Abstract
This paper aims to provide preliminary evidence on the degree of consensus on the approach to long-term mental health and psychosocial support after a natural hazard event. We conducted an online survey among mental health experts in Japan. The questionnaire was divided into five categories: (A) terminology setting definition of “long-term”, (B) priority in activity for long-term mental health support, (C) system and preparedness for better support, (D) transition from acute support to long-term support, and (E) actions to improve preparedness for future disasters. Invitations to participate in the survey were sent by e-mail in November 2017 to mental health experts in Japan, who had participated in workshops related to disaster mental health or trauma care organized by the National Institute of Mental Health over the last 15 years. Out of 1385 experts who received the invitation, a total of 305 participants responded to the survey. Participants were for the most part in agreement regarding focuses and required preparedness and actions for long-term support. There was still low consensus especially on defining the timeframe “long-term”. The acute phase and long-term phase were identified as being different in dimension rather than category. Although caution is necessary around the representativeness of these findings, they will provide important scientific evidence for the development of future plans for a qualitative improvement in long-term mental health support.
Highlights
Emergencies and disasters typically place a significant and persistent mental health burden on those directly and indirectly affected, as well as those who respond to the demand for their services
Invitations to participate in the survey were sent by e-mail to 1814 mental health experts who had ever participated in workshops related to disaster mental health or trauma care organized by the Japanese National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) over the last 15 years, and who had registered their e-mail address
Results of Category B relate to the priority given to activity for long-term mental health support, and showed that the proposed focuses were highly supported by the participants—
Summary
Emergencies and disasters typically place a significant and persistent mental health burden on those directly and indirectly affected, as well as those who respond to the demand for their services. The need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Is highlighted in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 [1]. A number of studies as well as international guidelines and manuals for psychosocial support in disasters have been published In most previous literature the main focus has been put on the acute phase; long-term MHPSS are only outlined and lack precise and concrete principles original URL.
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