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Jonathan M. Links - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The development of a model of Psychological First Aid for non-mental health trained public health personnel: the Johns Hopkins RAPID-PFA.
    Journal of public health management and practice : JPHMP, 2014
    Co-Authors: George S. Everly, O Lee Mccabe, Natalie L Semon, Carol B Thompson, Jonathan M. Links
    Abstract:

    The Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health Preparedness, which houses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded Preparedness and Emergency Response Learning Center, has been addressing the challenge of disaster-caused behavioral health surge by conducting training programs in Psychological First Aid (PFA) for public health professionals. This report describes our approach, named RAPID-PFA, and summarizes training evaluation data to determine if relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes are imparted to trainees to support effective PFA delivery. In the wake of disasters, there is an increase in Psychological distress and dysfunction among survivors and First responders. To meet the challenges posed by this surge, a professional workforce trained in PFA is imperative. More than 1500 participants received a 1-day RAPID-PFA training. Pre-/postassessments were conducted to measure (a) required knowledge to apply PFA; (b) perceived self-efficacy, that is, belief in one's own ability, to apply PFA techniques; and (c) confidence in one's own resilience in a crisis context. Statistical techniques were used to validate the extent to which the survey successfully measured individual PFA constructs, that is, unidimensionality, and to quantify the reliability of the assessment tool. Statistically significant pre-/postimprovements were observed in (a) knowledge items supportive of PFA delivery, (b) perceived self-efficacy to apply PFA interventions, and (c) confidence about being a resilient PFA provider. Cronbach alpha coefficients ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 suggested that the self-reported measures possessed sufficient internal consistency. Findings were consistent with our pilot work, and with our complementary research initiatives validating a variant of RAPID-PFA with faith communities. The RAPID-PFA model promises to be a broadly applicable approach to extending community behavioral health surge capacity. Relevant next steps include evaluating the effectiveness of trained providers in real crisis situations, and determining if PFA training may have potential beyond the disaster context.

  • the development of a model of Psychological First Aid for non mental health trained public health personnel the johns hopkins rapid pfa
    Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 2014
    Co-Authors: George S. Everly, Natalie L Semon, Carol B Thompson, Lee O Mccabe, Jonathan M. Links
    Abstract:

    Introduction The Johns Hopkins Center for Public Health Preparedness, which houses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded Preparedness and Emergency Response Learning Center, has been addressing the challenge of disaster-caused behavioral health surge by conducting training programs in Psychological First Aid (PFA) for public health professionals. This report describes our approach, named RAPID-PFA, and summarizes training evaluation data to determine if relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes are imparted to trainees to support effective PFA delivery. Background/rationale In the wake of disasters, there is an increase in Psychological distress and dysfunction among survivors and First responders. To meet the challenges posed by this surge, a professional workforce trained in PFA is imperative. Methods/activity More than 1500 participants received a 1-day RAPID-PFA training. Pre-/postassessments were conducted to measure (a) required knowledge to apply PFA; (b) perceived self-efficacy, that is, belief in one's own ability, to apply PFA techniques; and (c) confidence in one's own resilience in a crisis context. Statistical techniques were used to validate the extent to which the survey successfully measured individual PFA constructs, that is, unidimensionality, and to quantify the reliability of the assessment tool. Results/outcome Statistically significant pre-/postimprovements were observed in (a) knowledge items supportive of PFA delivery, (b) perceived self-efficacy to apply PFA interventions, and (c) confidence about being a resilient PFA provider. Cronbach alpha coefficients ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 suggested that the self-reported measures possessed sufficient internal consistency. Discussion Findings were consistent with our pilot work, and with our complementary research initiatives validating a variant of RAPID-PFA with faith communities. Lessons learned/next steps The RAPID-PFA model promises to be a broadly applicable approach to extending community behavioral health surge capacity. Relevant next steps include evaluating the effectiveness of trained providers in real crisis situations, and determining if PFA training may have potential beyond the disaster context.

