Ontological CoachingOCNNCT06878157
Ontological Coaching Among Nurses (OCN)
A study testing ontological coaching in people with Ontological Coaching and Psychological Wellbeing, run by National University of Singapore at 4 sites in Singapore.
Trial summary
This study aims to develop and evaluate ontological coaching among novice nurses in Singapore. The specific aims of this project are: (1) to develop theory based Ontological Coaching among Nurses (OCN) intervention for novice nurses; (2) examine its effectiveness on nurses' psychological wellbeing (primary outcome)… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 21 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Ontological Coaching, Psychological Wellbeing
- What is being tested?
- ontological coaching
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 400 participants
- Where
- 4 sitesSingapore
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2023to 25 Jun 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 21 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Nurses:
- 21 years old and above
- are able to read and speak English,
- have 0-10 years of working experience after the registration with Singapore Nursing Board (SNB)
- currently working at the study venues with the valid registered nurse license with the SNB
- who are willing to be audio-recorded if invited for an interview
- Facilitators:
- who hold an Ontological Coaching certification and a minimum of 50 hours of Coaching experience
Who cannot join
- Nurses:
- have physical or mental disorders which would interfere with their ability to participate in the study
- have refused to participate in this study
- Facilitators:
- who does not hold an Ontological Coaching certification or who do not have a minimum of 50 hours of Coaching experience
Trial locations and contacts
4 sites in 1 country.
Singapore4 sites
Alexandra Hospital
Singapore
National University Hospital
Singapore
National University Polyclinics
Singapore
Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
Singapore
About this study
Official title: Ontological Coaching Among Novice Nurses (OCN): a Mixed Methods Study
This study aims to develop and evaluate ontological coaching among novice nurses in Singapore. The specific aims of this project are: (1) to develop theory based Ontological Coaching among Nurses (OCN) intervention for novice nurses; (2) examine its effectiveness on nurses' psychological wellbeing (primary outcome), help-seeking behavior (social support), goal setting, resilience, intention to leave and job satisfaction (Secondary outcomes); and (3) examine the perceptions of nurses in receiving this intervention.
The specific research questions we plan to answer in this project are:
- How the OCN will influence psychological wellbeing of the new nurses?
- How the OCN will enhance the new nurses social support and goal setting for their reality and future?
- How the OCN will influence new nurses' resilience, intention to leave and job satisfaction?
- What are the changes in psychological well-being, social support, goal setting, resilience, intention to leave and job satisfaction after receiving OCN over time (pre-test and post-test)?
- Are there any strengths, weaknesses and area of improvements (overall experience) for the use of OCN among new nurses?
- Conditions
- Ontological Coaching, Psychological Wellbeing
- Being tested
- ontological coaching
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ontological coachingBehavioural
Group session: This session will provide an overview of coaching and the following topics will be covered: 1) Experience coaching in teams, 2) The Ideal Life, 3) The Coaching Distinction, 4) Introduction to Body, Emotions, Language (BEL), 5) Deeper understanding of BEL, 6) Applying BEL to clinical scenarios, 7) The coaching perspective in Nursing, 8) Re-visit the Ideal Life, 9) Explore mental/emotional/physical challenges in practicing nursing, 10) Time and stress management, work-life balance; Individual Session: This individualized session will cover the discussions on the topic brought up by novice nurses. The aim of this session is to: 1) Help novice nurses design the steps in their journey towards what they care about, 2) Explore the nurses' world by asking encouraging and evoking questions, 3) Collaborate with nurses in a stimulating and imaginative manner that help them to optimize their potential, 4) Co-create with nurses the professional and personal identity they strive for
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching | Experimental | In the form of small groups (3-6 participants), the nurses will receive a knowledge based session (maximum 1 hour long) to share about ontological coaching. After the group session, each nurse will receive 4 individual sessions (30-60 minutes) on monthly basis. Receives: Behavioral: ontological coaching |
| Conotrol | No intervention | Participants do not undergo any ontological coaching. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Effectiveness on nurses' psychological wellbeing
Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being: a 42-item instrument Psychological Wellbeing (PWB) Scale measures six aspects of wellbeing and happiness: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Respondents rate how strongly they agree or disagree with 42 statements using a 7-point scale (1 = strongly agree; 7 = strongly disagree).
Measured: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Secondary outcomes (5)
Stress
Nursing Stress Scale: a 34-item instrument that describe situations that have been identified as causing stress for nurses in the performance of their duties. Respondents how strongly they agree or disagree with 34 statements using a 4-point scale (1 = never; 4 = very frequently).
Measured: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Help-seeking behavior (social support)
Sarason's social support questionnaire - short form (SSQSR): a 6-item instrument to evaluate the availability and satisfaction associated with an individual's social support systems. Respondents indicate the number of people available to provide support in 6 areas and then rate the overall level of satisfaction with the support given in each of the areas using a 6-point scale (1 = very dissatisfied; 6 = very satisfied).
Measured: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Goal Setting
Goal Setting Questionnaire (GSQ): an 18-item instrument to evaluate individuals' competencies in three areas: setting meaningful goals, focusing on personal improvement, and incorporating prior experiences, interests, skills, and feedback from family, peers, or a trusted individual. Respondents rate how strongly they agree or disagree with 18 statements using a 5-point scale (1 = not very like me; 5 = very like me)
Measured: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Intention to Leave
Roodt's turnover scale (TIS-6): a 6-item instrument to measure turnover intention. Respondents rate how strongly they agree or disagree with 6 statements using a 5-point scale (1 = never; 5 = always)
Measured: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Job Satisfaction
Bowling Green State University's The Job Satisfaction Scale: measures employee attitudes such as job satisfaction. Respondents indicate their satisfaction in 5 areas (Y = Yes; N = No; ? = Cannot Decide).
