A Literature Review on Psychosocial Support for Disaster Responders: Qualitative Synthesis with Recommended Actions for Protecting and Promoting the Mental Health of Responders

Little scientific evidence exists on ways to decrease the psychological stress experienced by disaster responders, or how to maintain and improve their mental health. In an effort to grasp the current state of research, we examined research papers, agency reports, the manuals of aid organisations, and educational materials, in both English and Japanese. Using MEDLINE, Ichushi-Web (Japanese search engine), Google Scholar, websites of the United Nations agencies, and the database of the Grants System for Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, 71 pertinent materials were identified, 49 of which were analysed. As a result, 55 actions were extracted that could potentially protect and improve the mental health of disaster responders, leading to specific recommendations. These include (1) during the pre-activity phase, enabling responders to anticipate stressful situations at a disaster site and preparing them to monitor their stress level; (2) during the activity phase, engaging in preventive measures against on-site stress; (3) using external professional support when the level of stress is excessive; and (4) after the disaster response, getting back to routines, sharing of experiences, and long-term follow-up. Our results highlighted the need to offer psychological support to disaster responders throughout the various phases of their duties.

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Tailoring Disaster Risk Reduction for Adolescents: Perspectives from China and Nepal

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x19001559 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (s1) ◽

pp. s71-s71

Author(s):

Elizabeth Newnham ◽

Xue Gao ◽

Jessica Tearne ◽

Bhushan Guragain ◽

Feng Jiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Reduction ◽

Disaster Response ◽

Disaster Risk Reduction ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

Southern China ◽

Skills Training ◽

Disaster Risk ◽

Asia Pacific ◽

Adolescent Participation

Introduction:More than half of the world’s youth live in the Asia Pacific region, yet efforts to reduce disaster risk for adolescents are hindered by an absence of age-specific data on protection, health, and engagement.Aim:China and Nepal have faced a recent escalation in the number of climatic and geological hazards affecting urban and rural communities. We aimed to examine disaster-related threats experienced by adolescents and their caregivers in China and Nepal, determine the scope for adolescent participation, and elicit recommendations for improving disaster risk reduction.Methods:Sixty-nine adolescents (51% female, ages 13-19) and 72 adults (47% female, ages 22-66) participated in key informant interviews and focus group discussions in disaster-affected areas of southern China and Nepal. Using inductive content analysis, several themes were identified as key to adolescents’ needs.Results:Security and protection emerged as a central issue, interlinked with preparedness, timely and equitable disaster response, psychosocial support, and adolescent participation. The mental health risks emerging from trauma exposure were substantial. Adolescents made extensive contributions to disaster response including involvement in rescue efforts and delivering first aid, rebuilding homes and caring for family members. Participants forwarded a number of recommendations, including investing in psychological support, skills training, and stronger systems of protection for those at risk of family separation, trafficking, or removal from school.Discussion:The findings informed a multilevel, interconnected model for disaster risk reduction tailored to adolescents’ needs. Supporting adolescents’ recovery and long-term resilience after humanitarian crises will require coordinated efforts in preparedness, security, and mental health care.

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Convergence Mental Health

Convergence Mental Health ◽

10.1093/med/9780197506271.003.0035 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 527-544

Author(s):

James A Randall ◽

Cara M. Altimus

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Data Sharing ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Insufficient Data ◽

Government Institutions ◽

Current State ◽

State Of The Science ◽

Technological Integration ◽

Precision Health

Precision health arose from a need to treat not just a person’s symptoms retroactively, but a holistic person proactively. Its tenants involve incorporating one’s genome, social, and medical characteristics, in addition to environmental and day-to-day factors in effort to not just treat people, but to keep them healthy. Many of the procedures and technologies in place to foster precision health in the physical medical space may also be extrapolated onto the mental health sphere as well, otherwise known as convergence mental health. This chapter outlines the principles and practices of precision health, including its current state of the science; how private, public, and government institutions may collaborate to foster better preventative mental healthcare; and the barriers and solutions to the universal adoption of precision health/technological integration into mental health-based practices. The four major identified barriers are (i) insufficient scientific evidence; (ii) insufficient data sharing between relevant health partners; (iii) lack of field-wide coordination; and (iv) difficulties with access, including: insurance, providers, and availability of practice.

