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H.E.R.O. Unmasking: A mixed methods pilot study to explore the impact of a tele-drama therapy protocol on frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19

H.E.R.O. (Helping Essential workers Reclaim roles Online) Unmasking was a virtual drama therapy protocol designed to support frontline healthcare workers (re)connect to part of their humanity overshadowed by the role of the Healthcare Hero during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervention, grounded in Role Theory, sought to provide immediate relief and meaning making through embodied storytelling. This pilot study utilized a quasi-experimental mixed methods design to measure the effect of the protocol. The Integration of Stressful Life Experiences Scale-Short Form was implemented. A dependent t-test did not yield statistical significance from pre-test (17.26) to post-test (20.47), although a medium effect size (0.64) was found. Post-test scores suggested that participants demonstrated more adaptive meaning making after the workshop. A small sample size (n = 19) likely impacted the ability to find statistical significance. Qualitative results produced prominent themes of transformation, connection and joy. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.