JMIR Publications

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.