Foundations App in partnership with NHS CHECK project.   

COMPLETED

Aim: To determine the effectiveness of the 'Foundations' application (app) on general (non-psychotic) psychiatric morbidity. 

What the research involved:

A multicentre randomised controlled trial of healthcare workers (HCWs) at 16 NHS trusts. Participants were randomly assigned to the app or wait-list control group.   

What has the study found so far?  

Study completed in 2023. The app had an effect in reducing psychiatric morbidity symptoms in a sample of HCWs. Given it is scalable with no adverse effects, the app may be used as part of an organisation's tiered staff support package. Further evidence is needed on long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. 

Study Team and Further information: Dr Danielle Lamb, Dr Sharon Stevelink, Prof Ira Madan and others  

Funder: KOA Health 

Publications 

• Gnanapragasam SN, Tinch-Taylor R, Scott HR, Hegarty S, Souliou E, Bhundia R, Lamb D, Weston D, Greenberg N, Madan I, Stevelink S, Raine R, Carter B, Wessely S. Multicentre, England-wide randomised controlled trial of the 'Foundations' smartphone application in improving mental health and well-being in a healthcare worker population. Br J Psychiatry. 2023 Feb;222(2):58-66. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2022.103. PMID: 36040419; PMCID: PMC10895508.