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A Rapid Realist Review of Group Psychological First Aid for Humanitarian Workers and Volunteers

Author

Listed:
  • Julia Corey

    (UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland)

  • Frédérique Vallières

    (Trinity Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland)

  • Timothy Frawley

    (UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland)

  • Aoife De Brún

    (UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland)

  • Sarah Davidson

    (British Red Cross, London EC2Y 9AL, UK)

  • Brynne Gilmore

    (UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland)

Abstract

Humanitarian workers are at an elevated risk of occupational trauma exposure and its associated psychological consequences, and experience increased levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the general population. Psychological first aid (PFA) aims to prevent acute distress reactions from developing into long-term distress by instilling feelings of safety, calmness, self- and community efficacy, connectedness and hope. Group PFA (GPFA) delivers PFA in a group or team setting. This research sought to understand ‘What works, for whom, in what context, and why for group psychological first aid for humanitarian workers, including volunteers?’ A rapid realist review (RRR) was conducted. Initial theories were generated to answer the question and were subsequently refined based on 15 documents identified through a systematic search of databases and grey literature, in addition to the inputs from a core reference panel and two external experts in GPFA. The findings generated seven programme theories that addressed the research question and offered consideration for the implementation of GPFA for the humanitarian workforce across contexts and age groups. GPFA enables individuals to understand their natural reactions, develop adaptive coping strategies, and build social connections that promote a sense of belonging and security. The integrated design of GPFA ensures that individuals are linked to additional supports and have their basic needs addressed. While the evidence is sparce on GPFA, its ability to provide support to humanitarian workers is promising.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Corey & Frédérique Vallières & Timothy Frawley & Aoife De Brún & Sarah Davidson & Brynne Gilmore, 2021. "A Rapid Realist Review of Group Psychological First Aid for Humanitarian Workers and Volunteers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1452-:d:493076
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. G. Vareilles & J. Pommier & Sumit Kane & G. Pictet & B. Marchal, 2015. "Understanding the motivation and performance of community health volunteers involved in the delivery of health programmes in Kampala, Uganda: a realist evaluation protocol," Post-Print hal-02598141, HAL.
    2. Marit Sijbrandij & Rebecca Horn & Rebecca Esliker & Fiona O’May & Relinde Reiffers & Leontien Ruttenberg & Kimberly Stam & Joop de Jong & Alastair Ager, 2020. "The Effect of Psychological First Aid Training on Knowledge and Understanding about Psychosocial Support Principles: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-11, January.
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