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Psychological First Aid Training: A Scoping Review of Its Application, Outcomes and Implementation

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  • Ling Wang

    (Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
    Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London SE1 8SW, UK
    Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China)

  • Ian Norman

    (Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London SE1 8SW, UK)

  • Tao Xiao

    (Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China)

  • Yamin Li

    (Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China)

  • Mary Leamy

    (Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King’s College London, London SE1 8SW, UK)

Abstract

Worldwide commitment to disseminate Psychological First Aid (PFA) training to enable frontline workers to support distressed individuals and/or manage their own self-care is increasing, but the evidence base of PFA training is uncertain. Method: a scoping review was undertaken by searching seven databases and hand-searching grey literature to maximise coverage of potential studies. Results: Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Three PFA training models were commonly used in research studies. A broad selection of PFA training outcomes were observed including learning, behavior, satisfaction and practice in crisis mental and behavior health preparedness. Conclusions: Research evidence of reasonable quality demonstrates that PFA training significantly improves knowledge of appropriate psychosocial response and PFA skills in supporting people in acute distress, thereby enhancing self-efficacy and promoting resilience. However, this review highlights inadequate guidance on how PFA training should be applied and adapted, significant shortcomings of reporting PFA training delivery, limited training evaluation and unclear training outcomes. Whilst behavioral, knowledge and system impact of the PFA training are promising, methodologically stronger evaluations which include systematic training adaptation and selection of sensitive outcome measures is needed to strengthen future implementation of PFA training and thereby enhance population preparedness for future emergencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ling Wang & Ian Norman & Tao Xiao & Yamin Li & Mary Leamy, 2021. "Psychological First Aid Training: A Scoping Review of Its Application, Outcomes and Implementation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:4594-:d:543922
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. McCabe, O.L. & Everly Jr., G.S. & Brown, L.M. & Wendelboe, A.M. & Hamid, N.H.A. & Tallchief, V.L. & Links, J.M., 2014. "Psychological first aid: A consensus-derived, empirically supported, competency-based training model," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(4), pages 621-628.
    2. Mélissa Généreux & Philip J. Schluter & Sho Takahashi & Shiori Usami & Sonoe Mashino & Ryoma Kayano & Yoshiharu Kim, 2019. "Psychosocial Management Before, During, and After Emergencies and Disasters—Results from the Kobe Expert Meeting," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-8, April.
    3. 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.
    4. Brandon Gray & Fahmy Hanna & Lennart Reifels, 2020. "The Integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Mapping and Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-17, March.
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    1. Hiroki Asaoka & Yuichi Koido & Yuzuru Kawashima & Miki Ikeda & Yuki Miyamoto & Daisuke Nishi, 2021. "Longitudinal Change of Psychological Distress among Healthcare Professionals with and without Psychological First Aid Training Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-12, November.

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