Workers' health surveillance targeting mental health: evaluation of a training

Abstract

Background: Mental health complaints occur frequently among healthcare workers. A workers' health surveillance mental health module (WHS-MH) was found to be effective in improving work functioning of nurses, although not implemented regularly. Therefore, training for occupational physicians and nurses to facilitate the implementation of WHS-MH was developed and evaluated.

Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of training on knowledge, self-efficacy and motivation to implement WHS-MH, and to evaluate participants' satisfaction with the training.

Methods: Three-hour training was held among 49 occupational physicians and nurses in the Netherlands. Effect on knowledge, self-efficacy and motivation was assessed using knowledge tests and questionnaires before and immediately after the training. Satisfaction with the training was measured using questionnaires after the training.

Results: A mean knowledge test score of 5.3 (SD = 1.6) was found before training, which did not significantly increase after training (M = 5.6, SD = 1.8). In total, 43% agreed or strongly agreed to have sufficient skills to implement WHS-MH, which significantly increased to 78% after the training. Furthermore, 87% agreed or strongly agreed to be motivated to initiate WHS, which significantly increased to 94% after the training. The majority of participants were satisfied with the training.

Conclusions: Training may enhance the implementation of the WHS-MH through increasing self-efficacy and motivation. However, no effect on level of knowledge to implement WHS-MH was found.

Keywords: Education; mental health; occupational health professional; training; workers’ health surveillance.