wellbeing measured using the Warwick‐Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale (WEMWBS) at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks, and 6 months; 4. Turnover intention measured using the Job Diagnostic Survey turnover intent single‐item at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks, and 6 months; INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Any staff currently working in the NHS either full‐time or part‐time 2. Direct patient contact as part of their role in the NHS, either in a clinical capacity or an administrative capacity (such as receptionists and administrators)