Psychological First Aid (PFA) for COVID19

Psychological First Aid (PFA) for COVID19

Introduction:

Although, the Chinese authority suspended public transport in Wuhan and a lots of measures has been applied such as early identification for isolation of suspected and diagnosed cases, contact tracing, collection of clinical data and samples, but still cases are increasing in China and other countries [1]. So it is an outbreak by definition as the infectious cause, epidemiological features and fast transmission pattern.

Insufficient preparedness of health authorities to address the outbreaks can lead to further spread of the COVID19 epidemic. Many healthcare leaders have sent the alarm to its hospitals and medical teams to prepare isolation units and prompt provision of medical supplies. However, the healthcare system seems to ignore the psychological support.

Key research questions to be answered in this paper include: Why is psychological support important? If the psychological support is important how do you provide psychological support during such crises? Is there any specific or recommended methodology to provide the needed support?

Background:

Outbreaks have a significant impact on the wellbeing of those affected, their family, community members and the health workers treating people with COVID19. The psychological and social impacts of emergencies may be acute in the short term, but they can also lead to a long-term mental health and psychosocial well-being of the affected population.

Evidence of psychosocial support that has proven to be effective in emergencies still needs further investigation and research. This is because most researchers in this field usually do months or years after the end of the field emergency experience in the emergency phase [2]. In an emergency, not everyone will develop major mental health problems. A lot of people show flexibility or resilience, and this is due to their ability to handle and cope relatively well in adversity. There are many interacting social, psychological, and biological factors that affect whether people will develop mental problems or show resilience. Depending on the context of the emergency, certain groups of people are at increased risk for social and / or psychological problems. Stressful events affect everyone somehow, people can experience a wide range of reactions. They may feel confused, overwhelmed, fear, anxiety, or uncertain about what is going on. Some people may have mild reactions, while others may have more severe reactions. In general, a person's reaction depends on many factors

Psychological First Aid:

One of the priorities in emergencies is thus to protect and improve people’s mental health and psychosocial well-being. Therefore, Psychological First Aid (PFA) is the support provided to people aftermath of crisis events [2]. Humane, supportive and practical assistance to human beings who recently suffered exposure to serious stressors. PFA describes a humane, supportive response to someone who is suffering and may involves:

  • Non-intrusive practical care support
  • Assessing needs and concerns
  • Helping people to address basic needs (food & water)
  • Listening, but not pressuring people to talk
  • Comforting people and helping them to feel calm
  • Helping people connect to information, services and social supports
  • Protecting people from further harm

People do better over the long-term if they:

  • Feel safe, connected to others, calm & some hope
  • Have access to social, physical & emotional support
  • Regain a sense of control by being able to help themselves

Who needs PFA?

  • Very distressed people who were recently exposed to a serious stressful event
  • Not everyone who experiences a crisis event will need PFA

When can we provide PFA?

  • Upon first contact with very distressed people, usually immediately following an event

Where can we deliver PFA?

  • Wherever it is safe enough for you to be there
  • Ideally with some privacy (as appropriate) to protect confidentiality and dignity of the affected person


References:

  1. Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) (2007). IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings. Geneva: IASC.
  2. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): increased transmission beyond China ? fourth update, 14 February 2020. ECDC: Stockholm; 2020.
Mohammad Younis MD, EMBA

Medical Case Management | Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

4 年

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