Scotland’s emergency services workers are to be assisted by an AI-powered application to help them deal with the effects of trauma in their jobs.
Researchers at Strathclyde University are working with software design company Sentinel Ltd to produce Sentinel – an AI-powered, co-created trauma management app.
First responders – including ambulance, fire and rescue and police workers – are at significant risk of psychological reactions to traumatic experiences because of their line of work.
The ‘evidence-based digital intervention’ has been designed with direct input from first responders and employers and can be tailored to individual user needs. The app has been developed with first responders for first responders and is being piloted with police, fire and emergency workers, paramedics and frontline medics including, NHS service providers.
It is aimed at contributing to a culture of mental health awareness in which seeking support is destigmatised, which could also help reduce pressure on health services. The research and pilot are UK-wide and the project will be exhibiting at the Emergency Services Exhibition in Birmingham on 18-19 September.
Dr Nicola Cogan, chief scientific adviser, and Dr Alison Kirk of Strathclyde’s Department of Psychological Sciences & Health are the university’s academic leads on the project.
Dr Cogan said: “Our digital solution has been developed with first responders, for first responders, from the initial idea to testing its user validity to piloting the intervention.
“We have conducted in-depth interviews with first responders to help us understand the problem of workplace trauma and the impact it has on first responders and emergency medical workers.
“If people are helping others deal with their trauma, they often put their own aside. On average, nine years pass before first responders seek help for trauma. They may think they need to be stoical and cope with everything, but they do need to take care of their own needs as well.”
First responders face a heightened risk of developing traumatic stress-related conditions, owing to their frequent exposure to work-related traumas, and the symptoms often remain undiagnosed.
Traditional methods of addressing these mental health challenges involve reactive measures sought only when symptoms become evident, when it can be too late to prevent more severe outcomes such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sentinel works by proactively engaging with first responders early in the process to help improve mental wellbeing and build resilience and post-traumatic growth.
Mykay Kamara, CEO of Sentinel, said: “Staff can no longer be told ‘you signed up for this.’ There needs to be a duty of care for these employees, not just frontline or clinical staff but people like reception staff at A&E, cleaners who are having to mop up blood, or others experiencing ‘secondary trauma’ when dealing with patients’ anguish.
“Our partnership with the University of Strathclyde has enabled us to pioneer cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance employee health and wellbeing. Together, we have made significant strides in creating healthier, more supportive work environments, underscoring our commitment to wellbeing and innovation. We look forward to continuing this impactful collaboration and driving further positive change in the workplace.”
Discussions are in progress with several organisations on potential partnerships for piloting Sentinel, and an Alpha version is anticipated for release in 2024.
An Arabic version of Sentinel is being developed for use in Saudi Arabia, with partners of Strathclyde University, including Princess Nourah University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
Strathclyde has provided stage-gate support for the Sentinel project and has a licence agreement for the IP, negotiated by the Industry Engagement & Commercialisation team. This team forms part of Strathclyde Inspire, University’s flagship entrepreneurship programme, which offers entrepreneurial training and opportunities to every student, staff member and alumnus.