Workplace-Based Intervention for Depression

Overseen By Jessica L McCurley, PhD, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: San Diego State University

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Alcohol use, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 16 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to develop and test a workplace-based program to help low-wage hospital service workers manage depression. The program includes therapy focused on work issues, coaching, assistance with social needs, and text message support for mood and activity. It targets hospital workers who have noticed depression symptoms affecting their job performance and work in departments like Environmental Services or Food & Nutrition Services. Participants should have a phone capable of receiving texts and speak either English or Spanish. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative solutions for managing workplace-related depression.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this workplace-based depression intervention is safe?

Research has shown that programs designed to address workplace depression are generally well-received by participants. For instance, one study on similar programs found improvements in mental health without significant negative side effects. These programs typically focus on supporting mental health while addressing work-related stress and challenges.

They often include cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy, and work coaching. Additionally, they offer support through text messages, which participants have found helpful for boosting mood and encouraging physical activity.

Although complete safety data isn't always available, these programs aim to be supportive rather than intrusive. They seek to improve well-being and reduce work-related issues linked to depression. Participants frequently report feeling more supported at work, which enhances their overall mental health.

Overall, workplace-based programs for depression show promise in helping workers manage their mental health safely and supportively. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional treatments for depression, which often rely on medication or individual therapy sessions, the workplace-based intervention stands out by integrating mental health support directly into the work environment. This approach includes work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and personalized work coaching, making it more relevant and practical for individuals dealing with work-related stress. Additionally, the inclusion of social needs screening and text message support offers a comprehensive method that addresses both emotional and physical well-being, potentially improving adherence and outcomes. Researchers are excited because this could lead to more accessible, effective support for individuals experiencing depression, particularly in settings where time and access to traditional treatments are limited.

What evidence suggests that this workplace-based depression intervention is effective for low-wage hospital service workers?

Research shows that mental health programs at work can greatly enhance employee well-being. Studies have found that these programs lead to significant improvements in mental health. For issues like depression and anxiety, treatments using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have proven effective in reducing symptoms. This trial tests a specific program that uses several methods, including work-focused CBT and work coaching. These techniques aim to improve both mental health and job performance. Overall, these methods have shown promise in helping people manage depression more effectively while at work. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jessica L McCurley, PhD, MPH

Principal Investigator

San Diego State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for low-wage hospital service workers who are experiencing depression and lead a sedentary lifestyle. It's designed to help them manage their symptoms and improve their physical activity while at work.

Inclusion Criteria

I work at least 20 hours a week.

Presence of depression symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item version; individuals who score ≥5 (indicating mild depression symptoms or higher) will be eligible

Presence of impairment in work functioning, as measured by the Work Limitations Questionnaire; individuals who score ≥5% (indicating mild work productivity loss) will be eligible

Exclusion Criteria

Plan to leave Scripps employment in <6 months

Severe mental illness or substance use condition (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, active alcohol use disorder)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive an 8-session telephone-delivered depression intervention, including work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, work coaching, social needs screening and referral, and text message support for mood and physical activity

16 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Workplace-based Depression Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests a workplace-based intervention that includes assessing how depression affects work, cognitive behavioral therapy focused on work issues, coaching, screening for social needs with referrals as needed, and text message support for mood and exercise.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Single Arm: Open Pilot of Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The intervention consists of assessment of depression and work impairment, work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, work coaching, social needs screening and referral, and text message support for mood and physical activity.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

San Diego State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

182

Recruited

119,000+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The webinar intervention, which combined cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) with technology, was feasible and well-received, with 82% of participants completing all sessions and showing positive improvements in depression levels after the program.

Statistical analysis indicated a significant reduction in depression symptoms, with a moderate effect size (Hedge g = 0.522) at one-month follow-up, suggesting that this approach could be an effective way to support employees dealing with depression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluating the Feasibility of an Innovative Self-Confidence Webinar Intervention for Depression in the Workplace: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Wan Mohd Yunus, WMA., Musiat, P., Brown, JS.[2023]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9663290/

The Role of Mental Health on Workplace Productivity There was clear evidence that poor mental health (mostly measured as depression and/or anxiety) was associated with lost productivity.

2. aspe.hhs.gov aspe.hhs.gov/reports/work-focused-interventions-depression-final-report-0

Work-Focused Interventions for Depression: Final Report Research also shows that depression treatment by itself, even when it reduces symptoms, does not adequately restore work functioning. Because ...

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2793174

Outcomes Associated With a Workplace Mental Health ... Results of this cohort study suggest that an employer-sponsored workplace mental health program was associated with large clinical effect sizes for employees.

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032721004031

Workplace interventions to reduce depression and anxiety ... Five studies showed a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms using techniques based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), two reported ...

5. who.int who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work

Mental health at work Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of US$ 1 trillion per year in lost ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12144615/

US Workers' Self-Reported Mental Health Outcomes by ... Across sociodemographic groups, mean MUD were 3 to 5 times higher among workers who reported lifetime diagnosed depression (range, 6.1-11.7 days) ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020748925000859

Effectiveness of an integrated platform-based intervention ... The primary outcome was improvement in the psychosocial safety climate after 6 months. The secondary outcomes included perceived stress, depressive symptoms, ...

8. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2830225

Workplace Injury and Mental Health Outcomes | Surgery One large sample study found 45% greater odds of depression in injured workers compared with noninjured workers. Other research found greater ...