JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

First responders are confronted with traumatic event(s) in their work that have a significant toll on their psychological health and that may contribute to or result in post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) for many responders. Persons with a PTSI usually seek management therapies, which they hope will be effective. Evidence indicates that digital delivery of these therapies is an innovative, efficient and effective way to improve PTSI symptoms as in-person delivery.

Objective:

This project aims to implement and provide accessible, convenient and economical SMS text messaging services, known asText4PTSI and Text4Wellbeing, to first responders in Alberta, Canada, to prevent and improve the symptoms of PTSI among first responders and to improve their overall quality of life. We will evaluate post-traumatic symptoms and the impact of Text4PTSI and Text4Wellbeing on stress, anxiety and depression in relation to the correspondent's demographic backgrounds.

Methods:

First Responders who subscribe to Text4PTSI or Text4Wellbeing receive daily supportive and psychoeducational text messages for six months. The text messages are pre-programmed into an online software program delivering messages to subscribers. Baseline and follow-up data are collected through online questionnaires using validated scales at enrollments of 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks (endpoint). In-depth interviews will be conducted to assess satisfaction with the text-based intervention.

Results:

We hypothesize that participants who enrol in this program will have improved PTSI symptoms, increased or improved quality of life and significant reduction of associated stress, depression and anxiety symptoms, among other psychological concerns. Improvement will be determined in comparison to established baseline parameters.

Conclusions:

This research will be beneficial for practitioners and will inform policy and decision-making regarding psychological interventions for PTSI. Lessons from this study will inform the scale-up of the intervention, a cost-effective, zero contact therapeutic option to manage PTSI.