Supporting mental well-being of healthcare workers using a mobile app: A mixed-methods feasibility study.

The feasibility RCT achieved a 20.5% dropout rate among 49 enrolled participants.

• 49 participants were included in the trial (32 workers, 17 trainees; aged 18-60+)
• Participants were divided into an intervention group using MYARKEO and a non-intervention control group
• The study ran over a 6-week intervention period
• Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention

Daily app usage averaged 64.5% across the intervention period.

• Participants frequently monitored mood, sleep, food, and exercise within the app
• App engagement was described as 'promising' by the authors
• Engagement data were collected over the 6-week monitoring period

Outcome measures collected included the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ).

• These measures were used to evaluate variability of key outcomes to inform a future RCT
• Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention for both groups
• The MAUQ was used specifically to assess usability of the mobile app

Qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews identified four themes related to app engagement.

• Interviews were conducted with n = 13 participants
• Four themes were identified: 'Usefulness,' 'Enablers of engagement,' 'Barriers to engagement,' and 'Suggested intervention improvements'
• Data were analysed using thematic analysis
• Challenges were identified highlighting the need for refinements to the app's content, interface, and design

Poor mental well-being is common among healthcare workers and affects individual health, patient safety, and organisational performance.

• This formed the rationale for the study
• Mobile app-based self-care interventions are described as 'promising due to their accessibility, low cost, and ease of use'
• The study targeted both healthcare workers and healthcare trainees in the United Kingdom

The study concluded that a future randomised controlled trial using the MYARKEO app is feasible but requires app refinements prior to full-scale testing.

• The study evaluated recruitment and retention rates, variability of key outcomes, intervention engagement, barriers and facilitators to engagement, and potential app refinements
• App engagement was described as promising
• Identified challenges include the need for refinements to app content, interface, and design
• The feasibility study was designed explicitly to inform a future full-scale RCT