Destress 9-1-1-an online mindfulness-based intervention in reducing stress among emergency medical dispatchers: a randomised controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to test the efficacy of a 7-week online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) tailored to reduce stress in emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs).
Results Summary
The study found statistically significant reductions in stress for the intervention group compared to controls, both post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. While mindfulness scores did not differ between groups, increases in mindfulness were correlated with greater stress reductions across all participants.
Population
Active-duty emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs) from the USA and Canada.
Effective Dosage
7-week online mindfulness-based intervention (weekly sessions).
Duration
7 weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7-week online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | decrease | stress using the Calgary Symptoms of Stress Inventory | Emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs) from the USA and Canada | difference of -10.0 (95% CI: -14.9, -5.2, p<0.001) for change from baseline to post intervention | statistically significant differences in pre-post changes | #1 |
7-week online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | decrease | stress using the Calgary Symptoms of Stress Inventory | Emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs) from the USA and Canada | difference of -6.5 (95% CI: -11.9, -1.1, p=0.02) for change from baseline to 3 months follow-up | statistically significant differences in pre-post changes | #2 |
7-week online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) | no change | mindfulness scores | Emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs) from the USA and Canada | - | did not differ between groups | #3 |
- | decrease | stress | all participants | r=-0.53, p<0.001 | increases in mindfulness scores were correlated with greater reductions in stress | #4 |
short, weekly online MBI for EMDs | decrease | reports of stress | EMDs | - | resulted in reductions | #5 |
OBJECTIVES: Emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs) experience significant stress in the workplace. Yet, interventions aimed at reducing work-related stress are difficult to implement due to the logistic challenges associated with the relatively unique EMD work environment. This investigation tested the efficacy of a 7-week online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) tailored to the EMD workforce. METHODS: Active-duty EMDs from the USA and Canada (n=323) were randomly assigned to an intervention or wait list control condition. Participants completed surveys of stress and mindfulness at baseline, post intervention, and 3 months follow-up. Repeated measures mixed effects models were used to assess changes in stress and mindfulness. RESULTS: Differences between the intervention group and control group in pre-post changes in stress using the Calgary Symptoms of Stress Inventory were statistically significant, with a difference of -10.0 (95% CI: -14.9, -5.2, p<0.001) for change from baseline to post intervention, and a difference of -6.5 (95% CI: -11.9, -1.1, p=0.02) for change from baseline to 3 months follow-up. Change in mindfulness scores did not differ between groups. However, increases in mindfulness scores were correlated with greater reductions in stress for all participants, regardless of group (r=-0.53, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Development of tailored online MBIs for employees working in challenging work environments offer a promising direction for prevention and intervention. This study found that a short, weekly online MBI for EMDs resulted in reductions in reports of stress. Implications of online MBIs in other emergency responding populations and directions for future research are discussed.