A Literature Review on Psychosocial Support for Disaster Responders: Qualitative Synthesis with Recommended Actions for Protecting and Promoting the Mental Health of Responders

Abstract

Little scientific evidence exists on ways to decrease the psychological stress experienced by disaster responders, or how to maintain and improve their mental health. In an effort to grasp the current state of research, we examined research papers, agency reports, the manuals of aid organisations, and educational materials, in both English and Japanese. Using MEDLINE, Ichushi-Web (Japanese search engine), Google Scholar, websites of the United Nations agencies, and the database of the Grants System for Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, 71 pertinent materials were identified, 49 of which were analysed. As a result, 55 actions were extracted that could potentially protect and improve the mental health of disaster responders, leading to specific recommendations. These include (1) during the pre-activity phase, enabling responders to anticipate stressful situations at a disaster site and preparing them to monitor their stress level; (2) during the activity phase, engaging in preventive measures against on-site stress; (3) using external professional support when the level of stress is excessive; and (4) after the disaster response, getting back to routines, sharing of experiences, and long-term follow-up. Our results highlighted the need to offer psychological support to disaster responders throughout the various phases of their duties.

Concerns and desires of healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 in April and July 2020 in Japan: a qualitative study of open-ended survey comments

“…The roles of organisations during a disaster include providing appropriate leave, ensuring access to professional support and determining and responding to the possibility of continuing work in the field. 21 Studies have also found that mental health education, work adjustments and workplace considerations are necessary to maintain the mental health of healthcare workers working under disaster conditions. 20 21 It is therefore important to apply a balance of information to help staff adjust to their new work environment, as well as support to minimise the burden of infection and impact on their families.…”

Secondary traumatic stress and burnout in health care providers: A post-disaster study.

“…Maltzman (2011) found that there is a tendency to expect individuals to manage their own self-care, while neglecting the critical role of teams and organizations in influencing whether and how self-care strategies can be accessed, and utilized. Likewise, previous studies suggest that organizations could benefit from implementing a workplace culture that allows for self-care, and prioritizes well-being and thriving for frontline health care providers serving in disaster response (Umeda et al, 2020).…”

“…For example, organizations that promote balanced work cultures that reinforce work time off as a form of self-care allow providers to recover from physical and psychological fatigue. Taking time off in the aftermath of disaster response can create a much-needed transition between disaster-response mode and routine mode, which could improve patient care, and support provider well-being (Umeda et al, 2020). Thormar and colleagues (2013) recommended that organizations minimize responders’ exposure to disaster by managing working hours and alternating tasks between those that provide low and high reward (i.e., balancing administrative tasks with patient care).…”

“…Participants pointed to several organizational actions that could enable a sense of community among health care providers and therefore, potentially mitigate STS and burnout. Although there are mixed findings on the benefits of postdisaster PD (Umeda et al, 2020; Yuma et al, 2019), participant interviews highlighted interest in participating in debriefing, which they reported has the potential to help them process trauma, feel less isolated, and provide more connection with peers at a time of crisis. Participants particularly emphasized the importance of timely, frequent, and accessible debriefing procedures open to all staff.…”

Research in Health-Emergency and Disaster Risk Management and Its Potential Implications in the Post COVID-19 World

“…Psychosocial and mental health risks and impacts are another important research development area of the Health-EDRM. Takahashi et al and Umeda et al have examined the acute mental health needs [ 15 ] of disaster victims and potentially how to protect and promote the mental risks of responders [ 16 ]. Newnham et al [ 17 ] described the activities and strategic plans of a newly established mental health network in Asia Pacific that aims to encourage and build the research agenda of Health-EDRM-related issues in the region.…”