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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05701033

Does Engagement with Heritage Sites Have the Potential to Improve Sub-clinical Levels of Low Wellbeing in NHS Staff: a Feasibility Study. the HerWellNHS Study

This feasibility study will focus on assessing and identifying the wellbeing effects of self-directed (unmediated) visits to heritage sites for a high-risk population, specifically NHS staff at PHU self-reporting sub-clinical levels of low wellbeing. In particular, it seeks to understand whether wellbeing effects can be derived from unmediated visits to heritage sites, how much exposure to heritage is necessary to experience wellbeing effects, whether and how benefits may be accumulated, how long wellbeing effects may last following visits, and the nature of these wellbeing effects. In addition, it will establish appropriate psychological measures (qualitative and quantitative), test a web-based data collection interface, examine participant choices and their characteristics, and assess participant adherence and response rates prior to developing a clinical trial.

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Key information

Conditions

Mental Health Wellness 1

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 3LY, United Kingdom

About this study

This feasibility study will use quantitative and qualitative psychological measures to examine participant choices of heritage sites and their characteristics, as well as assessing participant adherence and response rates prior to development of a future clinical trial.

It will act as proof of concept, generating a case for the promise of unmediated heritage visits as an effective mental health intervention.

The project will focus on assessing and identifying the wellbeing effects of unmediated visits to heritage sites for NHS staff, and seeks to understand how much exposure to heritage is necessary to experience wellbeing effects, how benefits may be accumulated, how long wellbeing effects may last following a visit, and what the nature of these wellbeing effects may be. The study also seeks to capture the staff experience of engaging with heritage sites, what are the aspects which might result in positive change as a result of the interactions as well if there are any potential risks associated with such interventions.

This project is funded by Historic England. The project partners are as follows: Portsmouth University NHS Hospitals, The Royal Navy National Museum, The Mary Rose Museum, Wessex Archaeology, Portsmouth City Council, Art as Media and the University of Southampton.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

The participant must meet ALL of the following criteria to be considered eligible for the study:

  • Male or Female, aged 18 years or above.
  • Self-reported subclinical levels of low wellbeing
  • Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
  • NHS Staff at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Exclusion criteria

The participant may not enter the study if ANY of the following apply:

  • Having been diagnosed with and/or received treatment for any mental health issues in the past 12 months
  • Under 18
  • Unable to give informed consent for participation in the study

Treatment and study plan

Access to heritage

Other

Unmediated access to heritage sites for wellbeing

Primary outcomes

  1. improve sub-clinical levels of low wellbeing for staff

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 months

    As a primary objective, this feasibility study aims to determine whether engagement with heritage sites has the potential to improve sub-clinical levels of low wellbeing for staff at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Secondary outcomes

  1. What intensity of exposure to heritage is necessary to experience wellbeing effects, and whether and how benefits may be accumulated?

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 months

    What intensity of exposure to heritage is necessary to experience wellbeing effects, and whether and how benefits may be accumulated?

  2. What kinds of wellbeing benefits do staff experience?

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 months

    What kinds of wellbeing benefits do staff experience?

  3. What other 'spin-off' effects might be obtained through improved staff wellbeing via visits to heritage sites?

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 months

    What other 'spin-off' effects might be obtained through improved staff wellbeing via visits to heritage sites?

  4. What factors are related to the wellbeing effects of heritage visits (e.g. exercise, being with other people, duration of visit, type of heritage visit)?

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 months

    What factors are related to the wellbeing effects of heritage visits (e.g. exercise, being with other people, duration of visit, type of heritage visit)?

  5. What is the duration of post-visits effectiveness on wellbeing?

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 6 months

    What is the duration of post-visits effectiveness on wellbeing?

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

Other Gov

Collaborators

  • University of Southampton

Registry information

Acronym: HerWellNHS

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2024
First posted
Jan 27, 2023
Registry last updated
Nov 7, 2024

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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