Evaluating the Outcomes of a Web‐Based Stress Management Program for Nurses and Nursing Assistants
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the utilization, satisfaction, and effect of a web‐based stress management program for nurses and nursing assistants (NAs). Methods: This quality improvement project provided BREATHE, a web‐based stress management program that consisted of six modules that describe, identify, and help nurses manage stress for 31 nurses and NAs working on a subacute rehabilitation unit at a mid‐Atlantic community hospital. Measurements: The number of login attempts and time spent on the program were included, as were the nurse stress scale (NSS), a 34‐item validated instrument that captures seven dimensions of stress, and a seven‐item satisfaction survey given at the end of the modules. Results: Nurses utilized and were satisfied with the evidence‐based program BREATHE and reported significant improvement in NSS scores. Linking Evidence to Action: Findings suggest that BREATHE was effective at reducing the NSS score among nurses and NAs. The web‐based nature of the program allowed nurses to engage in it at times most convenient for them, which added to the program’s acceptability and overall satisfaction.
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Both BREATHE studies reported statistically significant changes in levels of stress as measured by the Nurse Stress Scale despite varied study designs.
“Both studies reported statistically significant changes in levels of stress as measured by the Nurse Stress Scale (NSS) despite the varied study designs.37 47”
From Workplace interventions to improve well-being and reduce burnout for nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals: a systematic review. (2023) · cites this paper as [47]
Hersch et al implemented an RCT design with 104 participants, while Dutton and Kozachik used a single group pretest/posttest study design with 31 participants.
“Hersch et al37 implemented an RCT design with a total of 104 participants while Dutton and Kozachik47 used a single group pretest/posttest study design with 31 participants.”
From Workplace interventions to improve well-being and reduce burnout for nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals: a systematic review. (2023) · cites this paper as [47]
Of the four studies that implemented mindfulness-based education practices in an online or solely self-directed manner, two used the web-based BREATHE programme designed to help nurses manage stress.
“Of the four studies that implemented MBI practices in an online or solely self-directed manner, two37 47 used the web-based BREATHE programme designed to help nurses manage stress.”
From Workplace interventions to improve well-being and reduce burnout for nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals: a systematic review. (2023) · cites this paper as [47]
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- Authors
- Dutton, S., & Kozachik, S. L.
- Affiliations
- Sibley Memorial Hospital (US)
- Johns Hopkins University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Dutton, Suzanne
- Venue
- Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2020-01-08
- Volume
- 17
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 32-38
- ISSN
- 1545-102X (ISSN-L)
- 1741-6787
- OpenAlex
- W3000533843
- Cited by
- 16
- References
- 22
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 1
- FWCI
- 2.46
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Sibley Foundation
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Stress and Burnout Research
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Burnout
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout
- Keywords
- nurse stress, nursing assistants, program utilization, user satisfaction, occupational stress reduction, evidence-based interventions
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Female, Humans, Job Satisfaction, Male, Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Psychometrics, Stress, Psychological, Program Evaluation, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Internet, Quality Improvement
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