An E-Mental Health Solution to Prevent and Manage Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries among First Responders in Alberta: Protocol for the Implementation and Evaluation of Text4PTSI (Preprint)

BACKGROUND First responders are confronted with the traumatic event(s) in their work that has a significant toll on their psychological health and that may contribute to or result in post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI) for many responders. Persons with a PTSI usually seek management therapies, which they hope will be effective. Evidence indicates that digital delivery of these therapies is an innovative, efficient and effective way to improve PTSI symptoms as in-person delivery. OBJECTIVE This project aims to implement and provide accessible, convenient and economical SMS text messaging services, known asText4PTSI, to first responders in Alberta, Canada, to prevent and improve the symptoms of PTSI among first responders and to improve their overall quality of life. We will evaluate post-traumatic symptoms and the impact of Text4PTSI on stress, anxiety and depression in relation to correspondent's demographic backgrounds. METHODS First Responders who subscribe to Text4PTSI receive daily supportive and psychoeducational text messages for six months. The text messages are pre-programmed into an online software program delivering messages to subscribers. Baseline and follow-up data are collected through online questionnaires using validated scales at enrollments of 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks (endpoint). In-depth interviews will be conducted to assess satisfaction with the text-based intervention. RESULTS We hypothesize that participants who enrol in this program will have improved PTSI symptoms, increased or improved quality of life and significant reduction of associated stress, depression and anxiety symptoms, among other psychological concerns. Improvement will be determined in comparison to established baseline parameters. CONCLUSIONS Text4PTSI is a practical, economic and easily accessible intervention, which provides supportive text messages and serves as an acceptable and evidence-informed way of preventing and managing symptoms associated with PTSI for first-responders. Results from this research will be beneficial for practitioners and will inform policy and decision making regarding psychological interventions for PTSI.