(P1-99) Comparative Descriptive Analysis of Post-Disaster Psychological Interventions

Abstract

Introduction

Disaster could greatly affect physical, psychological and social health of people affected. However, current crisis intervention protocols after natural or man-made disasters often overlook the psychosocial impact of crisis on victims. In its executive board meeting in 2005, WHO has called for action in implementing programs that can repair the psychological damage of war, conflict and natural disasters. Currently there are three main post-disaster psychological interventions available in the field: Critical Incidence Stress Management developed by Mitchell and Everly in 1980's; Psychological First Aid developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and National Center for PTSD after millennium; and Mental Health First Aid developed by the Kitchener and Jorm after millennium.

Methods

A comparative descriptive analysis among the three different interventions was performed. Specific objectives, target populations, content, training duration, empirical evidence, instructor training and various adaptations were compared. Public health implications for implementation in disaster settings are discussed.

Results

The study is among the first that provided a detail comparison among the different protocols available in the field. More importantly it discussed the empirical evidence that support the use of the specific protocols at different scenarios. Implication the results of the study could be used as a guidance for choosing psychological interventions immediately post-disasters by emergency responders, public health practitioners and academic researchers.