  • Psychological First Aid: a consensus-derived, empirically supported, competency-based training model.
    American journal of public health, 2013
    Co-Authors: O. Lee Mccabe, George S. Everly, Lisa M. Brown, Aaron M. Wendelboe, Nor Hashidah Abd Hamid, Vicki L. Tallchief, Jonathan M. Links
    Abstract:

    Surges in demand for professional mental health services occasioned by disasters represent a major public health challenge. To build response capacity, numerous Psychological First Aid (PFA) training models for professional and lay audiences have been developed that, although often concurring on broad intervention aims, have not systematically addressed pedagogical elements necessary for optimal learning or teaching. We describe a competency-based model of PFA training developed under the auspices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Association of Schools of Public Health. We explain the approach used for developing and refining the competency set and summarize the observable knowledge, skills, and attitudes underlying the 6 core competency domains. We discuss the strategies for model dissemination, validation, and adoption in professional and lay communities.

  • The Johns Hopkins model of Psychological First Aid (RAPID-PFA): curriculum development and content validation.
    International journal of emergency mental health, 2012
    Co-Authors: George S. Everly, Daniel J. Barnett, Jonathan M. Links
    Abstract:

    There appears to be virtual universal endorsement of the need for and value of acute "Psychological First Aid" (PFA) in the wake of trauma and disasters. In this paper, we describe the development of the curriculum for The Johns Hopkins RAPID-PFA model of Psychological First Aid. We employed an adaptation of the basic framework for the development of a clinical science as recommended by Millon which entailed: historical review, theoretical development, and content validation. The process of content validation of the RAPID-PFA curriculum entailed the assessment of attitudes (confidence in the application of PFA interventions, preparedness in the application of PFA); knowledge related to the application of immediate mental health interventions; and behavior (the ability to recognize clinical markers in the field as assessed via a videotape recognition exercise). Results of the content validation phase suggest the six-hour RAPID-PFA curriculum, initially based upon structural modeling analysis, can improve confidence in the application of PFA interventions, preparedness in the application of PFA, knowledge related to the application of immediate mental health interventions, and the ability to recognize clinical markers in the field as assessed via a videotape recognition exercise.

  • Psychological First-Aid training for paraprofessionals: a systems-based model for enhancing capacity of rural emergency responses.
    Prehospital and disaster medicine, 2011
    Co-Authors: O. Lee Mccabe, Charlene Perry, Melissa Azur, Henry Taylor, Mark Bailey, Jonathan M. Links
    Abstract:

    Introduction: Ensuring the capacity of the public health, emergency preparedness system to respond to disaster-related need for mental health services is a challenge, particularly in rural areas in which the supply of responders with relevant expertise rarely matches the surge of demand for services. Problem: This investigation established and evaluated a systems-based partnership model for recruiting, training, and promoting official recognition of community residents as paraprofessional members of the Maryland Medical Professional Volunteer Corps. The partners were leaders of local health departments (LHDs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), and an academic health center (AHC). Methods : A one-group, quasi-experimental research design, using both post-test only and pre-/post-test assessments, was used to determine the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of the overall program and of a one-day workshop in Psychological First Aid (PFA) for Paraprofessionals. The training was applied to and evaluated for 178 citizens drawn from 120 Christian parishes in four local health jurisdictions in rural Maryland. Results : Feasibility —The model was demonstrated to be practicable, as measured by specific criteria to quantify partner readiness, willingness, and ability to collaborate and accomplish project aims. Effectiveness —The majority (93–99%) of individual participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that, as a result of the intervention, they understood the conceptual content of PFA and were confident about (“ perceived self-efficacy” ) using PFA techniques with prospective disaster survivors. Impact —Following PFA training, 56 of the 178 (31.5%) participants submitted same-day applications to be paraprofessional responders in the Volunteer Corps. The formal acceptance of citizens who typically do not possess licensure in a health profession reflects a project-engendered policy change by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Conclusions: These findings are consistent with the conclusion that it is feasible to consider LHDs, FBOs, and AHCs as partners to work effectively within the span of a six-month period to design, promote, conduct, and evaluate a model of capacity/capability building for public mental health emergency response based on a professional “extender” rationale. Moreover, consistently high levels of perceived self-efficacy as PFA responders can be achieved with lay members of the community who receive a specially-designed, one-day training program in crisis intervention and referral strategies for disaster survivors.

