Evaluating an Internet-Based Compassion Course to Reduce Stress and Improve Well-being in Healthcare Professionals

What this Trial Is About

Healthcare professionals often face severe stress, which can lead to sick leave and affect their well-being. This research aims to evaluate whether a five-week internet-based compassion course can help reduce stress of conscience and work-related stress, while improving professional quality of life and self-compassion. The study compares this compassion course with a general internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy CBT stress management course and a waitlist group. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups a therapist-guided internet compassion course, a therapist-guided general internet CBT stress management course, or a waitlist for 10 weeks followed by the general CBT course. Both courses are structured self-help programs lasting five weeks, including weekly reports and therapist feedback delivered online. The compassion course focuses on compassion-focused therapy methods, while the CBT course uses traditional CBT techniques. Throughout the study, participants will complete assessments at baseline, 5, 10, and 15 weeks, and again at 6 months. These assessments measure changes in stress of conscience, professional quality of life, work-related stress, and self-compassion. Data are collected through self-assessment forms, and the study tracks progress over time to understand the effects of the courses. The total participation time spans up to 6 months to monitor longer-term outcomes and maintenance of benefits.

A Randomized Controlled Evaluation of a Compassion-course for Healthcare Professionals