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Problematic smartphone use and mental health problems: current state of research and future directions

Dusunen Adam The Journal of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences ◽

10.14744/dajpns.2019.00001 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jon D Elhai

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Future Directions ◽

Problematic Smartphone Use ◽

Current State ◽

Smartphone Use ◽

State Of Research

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Head-Mounted Virtual Reality and Mental Health: Critical Review of Current Research (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.9226 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Shaun W Jerdan ◽

Mark Grindle ◽

Hugo C van Woerden ◽

Maged N Kamel Boulos

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Computer Hardware ◽

Future Research ◽

Head Mounted Display ◽

Current State ◽

State Of Research

BACKGROUND eHealth interventions are becoming increasingly used in public health, with virtual reality (VR) being one of the most exciting recent developments. VR consists of a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment viewed through a head-mounted display. This medium has provided new possibilities to adapt problematic behaviors that affect mental health. VR is no longer unaffordable for individuals, and with mobile phone technology being able to track movements and project images through mobile head-mounted devices, VR is now a mobile tool that can be used at work, home, or on the move. OBJECTIVE In line with recent advances in technology, in this review, we aimed to critically assess the current state of research surrounding mental health. METHODS We compiled a table of 82 studies that made use of head-mounted devices in their interventions. RESULTS Our review demonstrated that VR is effective in provoking realistic reactions to feared stimuli, particularly for anxiety; moreover, it proved that the immersive nature of VR is an ideal fit for the management of pain. However, the lack of studies surrounding depression and stress highlight the literature gaps that still exist. CONCLUSIONS Virtual environments that promote positive stimuli combined with health knowledge could prove to be a valuable tool for public health and mental health. The current state of research highlights the importance of the nature and content of VR interventions for improved mental health. While future research should look to incorporate more mobile forms of VR, a more rigorous reporting of VR and computer hardware and software may help us understand the relationship (if any) between increased specifications and the efficacy of treatment.

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(A15) Trauma Signature Analysis: Evidence-Based Guidance for Disaster Mental Health Response

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x11000288 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (S1) ◽

pp. s4-s4 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

J.M. Shultz ◽

Y. Neria ◽

Z. Espinel ◽

F. Kelly

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Interpersonal Violence ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Disaster Event ◽

Psychological Risk

IntroductionThe first decade of the 2000s has advanced the field of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in disasters by providing expert consensus guidance. Nevertheless, MHPSS response to major disasters is frequently uncoordinated and rarely based on scientific evidence. Moreover, MHPSS response is not customized to the unique constellation of stressors and psychological risk factors that distinguish each disaster event. To address this lack of science and specificity, we have developed trauma signature (TSIG) analysis.MethodsTSIG analysis consists of the following steps. Risk factors for disaster-related psychological distress and psychopathology (e.g., PTSD, depression) are continuously documented, updated, and refined. When disaster strikes, situation reports (sitreps) are issued in the early aftermath. We examine initial sitreps to determine the presence and intensity of evidence-based risk factors, subsumed under the headings of exposure to hazards, loss, and change. We estimate the size of the affected population. We rapidly create an initial TSIG and translate findings into actionable guidance regarding probable MHPSS needs for services and personnel.ResultsWe have constructed TSIGs for prominent 2010 disasters: Haiti earthquake, Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and Pakistan monsoonal flooding. Psychological risk factor profiles contrast sharply across these three salient events. Regarding exposure to hazards, numbers of persons experiencing physical injury and perceiving threat to life are highly divergent. Losses differ dramatically when quantified in terms of deaths, numbers bereaved, homes and livelihoods lost, and economic toll. The degree of lifestyle and societal change, including displacement, lack of survival needs, lack of security, and interpersonal violence, also differentiates the psychological impact of these disparate events.ConclusionTSIG analysis can be used to provide rapid post-impact/pre-deployment MHPSS response guidance based on risk factor assessment. Using TSIG analysis, MHPSS response can be tailored and timed to the defining features of the disaster event.

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Meniscal Scaffolds - Preclinical Evidence to Support their Use: A Systematic Review

The Open Orthopaedics Journal ◽

10.2174/1874325001509010143 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 143-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Berardo Di Matteo ◽

Francesco Perdisa ◽

Natalia Gostynska ◽

Elizaveta Kon ◽

Giuseppe Filardo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Animal Model ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Tissue Regeneration ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Conclusive Evidence ◽

