A Brief Cognitive Task Intervention for NHS Staff Affected by COVID-19 Trauma (GAINS-2 Study)

Frontline healthcare staff are frequently exposed to traumatic events at work (e.g., witnessing patients die), amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant proportion experience intrusive memories of these events that pop suddenly into mind: they can disrupt functioning and can contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder. Previous research has shown that a brief behavioural intervention can reduce the number of intrusive memories after a traumatic event. In this study we will test the effect of a digital imagery-competing task, a digital music-listening task and treatment as usual (TAU) for National Health Service (NHS) staff with intrusive memories of work-related traumatic events from the pandemic. We test the effect on the number of intrusive memories (primary outcome), and other clinical symptoms (PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia), in addition to work functioning, general functioning and quality of life (secondary outcomes). Intervention feasibility, acceptability and implementation will also be explored (additional outcomes). We will recruit approximately 150 NHS staff (via the Intensive Care Society, social media and direct advertising by NHS Trusts) with intrusive memories of traumatic events experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.The study is funded by the Wellcome Trust (223016/Z/21/Z).

Inclusion Criteria:Aged 18 or above.Able to read, write and speak in English.Worked in a clinical role with COVID-19 patients in the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.Experienced at least one traumatic event related to their clinical work during the COVID- 9 pandemic meeting criterion A of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): "exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence" by "directly experiencing the traumatic event(s)" or "witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others".Experience intrusive memories of the traumatic event(s).Experienced at least three intrusive memories in the week prior to screening.Have internet access.Willing and able to provide informed consent and complete study proceduresWilling and able to be contacted by the research team during the study period.Have not taken part in a previous study of this intervention from this research teamExclusion Criteria:• Have fewer than three intrusive memories during the run-in week.