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Implementing Psychological First-Aid Training for Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2014

Anita Chandra ,
Jee Kim ,
Huibrie C. Pieters ,
Jennifer Tang ,
Michael McCreary ,
Merritt Schreiber  and
Kenneth Wells
Anita Chandra*
Affiliation:
RAND Corporation, Arlington, Virginia, University of California, Los Angeles, California
Jee Kim
Affiliation:
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California
Huibrie C. Pieters
Affiliation:
University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Jennifer Tang
Affiliation:
Center for Health Services and Society, University of California, Los Angeles Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
Michael McCreary
Affiliation:
Center for Health Services and Society, University of California, Los Angeles Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
Merritt Schreiber
Affiliation:
University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
Kenneth Wells
Affiliation:
Center for Health Services and Society, University of California, Los Angeles Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Anita Chandra, DrPH, Senior Policy Researcher, RAND Corporation, Arlington, VA (email:[email protected]).
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Abstract

Objective

We assessed the feasibility and impact on knowledge, attitudes, and reported practices of psychological first-aid (PFA) training in a sample of Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) members. Data have been limited on the uptake of PFA training in surge responders (eg, MRC) who are critical to community response.

Methods

Our mixed-methods approach involved self-administered pre- and post-training surveys and within-training focus group discussions of 76 MRC members attending a PFA training and train-the-trainer workshop. Listen, protect, connect (a PFA model for lay persons) focuses on listening and understanding both verbal and nonverbal cues; protecting the individual by determining realistic ways to help while providing reassurance; and connecting the individual with resources in the community.

Results

From pre- to post-training, perceived confidence and capability in using PFA after an emergency or disaster increased from 71% to 90% (P < .01), but no significant increase was found in PFA-related knowledge. Qualitative analyses suggest that knowledge and intentions to use PFA increased with training. Brief training was feasible, and while results were modest, the PFA training resulted in greater reported confidence and perceived capability in addressing psychological distress of persons affected by public health threats.

Conclusion

PFA training is a promising approach to improve surge responder confidence and competency in addressing postdisaster needs. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-6)

Keywords

psychological healthemergency responseresiliencedisasters
Type
Concepts in Disaster Medicine
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 8 , Issue 1 , February 2014 , pp. 95 - 100
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2014 

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