scholarly journals Mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian emergencies

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 498-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.Van Ommeren ◽  
F. Hanna ◽  
I. Weissbecker ◽  
P. Ventevogel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies

Mental health in humanitarian settings

2019 ◽  
pp. 101-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Cavallera ◽  
Lynne Jones ◽  
Inka Weissbecker ◽  
Peter Ventevogel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies ◽  
Humanitarian Settings ◽  
Cultural Considerations ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Conditions

This chapter provides the basic knowledge about mental health and psychosocial support that all health workers in humanitarian emergencies should have and includes descriptions of the presenting symptoms and management of common clinical conditions encountered. In addition to detailed approaches to specific conditions, including recognition and management, this chapter also emphasizes an understanding of the humanitarian context in which these conditions occur, including social and cultural considerations, and the necessity of collaboration with non-health actors to address the psychosocial needs of patients.

scholarly journals Towards an integrated model for supervision for mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian emergencies: A qualitative study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0256077
Author(s):  
Camila Perera ◽  
Kelly A. McBride ◽  
Áine Travers ◽  
Pia Tingsted Blum ◽  
Nana Wiedemann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Integrated Model ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Unified Framework ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies

Background Despite recent advances in the development and provision of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in humanitarian settings, inadequate supervision remains a significant barrier to successful implementation. The present study sought to incorporate broad stakeholder engagement as part of the first phase of development of a new Integrated Model for Supervision (IMS) for use within MHPSS and protection services in humanitarian emergencies. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 global mental health professionals. Data was analysed thematically, using a combination of inductive and deductive methods. Codes and themes were validated through co-author cross-checks and through a webinar with an expert advisory group. Results Results reinforce the importance of effective supervision to enhance the quality of interventions and to protect supervisees’ wellbeing. Participants generally agreed that regular, supportive supervision on a one-to-one basis and as a separate system from line management, is the ideal format. The interviews highlight a need for guidance in specific areas, such as monitoring and evaluation, and navigating power imbalances in the supervisory relationship. Several approaches to supervision were described, including some solutions for use in low-resource situations, such as group, peer-to-peer or remote supervision. Conclusion An integrated model for supervision (IMS) should offer a unified framework encompassing a definition of supervision, consolidation of best practice, and goals and guidance for the supervisory process.

scholarly journals Psychological work in humanitarian emergencies in Haiti and Democratic Republic of Congo: some considerations based on two work experiences

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 811-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cecilia Andrade de Moraes Weintraub
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Republic Of Congo ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies ◽  
Mental Health Interventions ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
Gender Based

Through the description of two examples of psychological interventions in humanitarian emergencies, this article aims to problematize the work of the psychologist in those situations. The concepts of "humanitarianism" and "emergency" are discussed based on two interventions made in Haiti and in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In both countries the mental health interventions happened inside a humanitarian organization and the objective of those interventions was to offer psychosocial support to the population of concern through a national mental health team. Cultural specificities, as well as theoretical and methodological challenges to the work of the psychologist in those situations are presented, especially those related to moral issues, to gender-based conflicts and to the insertion of the psychological work in a context where there is very little institutional support. Considerations related to theories and techniques of the area are presented, emphasizing the importance of interpreting the contents of the discourses taking into account the culture from where each person comes.

scholarly journals Mental health and psychosocial support programmes for adults in humanitarian emergencies: a systematic review and meta-analysis in low and middle-income countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. e001484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mukdarut Bangpan ◽  
Lambert Felix ◽  
Kelly Dickson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies ◽  
Humanitarian Settings ◽  
Middle Income Countries

BackgroundHumanitarian emergencies are a major global health challenge with the potential to have a profound impact on people’s mental and psychological health. Effective interventions in humanitarian settings are needed to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of affected populations. To fill this gap, this systematic review synthesises evidence on the effectiveness of a wide range of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes delivered to adults affected by humanitarian emergencies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).MethodsA comprehensive search of 12 electronic databases, key websites and citation checking was undertaken in 2015 and updated in May 2018. We included controlled trials published in English from 1980. We extracted data and assessed risk of bias prior to performing a meta-analysis using random effects models. When meta-analysis was not used, we narratively described individual trial effect sizes using forest plots.ResultsThirty-five studies were included. Overall, MHPSS programmes show benefits in improved functioning and reducing post-traumatic stress disorder. There are also indications from a limited pool of evidence that cognitive–behavioural therapy and narrative exposure therapy may improve mental health conditions. Other psychotherapy modalities also showed a positive trend in favour of MHPSS programmes for improving several mental health outcomes.ConclusionIn addition to MHPSS programme for improving mental health outcomes in adults affected by humanitarian emergencies in LMICs, there is also a need to generate robust evidence to identify potential impact on broader social dimensions. Doing so could aid the future development of MHPSS programmes and ensure their effective implementation across different humanitarian contexts in LMICs. Future research on MHPSS programmes which focus on basic services and security, community and family programmes, their cost-effectiveness and mechanisms of impact could also strengthen the MHPSS evidence base to better inform policy and practice decision-making in humanitarian settings.Protocol registration numberCRD42016033578.

scholarly journals What are the barriers to, and facilitators of, implementing and receiving MHPSS programmes delivered to populations affected by humanitarian emergencies? A qualitative evidence synthesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Dickson ◽  
Mukdarut Bangpan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies ◽  
Value Of Children

Background.Humanitarian emergencies can impact people's psychosocial well-being and mental health. Providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is an essential component of humanitarian aid responses. However, factors influencing the delivery MHPSS programmes have yet to be synthesised. We undertook a systematic review on the barriers to, and facilitators of, implementing and receiving MHPSS programmes delivered to populations affected by humanitarian emergencies in low- and middle-income countries.Methods.A comprehensive search of 12 bibliographic databases, 25 websites and citation checking was undertaken. Studies published in English from 1980 onwards were included if they contained evidence on the perspectives of adults or children who had engaged in or programmes providers involved in delivering, MHPSS programmes in humanitarian settings. Thirteen studies were critically appraised and analysed thematically.Results.Community engagement was a key mechanism to support the successful implementation and uptake of MHPSS programmes. Establishing good relationships with parents may also be important when there is a need to communicate the value of children and young people's participation in programmes. Sufficient numbers of trained providers were essential in ensuring a range of MHPSS programmes were delivered as planned but could be challenging in resource-limited settings. Programmes need to be socially and culturally meaningful to ensure they remain appealing. Recipients also valued engagement with peers in group-based programmes and trusting and supportive relationships with providers.Conclusion.The synthesis identified important factors that could improve MHPSS programme reach and appeal. Taking these factors into consideration could support future MHPSS programmes achieve their intended aims.

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