Effectiveness of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Frontline Health Care Workers (The HCW-CBTi Study)
This study is called the HCW-CBTi Study. It's investigating an online therapy program for people who work in healthcare, especially those on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these workers have struggled with sleep problems, stress, and anxiety. This program, called digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (dCBTi), aims to help them sleep better and feel more rested. The study wants to see if this easy-to-access online tool can improve their sleep, mental health, and overall quality of life. It could be a way to support healthcare workers when traditional face-to-face therapy is hard to get.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Working in healthcare, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, can be very demanding. Many doctors, nurses, and other staff on the front lines have faced huge workloads and worries about their own health and their families. This often leads to difficulties sleeping, feeling anxious, or experiencing low mood. When healthcare workers don't get enough sleep, it can affect their concentration, their mood, and even their ability to do their job safely.
Usually, therapy for insomnia (trouble sleeping) involves seeing a therapist in person. However, it can be hard for busy healthcare workers to find the time or afford these sessions, and there aren't always enough trained therapists available. This is where digital CBTi comes in. It's an online program that teaches similar techniques to in-person therapy, but you can do it from your own home at a time that suits you. The study is hoping to find out if this digital approach is just as effective.
The main goal of this study is to see if using a digital program to help with sleep problems can make a real difference to the lives of frontline healthcare workers. Researchers will be looking at how well participants sleep, their general mental health, how they feel day-to-day, and their overall quality of life. If this program works well, it could become a widely available and easy way to support healthcare workers not just during pandemics, but at any time.
Key takeaways
- This study tests an online sleep therapy for frontline healthcare workers.
- It aims to improve sleep, mental health, and overall well-being.
- The therapy is called digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (dCBTi).
- It's designed to be an accessible alternative to in-person therapy.
- Participation involves using an online program and answering questionnaires.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthcare worker who helps patients directly, especially those working on the front lines. You should also be experiencing difficulties with your sleep, which a simple questionnaire will help assess. It's also important that you have a mobile phone or a computer with internet access, as the therapy program is delivered online.
There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your doctor thinks you need urgent talking therapy right away, or if you've recently had similar therapy in the last three months, you wouldn't be suitable. Also, if you're already taking part in other therapy or drug trials, or if you have certain other sleep problems like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, or serious health conditions like severe depression with thoughts of harming yourself, or certain other medical or brain conditions, then this study might not be right for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a healthcare worker who directly cares for patients?
- Do you often have trouble sleeping?
- Do you have a smartphone or computer with internet access?
- Are you currently NOT receiving other urgent psychological treatment or have you NOT had CBT in the last 3 months?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you would be using a digital program called dCBTi, which helps with sleep problems. This program is accessed through your phone or computer. The study will involve filling out some questionnaires about your sleep, mood, and well-being at different times throughout the study period. You'll use the online program at your own pace. The total duration of your involvement in the study, including the therapy and answering questions, will be explained in detail by the study team, but it's likely to be several weeks or a few months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Toronto Western Hospital - UHNVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Recruiting
- Toronto Western HospitalVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Enrolling by invitation
Common questions
What is dCBTi?
dCBTi stands for digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. It's an online program that teaches you skills and techniques to help you sleep better.
Who is this study for?
This study is mainly for healthcare workers on the front lines, especially those who looked after COVID-19 patients and are experiencing sleep difficulties.
How long will the study last?
The study will involve using the online program and answering questions over a period of weeks or months, which the study team will explain.
Do I have to pay to join?
No, you do not have to pay to join this study. The digital program is provided as part of the research.
What if I don't have good internet access?
Having reliable internet access via a phone or computer is important because the therapy program is delivered entirely online.
How to find out more
Mandeep Singh, MBBS, FRCPC
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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