Reducing work-related stress among health professionals by using a training-based intervention programme for leaders in a cluster randomised controlled trial

Healthcare organisations worldwide are affected by the shortage of health professionals due to work-related stress and health professional leaders play an important role by implementing effective strategies. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether the STRAIN intervention program (using evidence-based training for health professional leaders) can reduce work-related stress among health professionals. This study is based on a cluster randomised controlled trial, consists of three measurements and includes 165 participating hospitals, nursing homes and home care organisations. A total of 206 health professional leaders took part in the intervention programme and 19,340 health professionals participated in the study. Results showed no significant differences (p textgreater 0.05) between the intervention and control group regarding the effort-reward imbalance ratio, quantitative demands, opportunities for development, bond with the organisation, quality of leadership, social community, role clarity, rewards, difficulties with demarcation and work-private life conflict. Pre-/post-test analysis revealed a tendency for significant positive results (p textless 0.05) for stressors, stress symptoms and long-term consequences for organisations with a leaders' participation rate of $ 75%. Leaders' awareness, commitment and readiness is essential to implement effective strategies reducing work-related stress.