Abstract
ObjectiveThis multicentre, randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a small-group intervention promoting successful ageing at work in older nurses (aged ≥45).MethodA sample of 115 nurses aged ≥45 from 4 trial sites in Germany were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (IG), that received a small-group intervention of seven weekly sessions of 120 min with a booster session after six weeks or to a wait-list control condition (WLC). Outcomes were measured via validated self-report questionnaires at baseline (T1) and at post-treatment (T2).Primary outcomes were mental health-related well-being and mental health-related quality of life (QOL). The secondary outcomes included mental health-related and work-related measures.ResultsThe intention to treat (ITT) analysis showed significant positive effects of the intervention on mental health. A significant small effect (d = 0.3) in favour of the IG was found for psychological health-related quality of life. Positive small effects (d = 0.24 to d = 0.31) were also found for work related mental strain.ConclusionsOur small-group intervention based on a theory of successful ageing for nurses aged ≥45 was found to be effective with regard to improvements of psychological health related quality of life and other mental health-related outcomes. Thus, our study shows that the ageing workforce can be reached through specifically designed preventive interventions. The components of our intervention could be easily adapted to the belongings of other professions. Our results suggest that these components should be evaluated in various settings outside the healthcare sector.
Highlights
All European countries are facing demographic changes because of an increase in life expectancy and a decrease in fertility.[1, 2] The increasing proportion of elderly people is linked with respective care requirements and has profound consequences, such as high work volume and high emotional strain level, for workers in healthcare systems
Our small-group intervention based on a theory of successful ageing for nurses aged !45 was found to be effective with regard to improvements of psychological health related quality of life and other mental health-related outcomes
According to results of the nursesearly exit ()-Study, which had more than 28,000 participants from 10 European countries, a high psychological burden the strongest factor associated with an intention to leave (ITL) the profession
Summary
All European countries are facing demographic changes because of an increase in life expectancy and a decrease in fertility.[1, 2] The increasing proportion of elderly people is linked with respective care requirements and has profound consequences, such as high work volume and high emotional strain level, for workers in healthcare systems. Other important factors that lead to early retirement include work-related stress and impaired mental health.[4, 5] Compared to other professions, nurses frequently suffer from emotional distress or mental disorders.[6] According to results of the nursesearly exit ()-Study, which had more than 28,000 participants from 10 European countries, a high psychological burden the strongest factor associated with an intention to leave (ITL) the profession. Comparisons among various age groups suggest a higher mental strain in older nurses than in their younger colleagues.[7] effective preventive intervention programmes addressing the nursing staff workforce aged 45 and older are required to reduce work-related distress in order to maintain mental health until retirement age
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