Evaluating digital health interventions for enhancing coping mechanisms among healthcare workers: A systematic review

The study identified digital health interventions that have been designed to promote positive coping mechanisms among healthcare workers, and it also evaluated their effectiveness. A systematic literature review using the PRISMA framework was carried out. Databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. The included studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. The search yielded 2,669 articles, of which 12 met the inclusion criteria. A systematic narrative synthesis was conducted to compare and describe findings across the included studies, examining intervention characteristics, populations, and outcomes. The quality assessment done using the CASP tool indicated that only 6 out of the 12 studies were of high quality. Among the 12 digital interventions reviewed, the majority (n = 8) demonstrated effectiveness in reducing stress and burnout, as well as promoting positive coping mechanisms among healthcare workers. The synthesis identified three descriptive domains: type of intervention, intervention effectiveness, and target outcomes. While digital tools are valuable, they cannot fully address challenges in isolation. Therefore, healthcare institutions and policymakers are encouraged to invest in evidence-based digital health platforms, ensure these tools are accessible to diverse workforce, and actively promote digital literacy among staff to encourage adoption.