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Work-related Challenges in Psychiatric-psychosomatic Clinics

This project aims to understand the daily work challenges faced by nurses, psychologists, and doctors in mental health clinics across Germany. Researchers want to see how job demands (like workload) and job resources (like support from colleagues) affect how satisfied these healthcare workers are with their jobs, if they think about leaving, and how they feel about the quality of care they provide. They are particularly interested in the roles of burnout, feeling engaged at work, and feeling safe to speak up. The study involves an online survey and workshops with healthcare professionals to figure out what works well and what needs to improve to support staff and enhance patient care.

At a glance

Status
Active not recruiting
Sponsor
Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH
Enrolment target
325
Start
10 Mar 2025
Estimated completion
01 Sep 2026

What is this study about?

This study is looking into the everyday working lives of nurses, psychologists, and doctors in special clinics in Germany that treat mental health and stress-related physical problems (psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics). The main goal is to understand what makes their jobs challenging and what helps them do their best work. Think of it like this: some days at work are harder than others, and some workplaces offer more support. This study wants to see how these 'demands' and 'resources' at work affect how happy staff are in their jobs, whether they consider looking for a new job, and how they rate the quality of care they give to patients.

Researchers are especially interested in how feelings like 'burnout' (feeling completely exhausted and overwhelmed by work) and 'engagement' (feeling enthusiastic and committed to work) play a part. They also want to understand 'psychological safety', which is about whether staff feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, or making mistakes without fear of negative consequences. Understanding these areas can help identify what causes stress and what helps healthcare professionals thrive.

The study has two main parts. First, there's an online survey for healthcare professionals across Germany to gather their experiences. Second, there will be workshops where small groups of staff from different roles (nurses, psychologists, doctors) can talk together. In these workshops, they'll discuss real-life challenges, what helps them, how they work together, and come up with practical ideas to make their working environment better. The information from this study will be used to help improve working conditions for staff and, in turn, enhance the quality of mental healthcare provided.

Key takeaways

  • Study aims to understand healthcare workers' experiences in German mental health clinics.
  • Focuses on job demands, resources, job satisfaction, burnout, and care quality.
  • Involves an online survey and optional workshops with staff.
  • Seeks to improve working conditions and patient care.
  • Participation is voluntary and information kept confidential.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a healthcare professional — that means a nurse, psychologist, or doctor — who currently works in a psychiatric-psychosomatic clinic in Germany. You also need to be 18 years old or older. It's important that you can understand and speak German well enough to complete the survey.

Before you join, you'll be asked to give your 'informed consent'. This means the research team will explain everything about the study, and you'll agree in writing or electronically that you understand and want to take part voluntarily.

You won't be able to join the study if you don't work as a nurse, psychologist, or doctor in a psychiatric-psychosomatic clinic, or if you are under 18. Also, if you have severe difficulties with your thinking or understanding that would prevent you from completing the questionnaire truthfully, 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.

  1. Are you a nurse, psychologist, or doctor?
  2. Do you work in a psychiatric-psychosomatic clinic in Germany?
  3. Are you 18 years of age or older?
  4. Can you understand and complete a survey in German?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, your participation will involve completing an anonymous online survey. This survey will ask you about your work experiences, views on your job, and your workplace. It will only take place once. There are no follow-up visits or medication involved. If you are invited to and choose to participate in a workshop, this will be a focused group discussion where you can share your insights with other healthcare professionals.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that your experiences will directly contribute to research aimed at improving working conditions for healthcare professionals and the quality of care in mental health clinics. There are no direct medical benefits to you. Taking part in the online survey should have very minimal risks, as your answers are anonymous, and your personal information will be kept confidential. Participating in the workshop also carries minimal risk, focusing on sharing experiences in a supportive environment. You are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect you in any way.

Locations (2)

  • Constructor University Bremen and online
    Verified postcode
    Bremen, Germany
  • Constructor University
    Verified postcode
    Bremen, Germany

Common questions

Who is running this study?

This study is being conducted by researchers to understand work-related challenges in German mental health clinics.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes, all your responses in the survey will be anonymous, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.

How long will it take to complete the survey?

The survey is designed to be completed in one sitting, and the time taken will be reasonable, though a specific duration isn't mentioned here.

Do I have to take part in a workshop if I complete the survey?

No, the workshops are a separate part of the study, and participation in them would be by invitation and completely voluntary.

What will happen with the results of this study?

The results will help researchers understand and suggest practical ways to improve working conditions for staff and the quality of care in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics.

How to find out more

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

Discussion

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