Scaling up for impact: A digital tool for organisations seeking support with the systematic prevention of mental ill-health at their workplace

In this application we are applying for funding to convert our effective implementation strategy into a digital tool.

The implementation strategy consists of the following components: educational meeting, implementation team, workshops, iterative problem-solving method and internal facilitator and supports organisations with the implementation of the national, evidence-based Guideline for the prevention of mental ill-health at the workplace.

The goal of the tool is to make the strategy widely accessible and usable for organisations that seek support with the systematic prevention of mental ill-health among employees.

The tool is expected to impact organisations’ routines and work-methods towards psychosocial risk management and employees’ mental health.

By applying a user-centred approach, we will in a participatory manner include end-users’ perspectives, and ideas in converting the components of the implementation strategy to the digital tool. This will be done via design sessions and usability-testing.

The tool will provide support through web-based education (e.g., pre-recorded webinars, training (e.g., video tutorials), manuals and worksheets.

The target audience will be public-sector organisations (e.g., schools, elderly care, and social services), however the generic nature of the guideline and implementation strategy will make the tool applicable to other organisations.

The application builds on our previous projects and ongoing Forte-financed project, in which we tested the effectiveness and functioning of the implementation strategy in six Swedish municipalities among over 70 schools. The strategy was shown to be effective in improving adherence to the guideline.

Moreover, results show that guideline adherence is associated with improvements in health outcomes and psychosocial work environment.

The focus is now on the scale-up of the implementation strategy for widespread use through a digital tool to increase its uptake and population health impact.