Actively Recruiting
Implementation of the ASCEND Training for Supervisors in Dutch Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Led by VU University of Amsterdam · Updated on 2025-11-19
148
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
67 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
V
VU University of Amsterdam
Lead Sponsor
W
World Health Organization
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an in-person group intervention for workplace supervisors - Advancing Supervisors' Capacity for Mental Health at Work (ASCEND) - in Dutch Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The ASCEND intervention is designed to equip supervisors with the skills to: i) know when to support their workers; ii) how to direct workers to support, and iii) advocate for action on mental health at work. The primary objectives of this project are to: * Assess to what extent the novel, WHO-developed ASCEND intervention is effective in enhancing supervisors' confidence, responsiveness, mental health literacy, and SelfCare practices, and in reducing supervisor stigma towards mental health conditions within Dutch SMEs. * Evaluate the impact of the ASCEND intervention on employee outcomes, including mental health and work-related outcomes among supervisees (i.e., subordinates), as well as overall organizational absenteeism rates. * Identify barriers, facilitators, and key implementation and adoption indicators to support future opportunities for scaling up the ASCEND intervention in the context of Dutch SMEs. Researchers will compare two groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the ASCEND intervention. One group will receive the training (the intervention group), while the other group will receive the training after the final follow-up period (the control group). Data will be collected from both supervisors and their supervisees (i.e., subordinates) via online questionnaires at various time points. In addition, general organizational information, including absenteeism rates, will be gathered through a representative from each participating organization. To further explore the feasibility of scaling up the ASCEND intervention within the Netherlands, qualitative data will be collected through interviews and/or focus group discussions.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Implementation of the ASCEND Training for Supervisors in Dutch Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Supervisors aged 18 years or older
- Supervisors working in an organization located in the Netherlands
- Supervisors with sufficient mastery of Dutch or English (spoken and written)
- Supervisors who provide written informed consent before entering the study
- Supervisors who supervise at least one employee within the same organization
- Supervisees aged 18 years or older
- Supervisees with a direct supervisor participating in ASCEND (intervention or control group)
- Supervisees with sufficient mastery of Dutch or English
- Supervisees who provide written informed consent before entering the study
- Organizations with 10 to 250 employees located in the Netherlands
You will not qualify if you...
History of severe allergic reactions to study medication Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Recent participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days Presence of uncontrolled medical conditions that could affect safety
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1081BT
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Amber S Brizar, MSc
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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