Digital therapy for insomnia in healthcare workers
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Frontline Health Care Workers (The HCW-CBTi Study): A 2-arm, Pragmatic, Prospective, Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing a digital therapy program to see if it can help healthcare workers who are struggling with insomnia get better sleep and improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 366 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Toronto, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05816304 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (dCBTi) program aimed at improving sleep health and overall well-being among frontline healthcare workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the high prevalence of insomnia in this population, the study seeks to provide a less resource-intensive solution to address sleep disruptions that can impact cognitive and emotional functioning. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the digital therapy, which includes techniques such as sleep hygiene and relaxation therapy, to assess its impact on their mental health and quality of life.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are frontline healthcare workers experiencing probable insomnia disorder who have access to a mobile phone or computer with internet.
Not a fit: Patients with urgent CBT treatment needs, recent CBT treatment, or significant sleep-related disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve sleep quality and mental health for frontline healthcare workers, enhancing their overall well-being and patient care.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital CBTi for insomnia, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Health care workers with probable insomnia disorder, as indicated by a score of 16 or lower on the Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI), * Self-identify as being involved in frontline management of patients; * Access to a mobile phone or a computer with Internet access. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants requiring urgent CBT treatment as per their health care provider, * Participants received CBT in the past 3 months * Participants participating in other psychological treatments and/or drug trials during the study; * Self-reported additional sleep related disorders: sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome; * Significant other significant medical or psychiatric conditions e.g. life threatening (e.g. cancer), neurological conditions (e.g. epilepsy); severe depression , active suicide intent.
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario and 1 other locations
- Toronto Western Hospital - UHN — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- Toronto Western Hospital — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Enrolling_by_invitation)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mandeep Singh, MD, FRCPC — Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN
- Study coordinator: Mandeep Singh, MBBS, FRCPC
- Email: mandeep.singh@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-603-5118
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.