Author:
Ioachim Gabriela,Bolt Nicole,Redekop Michelle,Wakefield Andrew,Shulhin Andrii,Dabhoya Jilani,Khoury Juliana M. B.,Bélanger Kathy,Williams Sarah,Chomistek Tessa,Teckchandani Taylor A.,Price Jill A. B.,Maguire Kirby Q.,Carleton R. Nicholas
Abstract
IntroductionPublic safety personnel (PSP) are at increased risk for posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSI). Before Operational Stress (BOS) is a mental health program for PSP with preliminary support mitigating PTSI. The current study compared the effectiveness of delivering BOS in-person by a registered clinician (i.e., Intensive) to virtually delivery by a trained clinician (i.e., Classroom).MethodsCanadian PSP completed the Intensive (n = 118; 61.9% male) or Classroom (n = 149; 50.3% male) program, with self-report surveys at pre-, post-, 1 month, and 4 months follow-ups.ResultsMultilevel modelling evidenced comparable reductions in anxiety (p < 0.05, ES = 0.21) and emotional regulation difficulties (ps < 0.05, ESs = 0.20, 0.25) over time with no significant difference between modalities. Participants discussed benefits of the delivery modality they received.DiscussionThe results support virtual delivery of the BOS program (Classroom) as an accessible mental health training option for PSP, producing effects comparable to in-person delivery by clinicians.