Summary
Dementia: Improving (Staff) Stress & Satisfaction – Evaluation by Cluster Trial
Funder: NIHR
Background and study aims
Caring for people with dementia in care facilities can be stressful and challenging for staff. They can become emotionally exhausted and high stress levels can contribute to staff quitting their job and increased sickness rates. The aim of this study is to estimate the extent of and relationship between stress and job satisfaction and to conduct a trial of a stress-reducing intervention (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, MBSR) for staff caring for people with dementia in care facilities in Wales.
Who can participate?
Any permanent day staff members working in care facilities in Wales who have direct personal care involvement in dealing with people with dementia.
What does the study involve?
A survey will be conducted to examine levels of stress and job satisfaction. Up to 30 care facilities with the highest stress levels will be selected for the study. Depending on the size of the facility, between four and 10 members of staff will undergo an internet MBSR course. Participants will be randomly allocated into either the intervention group, who will take the internet course during the study, or the control group, who will take the internet course after the study has finished. The course is run by the Mental Health Foundation and was developed in combination with two leading UK mindfulness instructors. A laptop will be provided for each care home for you to specifically access the course via the internet (http://www.bemindfulonline.com/). The course consists of ten interactive sessions led by two qualified mindfulness trainers. The course is easy to follow and provides step by step instructions throughout. You will learn to use formal meditation skills such as mindful movement, sitting meditation and breathing space. You will also be taught informal techniques incorporating mindfulness into daily activities such as mindfulness eating. The sessions are taught through videos, assignments and supported by emails led by the two instructors. The time spent on learning the techniques varies between 10 minutes and 30 minutes You will be shown how to use formal meditation skills and asked to reflect and practice the taught skills in daily life. The course lasts between 4- 6 weeks depending on when you are able to complete the practice and homework logs. You will be able to break from the course and receive email reminders to continue at the time you last participated. For each week, you will be asked to practice at least one formal exercise using the audio and video clips supplied. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire before the course, immediately following the course and 3 months later.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The study will provide evidence about how to reduce stress among staff, which will benefit staff, providers and residents through improved staff satisfaction and reduced staff sickness and costs. Staff will receive the training free of charge and a certificate will be provided once completed. Taking part in the survey may highlight the conditions under which the participant works which can possibly make them more aware of difficult issues they face. In terms of participating in the intervention there is very little evidence concerning adverse effects. It has been reported that MBSR has been used in a variety of populations to help people cope with life challenges including stress and all are reported as having positive outcomes. Participants will be informed of the type of commitment needed and also of what to expect in terms of practice and homework. Any negative experiences or emotional effects may be prevented by using experienced instructors who have the ability to offer support during and after training. This support is offered as part of the intervention being employed in the study.
Where is the study run from?
The DISSSECT study will be run within the Mental Health Research Team in Swansea University.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
March 2012 to June 2016
Contact Details
Trial Manager / Lead Contact: Dr Christine Baker
Phone: 01792 602624
Email: c.m.baker@swansea.ac.uk
ISCRTN Number: 80487202;