‘SWell’ Staff Wellbeing Interventions in Paediatric Critical Care: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Introduction Paediatric Critical Care (PCC) staff experience high levels of stress, distress and burnout. The objective was to test feasibility of delivering staff wellbeing interventions in UK PCC units. Materials and Methods The method was a feasibility study of Staff Wellbeing interventions using standardized psychological measures. Study Design and Participants We conducted a multi-centre feasibility (non-randomised) study at 14 UK PCC units during 2023. Interdisciplinary PCC staff were recruited through principal investigators (PIs) at each site. Data Collection Instruments The primary outcome measure tested was the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Secondary outcome measures tested were: Brief Resilience Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale with acceptability and feasibility surveys. All were completed online using Qualtrics. Procedures Two ‘SWell’ Staff Wellbeing interventions were tested: Mad-Sad-Glad and Wellbeing Images with Appreciative Inquiry. They were low-intensity, group-based, structured reflective discussions delivered by PIs. Baseline measures (t0) were completed by 596 staff, 264 (43%) completed immediate post-intervention (t1), with 6% and 5% at 3 (t2) and 6 (t3) months post-intervention, respectively. Results 50% (n = 14) of UK PCC units delivered 104 interventions to 573 staff demonstrating delivery feasibility. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests found that wellbeing scores and depression scores were significantly improved in matched pairs (t0, t1; n = 130). Staff ratings indicated high acceptability and feasibility for incorporating interventions into everyday practice. Discussion ‘SWell’ interventions are feasible to deliver. Pre/post data collection is possible but significant attrition prohibited long-term follow-up. Significant improvements in wellbeing demonstrated appropriateness of outcome measures to detect changes in psychological wellbeing. Further evaluation work is required to determine whether positive changes are sustainable longer-term.