Longitudinal evaluation of cost effectiveness and wellbeing related variables of mindfulness training in the workplace: A PhD Project

PhD Student

Sharon Hadley

Project Summary

Objective: The research aims to investigate the cost effectiveness and the psychosocial impact of a mindfulness-based intervention delivered in the workplace.

Methods:

The randomised controlled study with a follow up will employ a phased randomisation approach. The phases of randomisation will enable the recruitment / waiting list to remain open for additional participants to join until the last phase of randomisation. Research study randomisation will be supported by Zoë Hoare -- Senior Statistician at the North Wales Organisation for Randomised Trials in Health (NWORTH).

A 8 week mindfulness based programme designed for the workplace will be delivered free of charge to public sector employees in 4 geographical locations; Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and London. The intervention will be available during working hours to encourage participation.    Baseline data will be gathered from all participants.  All participation will be voluntary.

NHS England will promote the intervention using their monthly payslips, staff newsletters, intranet and email circulation lists as platforms for information dissemination. The Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice (CMRP) will also promote the project on their website.
Bangor University School of Psychology ethics board approval will be obtained prior to the study commencing.

Intervention:

Participants will be offered a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) 8 week programme adapted for workplace delivery. The programme will be provided by mindfulness trainers who have had some training and assessment from CMRP, Bangor University. The progression of the trial will follow the Medical Research Council's guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions (2008).

For further information, please contact Sharon Hadley at sharon.hadley@bangor.ac.uk