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Destress 9-1-1-an online mindfulness-based intervention in reducing stress among emergency medical dispatchers: a randomised controlled trial.

Occupational and environmental medicine
October 1, 2019
Michelle Lilly et al. (8 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Human StudyClinical
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultCanadaEmergency Medical DispatcherFemaleHumansInternet-Based InterventionMaleMindfulnessOccupational StressSurveys and QuestionnairesUnited States
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality90/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations18
Citations/Year3.0
Relative Citation Ratio1.86
NIH Percentile72.3%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.43
Normalized Score0.72
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