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,
Monika Ditta Tóth,
Joseph Kilroy,
Karen Michell,
Nicola Reavley,
David McDaid,
Chantal Van Audenhove,
the MENTUPP consortium
Affiliations
Ella Arensman
School of Public Health, University College Cork
Mallorie Leduc
National Suicide Research Foundation
Cliodhna O’Brien
National Suicide Research Foundation
Paul Corcoran
School of Public Health, University College Cork
Eve Griffin
School of Public Health, University College Cork
Caleb Leduc
School of Public Health, University College Cork
Evelien Coppens
Centre for Care Research and Consultancy, LUCAS, KU Leuven
Fotini Tsantila
Centre for Care Research and Consultancy, LUCAS, KU Leuven
Victoria Ross
Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University
Kahar Abdulla
European Alliance Against Depression E.V
Pia Hauck
European Alliance Against Depression E.V
Benedikt L. Amann
Centre Fòrum Research Unit, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria I Addiccions
Birgit Aust
The National Research Centre for the Working Environment
Arlinda Cerga Pashoja
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Johanna Cresswell-Smith
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Luigia D’Alessandro
International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
Naim Fanaj
College of Medical Sciences Rezonanca, Mental Health Center Prizren
Birgit A. Greiner
School of Public Health, University College Cork
Jeroen Luyten
Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy
Sharna Mathieu
Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University
Margaret Maxwell
Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit (NMAHP-RU), Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling
Gentiana Qirjako
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine
Hanna Reich
German Depression Foundation
Sarita Sanches
Phrenos Center of Expertise for Severe Mental Illness
Monika Ditta Tóth
Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University
Joseph Kilroy
The Chartered Institute of Building
Karen Michell
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
Nicola Reavley
School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Centre for Mental Health, The University of Melbourne
David McDaid
Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science
Chantal Van Audenhove
Centre for Care Research and Consultancy, LUCAS, KU Leuven
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.
