Mobile App for Firefighter Mental Health

Overseen By Co-Principal Investigator

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Disqualifiers: Not able to access app

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines the optimal use of a mobile app, PeerOnCall, to support mental health among Canadian firefighters. It seeks to determine whether a more structured approach, with features like weekly reminders and new content, enhances app usage and improves mental health and workplace outcomes. Participants will use the app for peer support and wellness resources, sharing their experiences through surveys and interviews. Firefighters employed by participating Canadian Fire Service organizations who can download the app to their smartphones are well-suited for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health solutions tailored to their community.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on using a mobile app for mental health support, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that the PeerOnCall app is safe for firefighters?

Research shows that the PeerOnCall app is safe for Canadian public safety personnel. This app provides secure and anonymous peer support for mental health, offering users a private space to connect and share experiences.

Previous studies with groups like firefighters, paramedics, and police found no safety issues with the app. The research focused on the app's usage and its impact on mental health improvement, rather than any negative effects.

As a mobile app, not a drug or medical device, the safety risks are very low. Participants primarily use the app for support and resources, which is generally well-received. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about PeerOnCall because it offers a fresh approach to firefighter mental health support using a mobile app specifically designed for Canadian public safety providers. Unlike traditional options, which might include in-person therapy or generic mental health apps, PeerOnCall provides a tailored and peer-focused experience. It includes separate apps for frontline workers and peer support providers, along with an administrative portal for leaders, ensuring comprehensive and targeted support. This structured protocol aims to actively engage users weekly, potentially leading to more consistent and impactful mental health care.

What evidence suggests that the PeerOnCall app is effective for improving firefighter mental health?

Research shows that PeerOnCall is a promising tool for enhancing mental health support among firefighters. This trial will compare two different implementations of the PeerOnCall app. Studies indicate that mobile apps can effectively increase access to peer support in public safety jobs. The app offers private peer support and wellness resources, which can improve users' mental health and work performance. Early results suggest that features like regular reminders and new content boost app usage and effectiveness. However, addressing cultural differences is crucial to overcoming challenges and ensuring the app's success. ^{2 4 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Canadian firefighters who are looking to improve their mental health and workplace environment. Participants will use the PeerOnCall app, which offers peer support and wellness resources. The study seeks individuals willing to engage with the app and provide feedback through surveys, interviews, and focus groups.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a working adult employed by a Canadian Fire Service organization.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Implementation

Participants use the PeerOnCall app with either standard or structured implementation, including onboarding, app engagement, and feedback activities

12 months

Monthly virtual check-ins

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for mental health and workplace outcomes after the implementation phase

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PeerOnCall

Trial Overview The trial is testing an app-based peer support system called PeerOnCall. It compares two methods of implementing the app: a standard approach with basic onboarding versus a structured approach that includes weekly reminders, new content, and feedback reports to encourage regular use.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: App Users (Structured Implementation) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participating organizations will receive access to PeerOnCall, a mobile mental health and peer support platform co-designed by and for Canadian public safety providers (PSP) that includes: a) an app for frontline workers, b) an app for peer support providers, and c) an administrative portal for organizational leaders. The structured implementation (intervention) group will follow a structured protocol designed to promote weekly app engagement.

Group II: App Users (Standard Implementation) Active Control 1 Intervention

All participating organizations will receive access to PeerOnCall, a mobile mental health and peer support platform co-designed by and for Canadian public safety providers (PSP) that includes: a) an app for frontline workers, b) an app for peer support providers, and c) an administrative portal for organizational leaders. The standard implementation (control) group will receive baseline support, allowing firefighters to use the app as they choose.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12386291/

PeerOnCall: Evaluating Implementation of App-Based Peer ... PeerOnCall is a promising tool to facilitate access to peer support; however, culturally relevant strategies are needed to overcome barriers and ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07199387

Study Details | NCT07199387 | PeerOnCall: Implementing ... The goal of this clinical trial is to test how best to implement a mobile peer support app called PeerOnCall in Canadian fire services.

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05429619

Evaluating Implementation and Impact of PeerOnCall, a ... Evaluating Implementation and Impact of PeerOnCall, a Mobile Health Approach to Peer Support for Canadian Public Safety Personnel. ClinicalTrials.gov ID ...

4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40869854/

PeerOnCall: Evaluating Implementation of App-Based Peer ... PeerOnCall is a promising tool to facilitate access to peer support; however, culturally relevant strategies are needed to overcome barriers and ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0010440X24000750

PeerOnCall: Exploring how organizational culture shapes ... Mobile apps are a promising way to increase access to peer support in public safety organizations. •. Mental health programs for public safety personnel must ...

6. oncallapp.ca oncallapp.ca/

PeerOnCall - PeerOnCall PeerOnCall is a peer support app designed by and for Canadian public safety personnel. It provides information and support for managing users' mental health.

7. play.google.com play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.steppedcaresolutions.peeroncall&hl=en_US

PeerOnCall - Apps on Google Play PeerOnCall connects your employees to secure, anonymous peer support exactly when they need it most. The platform offers: