Mobile health for mental health: a pilot study on well-being, burnout, and stress among healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) applications have the potential to improve mental well-being, reduce burnout, and manage stress among healthcare professionals. However, evidence on their effectiveness remains limited.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study evaluated preliminary changes in mental well-being, perceived stress, and burnout associated with the use of CalmAnna among healthcare professionals.

METHODS

Using a single-group pre-post design, this study was conducted with 75 healthcare professionals who used the CalmAnna mobile application over a six-week period. The application includes evidence-based modules - such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-inspired exercises, supplemented by psychoeducational content. Study outcomes were assessed at baseline and at six weeks using validated self-report measures (WHO-5, MBI, PSS-10, SUPSO-7), administered both online and via paper-and-pencil formats. In addition, participants completed an in-app self-assessment of stress, burnout, and well-being, which was used to generate a personalized intervention plan.

RESULTS

A total of 75 healthcare professionals were included in the analysis. Significant improvements were observed in mental well-being (Δ = +1.55, 95% CI [0.61, 2.48], p = 0.001) and reductions in perceived stress (Δ = -1.73, 95% CI [-2.40, -1.06], p < 0.001). Burnout indicators also showed significant improvements, including reductions in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and an increase in personal accomplishment. Changes across psychological state dimensions (SUPSO) indicated increased positive and decreased negative states. All reported effects remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

CalmAnna appears to be a promising mHealth intervention associated with improvements in mental well-being and reductions in stress and burnout among healthcare professionals. Further randomized controlled studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are needed to establish its effectiveness.