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Chapter 44 - A Framework for Designing, Developing, and Delivering Psychosocial and Mental Healthcare

from Section 5 - Sustaining and Caring for Staff During Emergencies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2024

Richard Williams
Affiliation:
University of South Wales
Verity Kemp
Affiliation:
Independent Health Emergency Planning Consultant
Keith Porter
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham
Tim Healing
Affiliation:
Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London
John Drury
Affiliation:
University of Sussex
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Summary

This chapter presents a framework for caring for the mental health of staff who respond to the healthcare needs of people who are affected by emergencies, incidents, disasters, and disease outbreaks (EIDD) and conflict. The COVID-19 pandemic has crystallised concerns about how staff employed in demanding occupations cope with the emotional, cognitive, social, physical, relationship, moral, and spiritual challenges that they face. This framework is applicable to all types of EIDD. The chapter begins with a ‘postcard’ written by one of the authors, who has worked with staff of an intensive care unit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter develops the framework. The authors reproduce material that they wrote for the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Reference is also made to an approach commended here with reference to caring for staff of Blue Light services, and to peer support.

Type
Chapter
Information
Major Incidents, Pandemics and Mental Health
The Psychosocial Aspects of Health Emergencies, Incidents, Disasters and Disease Outbreaks
, pp. 326 - 336
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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References

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