RecruitingInterventional

RESTORE: Research evaluating staff training online for resilience

The RESTORE study is looking at how to best support hospice staff, who often face high levels of stress. It's testing an online programme called RESTORE, based on a technique called Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), to see if it helps improve their mental wellbeing. Some hospices will get the training, while others will continue with their usual support. Everyone will answer online questionnaires to see how they're feeling. The goal is to find out if this new training is a good way to give staff the tools they need to manage stress, helping them continue giving excellent care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

300

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Mental wellbeing in staff working in hospices

What is this study about?

Working in a hospice can be very rewarding, but it can also be incredibly challenging and stressful for staff. They spend their days caring for people at a difficult time, and this can take a toll on their emotional health. At the moment, there isn't one best way to support staff with these challenges, and we need better ways to help them cope.

That's where the RESTORE study comes in. We're testing a special online training programme called RESTORE, which has shown promise in earlier research. This programme uses exercises and techniques to help people manage their thoughts and feelings better, which can improve their overall wellbeing. The study will compare this new training with the usual wellbeing support that hospices already offer.

By taking part, staff will help us understand if the RESTORE training really works. The information we gather will be used to make sure that hospice staff get the best possible support in the future, so they can keep doing their vital work while also looking after themselves.

Key takeaways

Tests an online training programme (RESTORE) to help hospice staff with stress.
Aims to improve mental wellbeing for those working in palliative care.
Compares RESTORE training to current wellbeing support in hospices.
Involves online workshops, self-guided learning, and questionnaires.
Participation could benefit personal wellbeing and future staff support.
Study runs from February 2025 to February 2028.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to join the RESTORE study if you work at a hospice that has decided to take part. This includes a variety of roles such as doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, social workers, and other health professionals, particularly those who help people at home.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. If you are currently receiving any type of talking therapy or psychological support, whether through work or privately, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you've had this kind of support very recently (in the last three months), you'd need to wait until that three-month period has passed before being eligible.

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.

Do I work in a hospice that is taking part in this study?
Am I a doctor, nurse, healthcare assistant, social worker, or other health professional?
Am I currently receiving any form of talking therapy or psychological support?
Have I completed any talking therapy or psychological support in the last three months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your hospice takes part, it will be randomly chosen to either receive the RESTORE online training or continue with its usual staff support. If you're in the training group, you'll attend four live online workshops, each lasting about 1.5 hours, and spend 8-10 hours over eight weeks on flexible, self-guided learning activities like videos and exercises. If you're in the usual support group, you'll continue with the wellbeing resources already available to you, and you'll be offered the RESTORE training after the study ends.

Regardless of which group you're in, you'll be asked to complete online questionnaires four times: once at the very start, and then again after 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Some participants might also be asked to have a chat (interview) about their experiences. The study aims to run from February 2025 to February 2028.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could be a positive experience. You might enjoy the training and find it helpful for your mental wellbeing, and the information collected will ultimately help improve support for hospice staff everywhere. There are no major risks expected, but you will need to set aside time for the training workshops, learning activities, and questionnaires. If you ever feel more stressed during the study, there will be a specialist therapist available to give advice and suggest further help, and you are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (20)

Sue Ryder
Approximate
Cheltenham, England
Compton Palliative Care Team
City only
Wolverhampton, England
Countess Mountbatten Hospice (botley Road)
City only
Southampton, England
Douglas Macmillan Hospice
Approximate
Stoke-on-trent, England
Francis House Childrens Hospice
City only
Didsbury, England
Hospiscare
Approximate
Exeter, England
Rowans Hospice
Approximate
Waterlooville, England
Weston Hospicecare
Approximate
Weston-super-mare, England
The Myton Hospices
Approximate
Coventry, England
Dorothy House Hospice
Approximate
Bradford-on-avon, England
Katharine House Hospice
Unverified
Stafford, England
St Anns Hospice
Unverified
Cheadle, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of the RESTORE study?

The goal is to find out if an online training programme can help hospice staff better manage stress and improve their mental wellbeing.

What does a participant in the training group have to do?

You'd attend four online workshops (1.5 hours each) and do about 8-10 hours of self-study over eight weeks.

What if my hospice doesn't get the training right away?

You'll continue with your usual wellbeing support, and the RESTORE training will be offered to you later once the study is finished.

Will I have to fill out lots of forms?

You'll complete online questionnaires four times over about six months, and some people might also be invited for an interview.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research – Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation programme here in the UK.

How to find out more

Alix Macdonald

restore.trial@ed.ac.uk +44 131 651 9928 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.