New technology designed to support first responders and emergency medical workers facing traumatic experiences at work is under development at the University of Strathclyde.
Researchers are collaborating with software design company Sentiental Ltd to produce Sentinel, an AI-powered application with resources for identifying early signs of trauma in frontline workers and offering assistance when most required.
The evidence-based digital intervention has been designed with direct input from first responders and employers and can be tailored to individual user needs. It is aimed at contributing to a culture of mental health awareness in which seeking support is destigmatised, which could also help reduce pressure on health services.
Sentinel’s features include psychoeducation, grounding techniques, sleep therapy, physical exercises, coping strategies, journaling, and advanced mood tracking and reporting.
Heightened risk
First responders face a heightened risk of developing traumatic stress-related conditions, owing to their frequent exposure to work-related traumas, and the symptoms often remain undiagnosed. Traditional methods of addressing these mental health challenges involve reactive measures sought only when symptoms become evident, when it can be too late to prevent more severe outcomes such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sentinel offers a promising solution by proactively engaging with first responders early in the process to help improve mental wellbeing and build resilience and post-traumatic growth.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 19.3% of emergency staff have been diagnosed with anxiety and 10.2% with mood disorders. In the UK alone, the prevalence of PTSD among healthcare workers was 13.52%.
Dr Nicola Cogan, Chief Scientific Adviser, and Dr Alison Kirk of Strathclyde’s Department of Psychological Sciences & Health are the university’s academic leads on the project. Dr Cogan said: “Our digital solution has been developed with first responders, for first responders, from the initial idea to testing its user validity to piloting the intervention.
“We have conducted in-depth interviews with first responders to help us understand the problem of workplace trauma and the impact it has on first responders and emergency medical workers.
If people are helping others deal with their trauma, they often put their own aside. On average, nine years pass before first responders seek help for trauma. They may think they need to be stoical and cope with everything, but they do need to take care of their own needs as well.
Mykay Kamara, CEO of Sentinel, said: “Staff can no longer be told ‘you signed up for this.’ There needs to be a duty of care for these employees, not just frontline or clinical staff but people like reception staff at A&E, cleaners who are having to mop up blood, or others experiencing ‘secondary trauma’ when dealing with patients’ anguish.
Positive change
“Our partnership with the University of Strathclyde has enabled us to pioneer cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance employee health and wellbeing. Together, we have made significant strides in creating healthier, more supportive work environments, underscoring our commitment to wellbeing and innovation. We look forward to continuing this impactful collaboration and driving further positive change in the workplace."
Discussions are in progress with several organisations on potential partnerships for piloting Sentinel, and an Alpha version is anticipated for release in 2024.
An Arabic version of Sentinel is being developed for use in Saudi Arabia, with partners of Strathclyde University, including Princess Nourah University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
Strathclyde has provided stage-gate support for the Sentinel project and has a licence agreement for the IP, negotiated by the Industry Engagement & Commercialisation team. This team forms part of Strathclyde Inspire, University’s flagship entrepreneurship programme, which offers entrepreneurial training and opportunities to every student, staff member and alumnus.