(I100) Toward Integrated Emergency Health Services: Alternative Strategies for the Future

Abstract

Introduction:

Complex emergencies (conflicts or disasters caused by natural events) do not recognize borders. The connection between conflict and trauma regarding psychosocial development and well being has long been established as emergencies expose and exacerbate existing individual and societal problems.

Methods:

An extensive literature search, including nongovernmental organizations'“grey” literature, was performed. Articles were analyzed for key contributions, available programs, and mental health measurement indicators.

Results:

Analysis revealed that the emergency mental health services are not integrated into emergency relief response and/or are insufficient. Provision of early mental health interventions reduces the burden on a country's health facilities and/or relief responses. In order to achieve integrated physical and mental health services (a key World Hearth Organization goal) alternative strategies are proposed.

Conclusions:

Establishing a referral network among relief organizations stimulates collaboration and sharing of best practices. The recent publication of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines offers concrete strategies for ensuring that emergency care is effective, inclusive, and culturally appropriate. Training relief workers in the use of psychological first aid and mental health needs assessments provides opportunities to raise awareness about these guidelines. The training sessions reinforces cooperation established by the referral network. With greater appreciation of the necessity to integrate emergency mental health services, relief workers become advocates for change within their own organizations, and together, within the political arena. With concrete guidelines to assist them in articulating specific funding priorities to politicians and measurement indicators to ensure accountability, advocating for changes will be more meaningful and persuasive.