George S. Everly - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Psychological First Aid to support healthcare professionals
    Journal of Patient Safety and Risk Management, 2020
    Co-Authors: George S. Everly
    Abstract:

    Psychological First Aid (PFA) may be considered a form of acute Psychological crisis intervention designed to foster human resilience. PFA has been universally endorsed as an important addition to ...

  • Psychological First Aid (PFA) To Expand Mental Health Support and Foster Resiliency in Underserved and Access-Compromised Areas
    2020
    Co-Authors: George S. Everly
    Abstract:

    Psychological First Aid (PFA) has been universally endorsed as an important addition to the corpus of mental health-related support services. As support grows for its utilization, consideration should be made of using PFA beyond its initial formulated applications. PFA may be considered a Psychological crisis intervention designed to foster human resilience. This paper argues it may prove of value in fostering resiliency in underserved and access-compromised areas. In doing so, PFA may be seen as a way to extend mental health-related services to areas and situations where there are shortages of those services either by situational interference or longstanding under development. In the final analysis, consonant with World Health Organization (2019) goals and recommendations, PFA may even be used as an intervention to foster the achievement of universal mental health coverage delivered not only in non-specialized health settings, but via non-traditional community-based mechanisms, as well.

  • A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Group Psychological First Aid.
    The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 2019
    Co-Authors: Katie E. Despeaux, George S. Everly, Jeffrey M. Lating, Martin F. Sherman, Matthew W. Kirkhart
    Abstract:

    A randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of group Psychological First Aid (PFA) by comparing the Johns Hopkins RAPID-PFA model with a group conversation condition in 119 participants using the state version of State Trait Anxiety Scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedules. Both groups showed similar baseline scores, and after watching a distressing 5-minute video, both groups showed similar significant increases in state anxiety scores and negative affect scores, as well as similar decreases in positive affect scores. However, compared with the group conversation condition, the RAPID-PFA group evidenced significantly lower state anxiety scores at postintervention and at 30-minute delay. RAPID-PFA, compared with the group conversation condition, was also more effective in lowering negative affect scores postintervention, and significantly increasing positive affect scores at 30-minute delay. These results support the two primary goals of PFA, which are mitigating acute distress and instilling hope.

  • Content Validation of the Johns Hopkins Model of Psychological First Aid (RAPID-PFA) Expanded Curriculum
    2019
    Co-Authors: George S. Everly, Christina M. Kennedy
    Abstract:

    There appears to be virtually universal endorsement of the need for and value of acute “Psychological First Aid” (PFA) in the wake of adversity. In this paper, we describe the content validation of an expanded curriculum of The Johns Hopkins RAPID-PFA model of Psychological First Aid. The RAPID-PFA model has been found in previous studies to possess content as well as applied clinical validation. The curriculum was modified by the inclusion of expanded foundations in neuroscience, the inclusion of perspective taking, a unique model of Psychological triage, a focus upon mechanisms of action to mitigate acute distress and foster a future orientation, and devoting greater time to classroom application. The process of content validation of the RAPID-PFA curriculum entailed the assessment of attitudes of confidence and preparedness, knowledge, and resilience. Results of the current content validation suggest the 12-hour expanded RAPID-PFA curriculum, initially based upon structural modeling analysis, can improve self-perceptions of both confidence and preparedness in the application of PFA, knowledge related to the application of immediate mental health interventions, and self-perceptions of personal resilience, that may be enduring.

