Assessing the Effectiveness of STAPP@Work, a Self-Management Mobile App, in Reducing Work Stress and Preventing Burnout: Single-Case Experimental Design Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Work-related stress and burnout remain a common problem among employees leading to impaired health and higher absenteeism. Use of mobile health apps to promote well-being has grown substantially, however, the impact of such apps on reducing stress and preventing burnout is limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of STAPP@Work, a mobile based stress management intervention, on perceived stress, coping self-efficacy and the level of burnout among mental health employees. METHODS A study using a single-case experimental design was conducted among mental health employees without a known diagnosis of burnout (n=63). Participants have used the app one week per month repeatedly for a period of six months. Using a reversal design, the intervention was applied for a total of six times to assess replicated immediate (1-weeks post-use) and lasting (3-weeks post-use) effects. The Perceived Stress Scale, Coping Self-Efficacy Scale and Burnout Assessment Tool were used to measure outcomes. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS After six months of app use for one week per month the participants showed a statistically significant decrease in perceived stress (b=-0.38, 95% CI -0.67 to -0.09; P=.01, d=0.50) and burnout symptoms (b=-0.31, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.08; P=.002, d=0.63) as well as a statistically significant improvement in problem-focused coping self-efficacy (b=0.42, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.85; P=.049, d=0.42). Long-term use of the app provided consistent and sustained reductions in burnout symptoms including the level of exhaustion and emotional impairment. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that introducing an app-based stress management intervention can be feasible and successfully implemented to reduce burnout symptoms and enhance coping self-efficacy.