Implementation and evaluation of a multi-level mental health promotion intervention for the workplace (MENTUPP): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Ella Arensman, Mallorie Leduc, Cliodhna O’Brien, Paul Corcoran, Eve Griffin, Caleb Leduc, Evelien Coppens, Fotini Tsantila, Victoria Ross, Kahar Abdulla, Pia Hauck, Benedikt L. Amann, Birgit Aust, Arlinda Cerga Pashoja, Johanna Cresswell‐Smith, Luigia D’Alessandro, Naim Fanaj, Birgit A. Greiner, Jeroen Luyten, Sharna Mathieu, Margaret Maxwell, Gentiana Qirjako, Hanna Reich, Sarita Sanches, Mónika Ditta Tóth, Joseph P. Kilroy, Karen Michell, Nicola Reavley, David McDaid, Chantal Van Audenhove, Ainslie O’Connor, Ana Moreno‐Alcázar, Andia Meksi, András Székely, Anthony D. LaMontagne, Ariel Çomo, Arilda Dushaj, Asmae Doukani, Azucena Justicia, Bridget Hogg, Carolyn K. Holland, Charlotte Paterson, Chris Lockwood, Daniel Guinart, Doireann Ní Dhálaigh, Dooyoung Kim, Eileen Williamson, Éva Zsák, Genc Burazeri, Grace Cully, Grace Davey, György Purebl, Ilinca Serbanescu, Jaap van Weeghel, Juan Carlos Medina Alcaraz, Joe Eustace, Juliane Hug, Kairi Kõlves, Karen Mulcahy, Katherine Thomson, Kristian Wahlbeck, Lars de Winter, Laura Cox, Marta Fontana-McNally, Peter Trembeczky, Pia Driessen, Rebecca Lohmann-Devantier, Reiner Rugulies, Ruth Benson, Saara Rapeli, Sarah Ihinonvien, Sevim Mustafa, Stefan Hackel, Susan Alexander, Tanya King, Ulrich Hegerl, Vanda Scott, Wendy Orchard
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Well-organised and managed workplaces can be a source of wellbeing. The construction, healthcare and information and communication technology sectors are characterised by work-related stressors (e.g. high workloads, tight deadlines) which are associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing. The MENTUPP intervention is a flexibly delivered, multi-level approach to supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating mentally healthy workplaces. The online intervention is tailored to each sector and designed to support employees and leaders dealing with mental health difficulties (e.g. stress), clinical level anxiety and depression, and combatting mental health-related stigma. This paper presents the protocol for the cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) of the MENTUPP intervention in eight European countries and Australia. METHODS: Each intervention country will aim to recruit at least two SMEs in each of the three sectors. The design of the cRCT is based on the experiences of a pilot study and guided by a Theory of Change process that describes how the intervention is assumed to work. SMEs will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control conditions. The aim of the cRCT is to assess whether the MENTUPP intervention is effective in improving mental health and wellbeing (primary outcome) and reducing stigma, depression and suicidal behaviour (secondary outcome) in employees. The study will also involve a process and economic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: At present, there is no known multi-level, tailored, flexible and accessible workplace-based intervention for the prevention of non-clinical and clinical symptoms of depression, anxiety and burnout, and the promotion of mental wellbeing. The results of this study will provide a comprehensive overview of the implementation and effectiveness of such an intervention in a variety of contexts, languages and cultures leading to the overall goal of delivering an evidence-based intervention for mental health in the workplace. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Please refer to Item 2a and registration ISRCTN14104664. Registered on 12th July 2022.