Measured: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Mar 2025
- Study start1 Aug 2023
- Primary completion31 Mar 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion25 Jun 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Ontological CoachingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Two-group parallel-armed randomized controlled trial with an intervention group undergoing ontological coaching and control group with no ontological coaching.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 400 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National University of Singapore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Shefaly Shorey, National University of Singapore
- Investigators
- Shefaly Shorey, PhD, Principal investigator, National University of Singapore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06878157
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NHG DSRB 2022/00676
- Acronym
- OCN
- Status last verified
- Mar 2025
- First submitted
- 10 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 18 Mar 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Ang WHD, Chua JYX, Ang E, Ng SC, Goh ML, Rian SZBM, Mordiffi SZ, Matthews J, Chan PY, Er J, Lee M, Wijaya DJ, Shen L, Shorey S. Impact of ontological coaching on well-being, job outcomes, and retention intentions in nurses: A multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Int J Nurs Stud. 2026 Sep;181:105571. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2026.105571. Epub 2026 May 17.
PubMed 42143828
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Mar 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Ontological Coaching Among Novice Nurses (OCN): a Mixed Methods Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06878157
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- OCN / NHG DSRB 2022/00676
- Conditions
- Ontological Coaching, Psychological Wellbeing
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 400 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National University of SingaporeUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Mar 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 25 Jun 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 14 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to develop and evaluate ontological coaching among novice nurses in Singapore. The specific aims of this project are: (1) to develop theory based Ontological Coaching among Nurses (OCN) intervention for novice nurses; (2) examine its effectiveness on nurses' psychological wellbeing (primary outcome), help-seeking behavior (social support), goal setting, resilience, intention to leave and job satisfaction (Secondary outcomes); and (3) examine the perceptions of nurses in receiving this intervention.
The specific research questions we plan to answer in this project are:
- How the OCN will influence psychological wellbeing of the new nurses?
- How the OCN will enhance the new nurses social support and goal setting for their reality and future?
- How the OCN will influence new nurses' resilience, intention to leave and job satisfaction?
- What are the changes in psychological well-being, social support, goal setting, resilience, intention to leave and job satisfaction after receiving OCN over time (pre-test and post-test)?
- Are there any strengths, weaknesses and area of improvements (overall experience) for the use of OCN among new nurses?
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Two-group parallel-armed randomized controlled trial with an intervention group undergoing ontological coaching and control group with no ontological coaching.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching | Experimental | Behavioral: ontological coachingIn the form of small groups (3-6 participants), the nurses will receive a knowledge based session (maximum 1 hour long) to share about ontological coaching. After the group session, each nurse will receive 4 individual sessions (30-60 minutes) on monthly basis. |
| Conotrol | No intervention | –Participants do not undergo any ontological coaching. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 21 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- 21 years old and above
- are able to read and speak English,
- have 0-10 years of working experience after the registration with Singapore Nursing Board (SNB)
- currently working at the study venues with the valid registered nurse license with the SNB
- who are willing to be audio-recorded if invited for an interview
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- have physical or mental disorders which would interfere with their ability to participate in the study
- have refused to participate in this study
- who does not hold an Ontological Coaching certification or who do not have a minimum of 50 hours of Coaching experience
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ontological coachingGroup session: This session will provide an overview of coaching and the following topics will be covered: 1) Experience coaching in teams, 2) The Ideal Life, 3) The Coaching Distinction, 4) Introduction to Body, Emotions, Language (BEL), 5) Deeper understanding of BEL, 6) Applying BEL to clinical scenarios, 7) The coaching perspective in Nursing, 8) Re-visit the Ideal Life, 9) Explore mental/emotional/physical challenges in practicing nursing, 10) Time and stress management, work-life balance; Individual Session: This individualized session will cover the discussions on the topic brought up by novice nurses. The aim of this session is to: 1) Help novice nurses design the steps in their journey towards what they care about, 2) Explore the nurses' world by asking encouraging and evoking questions, 3) Collaborate with nurses in a stimulating and imaginative manner that help them to optimize their potential, 4) Co-create with nurses the professional and personal identity they strive for | Behavioural | Coaching |
Primary outcome
Effectiveness on nurses' psychological wellbeing
Time frame: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-Being: a 42-item instrument Psychological Wellbeing (PWB) Scale measures six aspects of wellbeing and happiness: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Respondents rate how strongly they agree or disagree with 42 statements using a 7-point scale (1 = strongly agree; 7 = strongly disagree).
5 secondary outcomes
Stress
Time frame: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Help-seeking behavior (social support)
Time frame: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Goal Setting
Time frame: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Intention to Leave
Time frame: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Job Satisfaction
Time frame: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Mar 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42143828Ang WHD, Chua JYX, Ang E, Ng SC, Goh ML, Rian SZBM, Mordiffi SZ, Matthews J, Chan PY, Er J, Lee M, Wijaya DJ, Shen L, Shorey S. Impact of ontological coaching on well-being, job outcomes, and retention intentions in nurses: A multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Int J Nurs Stud. 2026 Sep;181:105571. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2026.105571. Epub 2026 May 17.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Shefaly Shorey, PhD principal investigator
National University of Singapore
4 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing ontological coaching in people with Ontological Coaching and Psychological Wellbeing, run by National University of Singapore at 4 sites in Singapore.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 4 sites in Singapore. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Effectiveness on nurses' psychological wellbeing (time frame: baseline, 2-3 months (intervention), 4-6 months (post intervention)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06878157, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Mar 2025.