Efetividade de intervenções mHealth na identificação precoce do estresse psicológico em trabalhadores da saúde: revisão sistemática

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Occupational mental disorders are an increasing cause of work absenteeism in Brazil. Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Observatory (2022) indicate that these conditions are already the fourth leading cause of absenteeism, both due to accidents and other causes. In contrast to the decline in absenteeism due to physical trauma, there has been a significant increase in mental health-related disorders. Among the most affected professionals, healthcare workers experience unique stressors, including direct contact with suffering and death, workload overload, multiple job contracts, exhausting working hours, insecurity, workplace violence, and unstable employment relationships. These conditions expose this population to an increased risk of burnout, anxiety, depression, and psychoactive substance use (LIMA DA CRUZ et al., 2022). The identification of these disorders early can be decisive in preventing severe psychiatric conditions. In this scenario, mobile mental health applications (mHealth) emerge as promising tools, capable of expanding access and promoting continuous and personalized screening. However, there are still gaps regarding their effectiveness and feasibility of implementation in occupational health contexts. OBJECTIVES: (1) General Objective: To evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness, usability, and feasibility of mHealth tools for screening burnout in healthcare professionals. (2) Specific Objectives: (a) To identify the effectiveness of mHealth in the early detection of psychological distress symptoms; (b) To compare their performance with traditional screening methods; (c) To assess user acceptability and adherence; and (d) To examine the feasibility of implementation in occupational health services. METHOD: Systematic literature review, according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PREFERRED REPORTING ITEMS FOR SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS AND META-ANALYSES, 2020). RESULTS: The use of mHealth tools represents an innovative and potentially effective strategy for the early identification of psychological distress among healthcare professionals. This systematic review aims to gather the best available evidence on the effectiveness, usability, and feasibility of these tools, contributing to the implementation of technological solutions in occupational health services.