An Integrative Review of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Intervention for Police Officers and Firefighters: Focusing on Studies from 2006 to 2023

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the current state of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) interventions for police officers and firefighter and their effectiveness by using an integrative review. There has been a significant increase in mental health issues among police and firefighters due to exposure to traumatic life events, and an integrative review of the research evidence underpinning these programs is timely. Methods: Previous intervention studies were identified through PubMed, Web of science, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, DBpia, RISS, and KISS database. Eligible studies included articles published between 2006 and 2023 in English and Korean. We excluded articles that did not include police and firefighters and did not focus on PTSD interventions. We also excluded simple systematic reviews, protocols, and editorials. Results: A total of 26 studies were selected for this an integrative review. The intervention elements of extracted 26 studies were categorized into 3 themes. The intervention elements were divided into the themes of psychosocial centered interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms, target population-oriented specific PTSD interventions, and applying individual, group and integrated interventions. Conclusions: The results show that several PTSD interventions can be effective methods to improve PTSD symptoms of police officers and firefighters suffered from PTSD. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing programs to provide coping strategies and regulate physical, emotional, and mental reactions to address crisis situations faced by police officers and firefighters. Therefore, those findings will serve as a foundation for the development of PTSD intervention for police officers and firefighters in South Korea.