CompletedInterventional

An evaluation of a cognitive-behavioural intervention for medical students

Medical students often face a lot of stress, leading to burnout, depression, and even thoughts of self-harm. This can make it hard for them to continue their training. Current support programs don't always help enough. Thumos is a new type of support based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), designed specifically for healthcare students. This study will check if Thumos helps medical students in the UK feel more resilient, confident, and less burnt out or depressed. We will compare it to the regular support they already receive. The study involves two online group workshops and an individual call for some students, plus completing questionnaires over several months.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

220

Start

16 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Improvement of psychological resilience in UK medical students

What is this study about?

Being a medical student can be really tough, and many students find themselves feeling very stressed, burnt out, or even depressed. About half of medical students report feeling burnt out, and some even have thoughts of self-harm. This is especially true when they start their clinical placements, which are the practical parts of their training where they work in hospitals or clinics. These feelings can sometimes lead students to leave their studies or career early.

While there are some support options available, they don't always fully address the unique pressures medical students face. This study is looking at a new support program called Thumos. Thumos uses a type of talking therapy called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps people understand how their thoughts and feelings affect their actions. It's been specially designed for people working in healthcare, including students, to help them deal with the specific stresses of their job.

The main goal of this study is to see if Thumos helps medical students become more resilient (better able to bounce back from tough times), feel more confident, and reduce feelings of burnout and depression. We want to find out if Thumos is more effective than the usual support students get. This research is important because if Thumos works well, it could help many medical students feel better and continue their vital training.

Key takeaways

It's a study testing an online support program called Thumos for medical students.
Aims to help students deal with stress, burnout, and depression.
Open to UK medical students in their clinical placement years, aged 18 and over.
Participation involves questionnaires and, for some, online workshops and a call.
The study runs until March 2027 and is funded by The MPS Foundation.
Participation is remote, using online video platforms.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for medical students in the United Kingdom.

You can take part if you are in the years of your medical degree where you are doing clinical placements. This often means students in their fourth or fifth year of studies.

You must be 18 years old or older to join this study. If you don't meet these requirements, you won't be able to participate.

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 medical student in the UK?
Are you currently doing clinical placements as part of your studies?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you comfortable participating in an online study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the first step will be to sign a consent form, which explains everything in detail, and then complete some initial questionnaires about how you're feeling. After that, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups, like flipping a coin. One group will get the Thumos program, which includes two online group workshops and a one-on-one video or phone call. The other group will continue with the usual support and services they already receive.

Everyone in the study, no matter which group they are in, will be asked to fill out more questionnaires at different times after the program: once right after it finishes, then again after 4 months, and finally after 9 months. Some participants will also be asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire about their experience. If you are in the Thumos group, a smaller number of you might also be invited for a short interview to talk about your experiences with the program. The study is expected to run from December 2024 to March 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

If you participate in the Thumos program, you might find that it helps improve your mental well-being and how you cope with stress. However, like any support, it might not work for everyone. There are very few risks involved in this study. You might feel a little emotional when answering some of the questions or talking about your experiences, as we will be discussing personal feelings. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical education or care.

Locations (48)

Hull York Medical School
City only
Hull, England
Aston Medical School
City only
Birmingham, England
Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry
City only
London, England
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
City only
Brighton, England
Brunel University London
Approximate
Uxbridge, England
Cardiff University
Unverified
Cardiff, Wales
City St George's, University of London
Unverified
London, England
Edge Hill Medical School
Unverified
Ormskirk, England
Imperial College London
Unverified
London, England
Kent and Medway Medical School
Unverified
Canterbury, England
Keele University Medical School
Unverified
Staffordshire, England
King's College London
Unverified
London, England

Common questions

What is Thumos?

Thumos is a special support program based on talking therapy (CBT) that helps healthcare professionals and students cope with stress and improve their mental well-being.

Who can join this study?

UK medical students aged 18 or over who are currently doing their clinical placements (like in their 4th or 5th year of studies).

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll fill out questionnaires and might receive the Thumos online workshops and a call. All activities are done remotely online.

Will I get special treatment if I join?

The study is comparing Thumos to the usual care. Half of the participants will get Thumos, and the other half will continue with their usual support.

Where is the study happening?

The study is being run by Hull York Medical School, but all activities are online, so you can take part from anywhere in the UK.

How to find out more

Judith Johnson

judith.johnson@manchester.ac.uk +44 (0)161 306 7811 Official trial record

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