Résumé
Healthcare organisations worldwide are affected by the shortage of health professionals due to
work-related stress and health professional leaders play an important role by implementing effective
strategies. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether the STRAIN intervention program
(using evidence-based training for health professional leaders) can reduce work-related stress among
health professionals. This study is based on a cluster randomised controlled trial, consists of three
measurements and includes 165 participating hospitals, nursing homes and home care organisations.
A total of 206 health professional leaders took part in the intervention programme and 19,340 health
professionals participated in the study. Results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between
the intervention and control group regarding the effort-reward imbalance ratio, quantitative demands,
opportunities for development, bond with the organisation, quality of leadership, social community,
role clarity, rewards, difficulties with demarcation and work–private life conflict. Pre-/post-test analysis
revealed a tendency for significant positive results (p < 0.05) for stressors, stress symptoms and longterm
consequences for organisations with a leaders’ participation rate of ≥ 75%. Leaders’ awareness,
commitment and readiness is essential to implement effective strategies reducing work-related stress