Evaluating the Group Responses After Disasters and Emergencies (GRADE) psychosocial training package pilot: A feasibility randomised controlled trial with trauma-exposed managers in the civil service

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the feasibility of delivering and evaluating the Group Responses After Disasters and Emergencies (GRADE) training intervention among managers in trauma-exposed roles. METHOD: A pre-registered two-arm randomised controlled feasibility trial was conducted with managers from UK Government (https://osf.io/4jt7f). Outcomes were assessed via online surveys at three time points. Qualitative interviews explored participants' experiences of the training. RESULTS: Recruitment generated interest, but participant uptake and retention were limited. Although underpowered, peer literacy was responsive to the intervention showing a large immediate effect. There was not a reliable intervention effect on attitudes towards mental health, but qualitative findings suggest that this could be due to high pre-existing attitudes. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the GRADE training intervention is feasible and had a positive impact on increasing managers' confidence to speak with their employees.