The first phase of the project focused on the design of the intervention: modules based on cognitive behaviour therapy and psychoeducation, design of a triage assessment and algorithm to offer tailored content and design of the eHealth platform. We made cultural adaptations for the involved countries and co-designed materials with stakeholders (academics, employer and employee representatives, and occupational health experts).
In a second phase, we developed the EMPOWER eHealth platform (a website and mobile app), and pre-pilot tested with end-users. During this phase, we also made preparations for the control trial in the four countries, including 1) Design of the trial and protocol; 2) Recruitment of SMEs and public agencies in each country; 3) Registration in a clinical trial registry; 4) Preparation of study participant information , , and approval by Ethic Committees from each site. Other tasks included formulation of a dissemination and communication plan, and preparation of data management and protection plan.
In a third phase, we conducted the control trial in four countries (25/02/2022-30/9/2023). A total of a total of 9 SMEs, 5 Public Agencies, and 2 large company participated. AOverallf 877 employees were enrolled. The response rate varied from 80.7% at baseline to 46.3% at T4. As part of the fieldwork, we organised 1) regular meetings to follow-up control trails progress, 2) in-site follow-ups by the local teams and 3) intensive dissemination activities within companies to increase participation and adherence among employees. Additionally, qualitative interviews with employees and employers have been conducted in Spain, Finland and Poland, to understand the barriers, challenges and facilitators of a successful implementation of EMPOWER. We also conducted an impact analysis to gain further insight about the societal, economic, and academic impact of the project.
Finally, based on the results of the scoping review, we conducted an online survey targeting identified stakeholders to evaluate the relevance and ease of implementation strategies for Occupational eMental Health interventions (OeMH) interventions. The survey evaluated how the identified facilitators and barriers impacted the implementation process, leading to the development of a 28-items checklist designed to guide implementation strategies and address these factors.To summarise, the primary outcome of the EMPOWER project is the EMPOWER platform, which integrates a technological component (mobile application and website) with a theoretical component (knowledge and methodologies). To facilitate the platform's further exploitation post-project, we developed a roadmap encompassing intellectual property aspects, joint ownership, result protection agreements, future modification, a market analysis, a tentative business plan, and a proposed 4-year timeline. Other outcomes are: policy brief, 28-item tool to facilitate implementation of OeMH interventions, scientific papers and and public materials to address MH stigma and psychosocial risks at the workplace. The project’s results will be disseminated via European Commission platforms such as the Horizon Result Platform and Open Research Europe. The final event, exhibited the platform's effectiveness and impact, featuring presentations from HaDEA, WHO and private companies. Additionally, an EMPOWER video summarising the project and showcasing end-user experiences, along with short promotional clips, is available on our website and YouTube channel. The website will remain active for four years post-project, hosting all EMPOWER related information.
