Electrotherapy Stimulation Together With Life Coaching for the Support of Burnout Symptoms in Healthcare Workers
A Pilot Study Using a Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) Device in Conjunction With Life Coaching to Alleviate Burnout Symptoms in HealthCare Workers (HCWs)
Sponsor: Roswell Park Cancer Institute
A observational or N/A phase clinical study on Psychiatric Disorder, this trial is actively recruiting participants. The trial is conducted by Roswell Park Cancer Institute and has accumulated 7 data snapshots since 2026. Psychiatric clinical trials are essential for establishing evidence-based treatment standards.
Study Description(click to expand)PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: I. To determine the efficacy of using Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) with group life coaching sessions as an intervention to decrease healthcare worker self-reported symptoms of burnout and moral distress. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: I. To determine the efficacy of using Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) with group life coaching sessions as a supportive intervention to increase healthcare worker self-reported ratings of resilience, and employment retention (Organizational Wellbeing Assessment - Retention \[OWA-R\]). OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 arms. ARM I: During weeks 1-6, participants use the CES device once daily (QD) over 1 hour 5 days per week for 6 weeks on study. Participants also participate in virtual group life coaching sessions and discussions and view video assignments 3 times during weeks 1, 3, and 6. At week 7, participants exchange device for second device. During weeks 8-13, participants cross-over and use the sham device QD over 1 hour 5 days per week for 6 weeks on study. ARM II: During weeks 1-6, participants use the sham device QD over 1 hour 5 days per week for 6 weeks on study. Participants also participate in virtual group life coaching sessions and discussions and view video assignments 3 times...
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:
I. To determine the efficacy of using Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) with group life coaching sessions as an intervention to decrease healthcare worker self-reported symptoms of burnout and moral distress.
SECONDARY OBJECTIVE:
I. To determine the efficacy of using Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) with group life coaching sessions as a supportive intervention to increase healthcare worker self-reported ratings of resilience, and employment retention (Organizational Wellbeing Assessment - Retention \[OWA-R\]).
OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.
ARM I: During weeks 1-6, participants use the CES device once daily (QD) over 1 hour 5 days per week for 6 weeks on study. Participants also participate in virtual group life coaching sessions and discussions and view video assignments 3 times during weeks 1, 3, and 6. At week 7, participants exchange device for second device. During weeks 8-13, participants cross-over and use the sham device QD over 1 hour 5 days per week for 6 weeks on study.
ARM II: During weeks 1-6, participants use the sham device QD over 1 hour 5 days per week for 6 weeks on study. Participants also participate in virtual group life coaching sessions and discussions and view video assignments 3 times during weeks 1, 3, and 6. At week 7, participants exchange device for second device. During weeks 8-13, participants cross-over and use the CES device QD over 1 hour 5 days per week for 6 weeks on study.
Status Flow
Change History
7 versions recorded-
Apr 16, 2026 — Present [daily]
Recruiting
Phase: NA → None
-
Feb 2026 — Apr 2026 [monthly]
Recruiting NA
Status: Not Yet Recruiting → Recruiting
-
Jan 2026 — Feb 2026 [monthly]
Not Yet Recruiting NA
-
Dec 2025 — Jan 2026 [monthly]
Not Yet Recruiting NA
-
Oct 2025 — Dec 2025 [monthly]
Not Yet Recruiting NA
▶ Show 2 earlier versions
-
Aug 2025 — Oct 2025 [monthly]
Not Yet Recruiting NA
-
Jun 2025 — Aug 2025 [monthly]
Not Yet Recruiting NA
First recorded
Eligibility Summary
This clinical trial evaluates the effect of life coaching together with Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) as an intervention to decrease self-reported symptoms of burnout, moral distress, resilience, and employee retention in oncology healthcare workers. Burnout and moral distress are occupational hazards for oncology healthcare workers. Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment at work are symptoms of burnout. Moral distress may be defined as knowing the right thing to do but being unable to do so based upon internal or external constraints. The device is attached to the earlobes that uses cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) at a microcurrent to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, pain, and possibly depression. Life coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential and can increase resiliency skills such as boundary setting and prioritizing, increases in self-compassion and self-care, and potentially indirectly positively impact patient care. Undergoing the use of CES via the CES device, coupled with life coaching, may help alleviate burnout symptoms and moral distress in oncology healthcare workers.
Contact Information
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute
For direct contact, visit the study record on ClinicalTrials.gov .