The impact of a primary care stress management and wellbeing programme (RENEW) on occupational participation: A pilot study

Stress has been identified as a risk factor in both physical and mental illness and can negatively impact on an individual’s ability to participate in daily occupations. There has been an increased emphasis on addressing mental health in a primary care context using a health promotion approach. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the acceptability of a primary care 6-week stREss maNagemEnt and Well-being (RENEW) programme. This pilot study used a mixed methods convergent parallel design. Twelve individuals with self-reported experiences of stress participated in the programme. The Canadian Measure of Occupational Performance, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and visual analogue scales for stress, concentration, sleep and appetite were administered at three time points. A focus group and individual interviews explored participants’ experiences of the programme and impact on occupational participation. There were statistically significant improvements in occupational performance and satisfaction, anxiety and self-reported stress. Study participants reported that attendance at the programme increased their awareness of stress and gave them strategies to manage their stress. The positive findings from this pilot study suggest that the RENEW programme has potential as a health promotion intervention in primary care that warrants further investigation