A systematic literature search on psychological first aid: lack of evidence to develop guidelines.

Tessa Dieltjens,Koen Van Praet,Philippe Vandekerckhove,Emmy De Buck,Inge Moonens,Yutaka Matsuoka

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0114714

Tessa Dieltjens, Koen Van Praet + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0114714

Copy DOI

Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Dec 12, 2014
Citations: 141	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Rode Kruis-Vlaanderen, KU Leuven

Abstract

BackgroundProviding psychological first aid (PFA) is generally considered to be an important element in preliminary care of disaster victims. Using the best available scientific basis for courses and educational materials, the Belgian Red Cross-Flanders wants to ensure that its volunteers are trained in the best way possible.ObjectiveTo identify effective PFA practices, by systematically reviewing the evidence in existing guidelines, systematic reviews and individual studies.MethodsSystematic literature searches in five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, PILOTS and G-I-N) were conducted from inception to July 2013.ResultsFive practice guidelines were included which were found to vary in the development process (AGREE II score 20–53%) and evidence base used. None of them provides solid evidence concerning the effectiveness of PFA practices. Additionally, two systematic reviews of PFA were found, both noting a lack of studies on PFA. A complementary search for individual studies, using a more sensitive search strategy, identified 11 237 references of which 102 were included for further full-text examination, none of which ultimately provides solid evidence concerning the effectiveness of PFA practices.ConclusionThe scientific literature on psychological first aid available to date, does not provide any evidence about the effectiveness of PFA interventions. Currently it is impossible to make evidence-based guidelines about which practices in psychosocial support are most effective to help disaster and trauma victims.

Highlights

In the first few moments and hours after a disaster, survivors may have medical, material, social, and emotional needs
A complementary search for individual studies, using a more sensitive search strategy, identified 11 237 references of which 102 were included for further full-text examination, none of which provides solid evidence concerning the effectiveness of psychological first aid (PFA) practices
A contemporary definition of psychosocial support is given by the International Federation Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (2011) as ‘‘a process of facilitating resilience within individuals, families and communities’’ [3]

Summary

Introduction

In the first few moments and hours after a disaster, survivors may have medical, material, social, and emotional needs. PFA is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as ‘‘a humane, supportive response to a fellow human being who is suffering and who may need support’’ [11] It includes interventions such as listening, comforting, helping people to connect with others and providing information and practical support to address basic needs [11, 12]. These interventions are consistent with the guidelines of Hobfoll et al [13] and center on five key principles: safety, connectedness, self and collective efficacy, calm and hope, that together in essence ease the transition to normality [13]. It is impossible to make evidence-based guidelines about which practices in psychosocial support are most effective to help disaster and trauma victims

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion