An internet-based compassion course for healthcare professionals

A Randomized Controlled Evaluation of a Compassion-course With the Aim of Reducing Stress of Conscience and Work-related Stress and Increase Levels of Professional Quality of Life and Self-compassion in Healthcare Professionals

Not applicable Interventional Linnaeus University · NCT04700878

This study is testing an online compassion course to see if it can help healthcare workers feel less stressed and improve their job satisfaction.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment548 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLinnaeus University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vaxjo, Kronoberg County)
Trial IDNCT04700878 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a five-module internet-based compassion course designed to reduce work-related stress and enhance professional quality of life among healthcare professionals. The course aims to improve self-compassion and coping mechanisms in response to the high levels of stress experienced, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants will be healthcare workers who interact directly with patients and have reported significant stress levels. The study will assess the impact of the course on their psychological well-being and professional satisfaction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthcare professionals working directly with patients who experience high levels of work-related stress.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently on sick leave due to stress or are unable to participate in the course format will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and job satisfaction of healthcare professionals, leading to better patient care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes from compassion interventions in reducing work-related stress, although Swedish research in this area is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

The inclusion criteria will be as follows: the participants work directly with patients full-time or part-time, score 45 points or higher on the primary outcome measure Stress of Conscience Questionnaire (SCQ), are proficient in Swedish, have the requisite time to attend a digital course, and accept the course's format.

The exclusion criteria include being partially or fully on sick leave due to stress.

All criteria are assessed on the basis of self-assessment forms of the participants, but in case of uncertainty, follow-up questions can be done by phone.

Where this trial is running

Vaxjo, Kronoberg County

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Psychological StressCompassionOccupational HealthCognitive Behavioral Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.