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NCT Number: NCT06867601

Work-related Challenges in Psychiatric-psychosomatic Clinics

The aim of this project is to evaluate the work-related challenges faced by healthcare professionals (nurses, psychologists, and doctors) in German psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics. By applying the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this study investigates how job demands and resources influence job satisfaction, turnover intention, and subjective service quality. Special focus is given to the roles of burnout, engagement, and psychological safety as mediators and moderators in these relationships.

The project consists of two phases. In Phase 1, a cross-sectional online survey targeting healthcare professionals in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics across Germany is conducted to identify key factors affecting well-being and performance in mental health settings. In Phase 2, a participatory co-design workshop with multiprofessional healthcare professionals is conducted to further explore work-related challenges, supportive factors, interprofessional collaboration, and possible practical support approaches for the clinical work environment.

The findings will contribute to a better understanding of work-related experiences in psychiatric-psychosomatic care and support the development of feasible and practice-oriented approaches to improve working conditions and service quality.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Work Engagement Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Burnout Burnout, Psychological Job Satisfaction Service Quality Stress, Psychological Turnoverintention

Age range

18 year–100 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Constructor University, Bremen, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Germany

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About this study

This study uses an online questionnaire to collect data from healthcare professionals (nurses, psychologists, and doctors) working in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics in Germany. The survey aims to assess their experiences and perceptions regarding work-related challenges, job demands, and resources, as well as their impact on job satisfaction, turnover intention, and subjective service quality. The study applies the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model to explore the relationships between these factors, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of burnout and engagement and the moderating role of psychological safety.

In addition to the quantitative survey component, the project also includes a qualitative participatory co-design phase. This phase consists of a structured workshop with multiprofessional healthcare professionals working in psychiatric-psychosomatic care. The workshop aims to explore everyday work-related challenges, supportive factors, interprofessional collaboration, and possible approaches to support healthcare professionals in their clinical work environment.

The workshop uses participatory and reflective group methods, including visual activation exercises, moderated group discussions, World Café elements, and co-creative idea development. Discussions focus on experiences of workload, supportive resources, practical challenges, and realistic approaches that may support healthcare professionals in their daily work. Audio recordings and visual workshop materials are used for qualitative analysis. Participation is voluntary, and all collected data are handled confidentially and in accordance with ethical and data protection regulations.

The survey will be conducted at a single time point, targeting 600 healthcare professionals (200 nurses, 200 psychologists, and 200 doctors) across various psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics in Germany. Data will be collected using standardized scales to ensure reliability and validity. Participants will be recruited via email invitations sent to clinics, with the survey distributed through the SoSci Survey platform. Participation is voluntary, and all data will be anonymized and handled in compliance with ethical and data protection regulations.

Main Research Questions are:

I. How do the surveyed resources and demands of healthcare professionals impact job satisfaction, turnover intention and subjective service quality? II. What roles do burnout, engagement, and psychological safety play as mediators and moderators in these relationships? III. What are the key challenges and resources identified by healthcare professionals in their daily work within psychiatric-psychosomatic settings? IV. Which practical and feasible support approaches do healthcare professionals identify within participatory co-design discussions regarding the clinical work environment in psychiatric-psychosomatic care?

Who can participate

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthcare professionals (nurses, psychologists, or doctors) working in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics in Germany
  • Age 18 years or older
  • Sufficient German language proficiency to complete the questionnaire
  • Willingness to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals not working as nurses, psychologists, or doctors in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics
  • Age under 18 years
  • Insufficient German language proficiency to complete the questionnaire
  • Massively limited cognitive abilities

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Job Satisfaction

    Time frame: Baseline

    The 'Arbeitszufriedenheit Skala' (Job Satisfaction Scale) from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) by Nübling et al. (2010) assesses job satisfaction among healthcare professionals in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics. This scale captures various dimensions of job satisfaction, including satisfaction with career prospects, colleagues, physical working conditions, management, utilization of skills, salary, and overall job satisfaction. Responses are measured on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Very satisfied) to 5 (Very dissatisfied). Higher scores indicate lower job satisfaction, while lower scores reflect higher job satisfaction.

  2. Emotional Exhaustion

    Time frame: Baseline

    The 'Emotionale Erschöpfung Skala' (Emotional Exhaustion Scale) from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) by Nübling et al. (2010) assesses emotional exhaustion among healthcare professionals in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics. This scale captures participants' experiences of exhaustion and feelings of being emotionally drained due to work. Responses are measured on a 5-point frequency scale, ranging from 1 (Always) to 5 (Never/Almost never). Lower scores indicate greater emotional exhaustion, while higher scores reflect lower levels of exhaustion.

  3. Engagement

    Time frame: Baseline

    The 'Engagement Skala' from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) by Nübling et al. (2010) assesses work engagement among healthcare professionals in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics. They collect data on participants' levels of energy, enthusiasm, and absorption in their work. Responses are measured on a 5-point frequency scale ranging from 1 (Always) to 5 (Never/Almost never). Lower scores indicate grater engagement, while higher scores reflect lower levels of engagement.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Turnover Intention

    Time frame: in the last 12 Months

    The 'Gedanke an Beruf-/Stellenwechsel Skala' (Turnover Intention Scale) from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) by Nübling et al. (2010) assesses turnover intention among healthcare professionals in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics. They collect data on participants' thoughts about leaving their profession or their current job over the past 12 months. Responses are measured on a 5-point frequency scale ranging from 1 (Never) to 5 (Every day). Lower scores indicate a lower desire to leave the job, while higher scores reflect greater desire to leave.

  2. Subjective Service Quality

    Time frame: Baseline

    The 'Service Quality Scale' by Rafferty et al. (2001) assesses subjective service quality among healthcare professionals in psychiatric-psychosomatic clinics. They collect data on participants' perceptions of the quality of care provided on their unit, including reliability, consistency, and alignment with expectations. Responses are measured on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly disagree) to 5 (Strongly agree). Lower scores indicate a subjective lower service quality, while higher scores reflect higher subjective service quality.

Other outcomes

  1. Qualitative themes related to work-related challenges and supportive factors

    Time frame: During the single workshop session (Day 1)

    Qualitative themes identified during participatory group discussions regarding work-related demands, supportive resources, and interprofessional collaboration in psychiatric-psychosomatic care.

  2. Co-designed support approaches for the clinical work environment

    Time frame: During the single workshop session (Day 1)

    Ideas and approaches collaboratively developed by healthcare professionals regarding feasible and practice-oriented support strategies for the clinical work environment.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Healthcare Professionals in German Psychiatric-psychosomatic Clinical Practice: Theory Guided Evaluation of Work-related Challenges.

Acronym: HIPP

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 10, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 5, 2026

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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