Protocol: a multi-level intervention program to reduce stress in 9-1-1 telecommunicators

Meischke, Hendrika; Lilly, Michelle M.; Beaton, Randal D.; Calhoun, Rebecca; Tu, Ann; Stangenes, Scott; Painter, Ian; Revere, Debra; Baseman, Janet

doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5471-0

Cited by 12 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 75 publications

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“…Following the previously published protocol, 22 the primary analyses used repeated measures mixed effects models, with differences assessed by interaction terms between randomisation group and time point. All participants who completed at least one survey were included in analyses.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A protocol paper describing the study and intervention in greater detail is published in Open Access. 22…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Greater detail regarding the intervention content, themes and practice activities is available elsewhere. 22 The online intervention (Destress 9-1-1) comprised seven modules each completed on a weekly basis. Two emails were sent each week: one introducing the weekly theme and one providing practice reminders.…”

Section: Interventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2019

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ObjectivesEmergency 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.MethodsActive-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.ResultsDifferences 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).ConclusionsDevelopment 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.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A protocol paper describing the study and intervention in greater detail is published in Open Access. 22…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2019

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“…This study was an analysis of participant engagement in the treatment arm of a randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02961621), testing the effectiveness of a Web-based MBI to reduce stress among 9-1-1 telecommunicators [33]. The outcomes of the efficacy study are currently under review.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Individual participants were required to be currently employed as a 9-1-1 telecommunicator (ie, call-receivers, dispatchers, or both). A total of 323 telecommunicators (n=325 were assessed for eligibility; n=2 declined to participate) were enrolled in the study [33].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Participant Engagement in and Perspectives on a Web-Based Mindfulness Intervention for 9-1-1 Telecommunicators: Multimethod Study

Kerr¹,

Ornelas²,

Lilly³

et al. 2019

J Med Internet Res

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Background Demanding working conditions and secondary exposure to trauma may contribute to a high burden of stress among 9-1-1 telecommunicators, decreasing their ability to work effectively and efficiently. Web-based mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can be effective in reducing stress in similar populations. However, low engagement may limit the effectiveness of the intervention. Objective The aim of this study was to assess participant engagement in a Web-based MBI designed for 9-1-1 telecommunicators. Specifically, we sought to describe the following: (1) participant characteristics associated with intervention engagement, (2) participant perspectives on engaging with the intervention, and (3) perceived challenges and facilitators to engaging. Methods We used qualitative and quantitative data from participant surveys (n=149) that were collected to assess the efficacy of the intervention. We conducted descriptive and bivariate analyses to identify associations between demographic, psychosocial, and workplace characteristics and engagement. We conducted a thematic analysis of qualitative survey responses to describe participant experiences with the MBI. Results We found that no individual participant characteristics were associated with the level of engagement (low vs high number of lessons completed). Participant engagement did vary by the call center ( P <.001). We identified the following overarching qualitative themes: (1) the participants perceived benefits of mindfulness practice, (2) the participants perceived challenges to engage with mindfulness and the intervention, and (3) intervention components that facilitated engagement. The participants expressed positive beliefs in the perceived benefits of practicing mindfulness, including increased self-efficacy in coping with stressors and increased empathy with callers. The most commonly cited barriers were work-related, particularly not having time to participate in the intervention at work. Facilitators included shorter meditation practices and the availability of multiple formats and types of intervention content. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that efforts to improve intervention engagement should focus on organizational-level factors rather than individual participant characteristics. Future research should explore the effect of mindfulness practice on the efficiency and effectiveness of 9-1-1 telecommunicators at work. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02961621; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02961621

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Intimate Partner Violence Advocates and Agencies

et al. 2021

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Relatively few studies have considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate partner violence (IPV) advocates or the agencies where they work. In this study, based on United States IPV advocates’ experiences working with survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted interviews to explore: 1) personal challenges and resilience working as IPV advocates during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) how agencies adapted to the pandemic to support IPV survivors and advocates; and 3) specific needs and challenges of culturally-specific agencies. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 53 IPV advocates from June to November 2020. Participants were included if they worked directly with survivors, identified as an IPV advocate, worked at a US-based agency, and spoke and understood English. We created a sampling matrix to ensure adequate representation from IPV advocates serving survivors from communities which have been marginalized. Interviews were conducted through a virtual platform by a trained member of the research team. We used an inductive thematic analysis approach, with weekly coding meetings to resolve discrepancies in coding. Five themes emerged from the data: 1) IPV advocates described how working as an IPV advocate during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted them personally; 2) agencies developed new methods of addressing IPV advocates’ needs; 3) agencies developed new solutions to address pandemic-related client needs; 4) transitioning advocacy work to virtual formats created challenges but also opportunities and; 5) pandemic limitations and impacts compounded pre-pandemic challenges for culturally specific agencies. IPV advocates are frontline workers who have played essential roles in adjusting services to meet survivor needs during the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously coping with pandemic impacts on themselves and their agencies. Developing inter-agency collaborations and promoting advocates’ safety and wellbeing during future public health crises will help support IPV survivors.

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Protocol: a multi-level intervention program to reduce stress in 9-1-1 telecommunicators

Cited by 12 publications

References 75 publications

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

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

Participant Engagement in and Perspectives on a Web-Based Mindfulness Intervention for 9-1-1 Telecommunicators: Multimethod Study

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Intimate Partner Violence Advocates and Agencies

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