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. 2023 Sep 30;24(1):621.
doi: 10.1186/s13063-023-07537-0.

Implementation and evaluation of a multi-level mental health promotion intervention for the workplace (MENTUPP): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

Ella Arensman  1   2   3 , Mallorie Leduc  4 , Cliodhna O'Brien  4 , Paul Corcoran  5   4 , Eve Griffin  5   4 , Caleb Leduc  5   4 , Evelien Coppens  6 , Fotini Tsantila  6 , Victoria Ross  7 , Kahar Abdulla  8 , Pia Hauck  8 , Benedikt L Amann  9   10   11   12 , Birgit Aust  13 , Arlinda Cerga Pashoja  14 , Johanna Cresswell-Smith  15 , Luigia D'Alessandro  16 , Naim Fanaj  17 , Birgit A Greiner  5 , Jeroen Luyten  18 , Sharna Mathieu  7 , Margaret Maxwell  19 , Gentiana Qirjako  20 , Hanna Reich  21   22 , Sarita Sanches  23   24 , Monika Ditta Tóth  25 , Joseph Kilroy  26 , Karen Michell  27 , Nicola Reavley  28 , David McDaid  29 , Chantal Van Audenhove  6   30 ; MENTUPP consortium
Collaborators, Affiliations

Implementation and evaluation of a multi-level mental health promotion intervention for the workplace (MENTUPP): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

Ella Arensman et al. Trials. .

Abstract

Background: Well-organised and managed workplaces can be a source of wellbeing. The construction, healthcare and information and communication technology sectors are characterised by work-related stressors (e.g. high workloads, tight deadlines) which are associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing. The MENTUPP intervention is a flexibly delivered, multi-level approach to supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating mentally healthy workplaces. The online intervention is tailored to each sector and designed to support employees and leaders dealing with mental health difficulties (e.g. stress), clinical level anxiety and depression, and combatting mental health-related stigma. This paper presents the protocol for the cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) of the MENTUPP intervention in eight European countries and Australia.

Methods: Each intervention country will aim to recruit at least two SMEs in each of the three sectors. The design of the cRCT is based on the experiences of a pilot study and guided by a Theory of Change process that describes how the intervention is assumed to work. SMEs will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control conditions. The aim of the cRCT is to assess whether the MENTUPP intervention is effective in improving mental health and wellbeing (primary outcome) and reducing stigma, depression and suicidal behaviour (secondary outcome) in employees. The study will also involve a process and economic evaluation.

Conclusions: At present, there is no known multi-level, tailored, flexible and accessible workplace-based intervention for the prevention of non-clinical and clinical symptoms of depression, anxiety and burnout, and the promotion of mental wellbeing. The results of this study will provide a comprehensive overview of the implementation and effectiveness of such an intervention in a variety of contexts, languages and cultures leading to the overall goal of delivering an evidence-based intervention for mental health in the workplace.

Trial registration: Please refer to Item 2a and registration ISRCTN14104664. Registered on 12th July 2022.

Keywords: Depression; Economic evaluation; Implementation; Mental health and wellbeing; Occupational; Organisational interventions; Process evaluation; Self-harm; Suicidal behaviour; Suicide; Workplace health promotion; Workplace-based health interventions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
MENTUPP cRCT timeline
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Screenshot of MENTUPP Hub springboard page which links to modules
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Screenshot of module links within MENTUPP Hub
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
SPIRIT figure of MENTUPP study protocol
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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