A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Hello Bundle Intervention in Reducing Burnout among ICU Healthcare Professionals

The "Hello Trial" is an international prospective Cluster Randomized Controlled study led by proposed by VITAL group of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). The trial aims to assess the effectiveness of the "Hello Bundle" intervention in reducing burnout among healthcare professionals in ICUs. The study emphasizes the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and a supportive ethical climate in reducing burnout. The intervention has a 30-day implementation period and adherence support.

Intervention: The "Hello Bundle" intervention includes several components:

·         Hello Campaign Posters: Colorful and engaging posters displaying the word "Hello" will be placed in visible areas around the ICU workstations and break rooms

·         Email Reminders: Participants will receive a friendly email focusing importance of cultivating a supportive and positive work environment. It will encourages all ICU staff to greet each other with a simple "Hello" or a smile during their shifts

·         Morning Huddles: It will encourage everyone to take a moment during team morning huddles or shift change meetings to greet with "hello" ritual

·         Hello Jar: A jar or container will be placed near the nurses’ station, inviting staff to

·         write short, positive messages or compliments for their colleagues which will be read a loud at weekends.

·         Lead by Example Leaders/ consultants are encouraged to set a positive tone by greeting their colleagues with a warm "Hello" and a smile. Their positive attitude and friendly demeanor can serve as a model for others to follow.

·         Hello Board: Updated daily with greetings and positive messages.

Participants and Recruitment: The study will involve 146 ICUs affiliated with the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM). Each ICU must have at least 50 HCPs participating. Recruitment will be facilitated through the ESICM mailing list, with reminders sent to encourage participation. We will enroll all Health care professionals-Doctors and Nurses- working in both first floor and second floor ICU at Tata Memorial Hospital. Also HCPs working in ACTREC will be enroll as a separate site.

Data will be collected before and after the intervention period. Additional data on intervention fidelity and adherence will also be gathered. Data will be directly collected from the Health care Professionals enrolled in the study through online survey forms. Data will be collected at baseline, during the intervention, and at follow-up, focusing on burnout prevalence, satisfaction with care, HCPs’ intent to leave the ICU, and perceptions of the ethical climate. The trial will use the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to measure burnout and visual analogue scales (VAS) for other outcomes, Results of burnout survey will not be share with the site principal investigators. Confidentiality will be ensured, and no sensitive data will be collected.

Results will be shared through scientific publications and conference presentations to encourage the adoption of effective interventions for addressing burnout in ICUs.