Common Procedure ◽

Current State ◽

Meniscal Replacement ◽

Meniscal Pathology ◽

State Of Research

Arthroscopic meniscal treatment is the most common procedure performed in the orthopedic practice. Current management of meniscal pathology relies on different therapeutic options, ranging from selective meniscectomy, suturing, and to meniscal replacement by using either allografts or scaffolds. The progresses made in the field of regenerative medicine and biomaterials allowed to develop several meniscal substitutes, some of those currently used in the clinical practice. Before reaching the clinical application, these devices necessarily undergo accurate testing in the animal model: the aim of the present manuscript is to systematically review the scientific evidence derived by animal model results for the use of meniscal scaffolds, in order to understand the current state of research in this particular field and to identify the trends at preclinical level that may influence in the near future the clinical practice. Thirty-four papers were included in the present analysis. In 12 cases the meniscal scaffolds were used with cells to further stimulate tissue regeneration. With the exception of some negative reports regarding dacron-based scaffolds, the majority of the trials highlighted that biomaterials and bio-engineered scaffolds are safe and could play a beneficial role in stimulating meniscal healing and in chondral protection. With regard to the benefits of cell augmentation, the evidence is limited to a small number of studies and no conclusive evidence is available. However, preclinical evidence seems to suggest that cells could enhance tissue regeneration with respect to the use of biomaterials alone, and further research should confirm the translational potential of cell-based approach.

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Contemplative Landscapes: Towards Healthier Built Environments

Environment and Social Psychology ◽

10.18063/esp.v3.i2.742 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo 1

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Well Being ◽

Green Spaces ◽

Built Environments ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Passive Exposure ◽

Current State

This review aims to show the current state of the knowledge in the area of the visual quality of landscapes in urbanized areas and their influence on people’s mental health and well-being. This falls under the passive recreation and passive exposure to the environmental stimuli present in our cities (such as walking in nature, quiet contemplation) as opposed to active interactions with the landscapes such as horticulture therapy, meditation, etc. Passive exposure to natural or built environments can shape our mental health patterns throughout the life cycle.Although we know that the quantity of green spaces in the cities can improve the well-being of city inhabitants and contact with natural environments can alleviate various psychological disorders, it is also likely that the quality of green spaces, including seemingly irrelevant landscape design nuances, can play a more important role for our mental health.Currently, one can observe a strong demand from policy makers for generating scientific evidence-based knowledge to provide recommendations for urban design and the maintenance of green spaces. The Contemplative Landscape Model (CLM) is an operationalised construct which includes aesthetic, environmental and mental health values of landscapes, and could serve as a useful tool to assist in the current need for knowledge. However, more research with an emphasis on causal relationships is needed.

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Contemplative Landscapes: Towards Healthier Built Environments

Environment and Social Psychology ◽

10.18063/esp.v0.i0.735 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Well Being ◽

Green Spaces ◽

Built Environments ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Passive Exposure ◽

Current State

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Current state of research on psychotherapy for home-living vulnerable older adults with depression

Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie ◽

10.1007/s00391-020-01805-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 53 (8) ◽

pp. 721-727

Author(s):

Christina Tegeler ◽

Ann-Kristin Beyer ◽

Fee Hoppmann ◽

Valentina Ludwig ◽

Eva‑Marie Kessler

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Patient Group ◽

Social Inclusion ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Stepped Care ◽

Psychotherapeutic Treatment ◽

Current State ◽

State Of Research ◽

Home Living

AbstractOlder home-living vulnerable adults often suffer from chronic conditions accompanied by restrictions in mobility, social participation and reduced independence. Among this rapidly growing population depression is a common and serious health problem; however, there are shortcomings in the diagnosis of depression and provision of psychotherapy. Despite growing evidence in treating depression among the group of nursing home residents or the “young-old”, there is a research gap regarding needs-oriented healthcare strategies for very old, frail or care-dependent older adults living at home. The present article provides an overview of different outpatient psychotherapeutic treatment approaches for vulnerable older adults with depression, in particular adaptations tailored to those who are homebound or in need of care. Based on the current state of research, this article derives recommendations for psychotherapy in this special setting to consider the physical and psychosocial resources of this patient group. Furthermore, healthcare strategies for embedding psychotherapy in collaborative, telehealth or home-delivered healthcare services are described and their applicability as psychosocial support for older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is discussed. Psychotherapy is an efficacious treatment for depression in home-living vulnerable older adults. Further implementing telehealth or home delivered settings, individually tailored psychotherapeutic approaches as well as collaborative and stepped care approaches can increase utilization and medical supply of this patient group. More research and innovative programs are needed to improve access to and provision of psychotherapeutic care as well as their social inclusion.

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