  • The Potential Efficacy of Psychological First Aid on Self-Reported Anxiety and Mood: A Pilot Study.
    The Journal of nervous and mental disease, 2016
    Co-Authors: George S. Everly, Jeffrey M. Lating, Martin F. Sherman, Ian D. Goncher
    Abstract:

    The authors explored the efficacy of a randomized controlled trial to assess the potential benefits of Psychological First Aid (PFA) compared with a social acknowledgement condition in a sample of 42 participants who spoke about a stressful life event. Demographics and standardized questionnaires, including the state version of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale and the Brief Profile of Mood States, assessed anxiety and mood state. Those in the PFA group evidenced significantly lower anxiety scores at 30-minute postdisclosure than at baseline and, although not significant, showed lowered distressed mood compared with baseline at 30-minute postdisclosure. Those in the social acknowledgment condition evidenced increases in anxiety and distressed mood scores, albeit not significantly, at 30 minutes post disclosure compared with their baseline scores. These results provide preliminary empirical evidence for the efficacy of PFA, and implications for intervention and additional assessment are suggested.

Alastair Ager - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The Effect of Psychological First Aid Training on Knowledge and Understanding about Psychosocial Support Principles: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
    International journal of environmental research and public health, 2020
    Co-Authors: Marit Sijbrandij, Rebecca Horn, Rebecca Esliker, Fiona O'may, Relinde Reiffers, Leontien Ruttenberg, Kimberly Stam, Joop T. V. M. De Jong, Alastair Ager
    Abstract:

    Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a world-wide implemented approach to helping people affected by an emergency, disaster, or other adverse event. Controlled evaluations of PFA's training effects are lacking. We evaluated the effectiveness of a one-day PFA training on the acquisition and retention of knowledge of appropriate responses and skills in the acute aftermath of adversity in Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) in post-Ebola Sierra Leone. Secondary outcomes were professional quality of life, confidence in supporting a distressed person, and professional attitude. PHUs in Sierra Leone (n = 129) were cluster-randomized across PFA (206 participants) and control (202 participants) in March 2017. Knowledge and understanding of psychosocial support principles and skills were measured with a questionnaire and two patient scenarios to which participants described helpful responses. Professional attitude, confidence, and professional quality of life were assessed using self-report instruments. Assessments took place at baseline and at three- and six-months post-baseline. The PFA group had a stronger increase in PFA knowledge and understanding at the post-PFA training assessment (d = 0.50; p < 0.001) and at follow-up (d = 0.43; p = 0.001). In addition, the PFA group showed better responses to the scenarios at six-months follow-up (d = 0.38; p = 0.0002) but not at the post-assessment (d = 0.04; p = 0.26). No overall significant differences were found for professional attitude, confidence, and professional quality of life. In conclusion, PFA training improved acquisition and retention of knowledge and understanding of appropriate psychosocial responses and skills in providing support to individuals exposed to acute adversity. Our data support the use of PFA trainings to strengthen capacity for psychosocial support in contexts of disaster and humanitarian crisis. Future studies should examine the effects of PFA on psychosocial outcomes for people affected by crises.

Yunzhen Xue - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • effect of Psychological First Aid training on medical students cognitive appraisal about sudden events
    Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: Jian Zhang, Jie Liu, Zhanling Xue, Yunzhen Xue
    Abstract:

    Objective To explore the influence of Psychological First Aid training on cognitive appraisal of sudden events in medical students. Methods A medical university undergraduate students were selected and divided into the training group(n=42) and the control group(n=53). The former was treated with 20 hours short-term targeted Psychological First Aid, and the latter was treated as blank control. The SAM and LMSQ were adopted to measure students’ cognitive appraisal before and after the training. Results After the training, the training group gained significant differences(P 0.05). Compared with two groups, the training group gained significant increase(P<0.05) on the score differences for SAM factors (challenge (t=-2.466, P=0.016), controllable-by-self (t=-2.557, P=0.012), controllable-by-others (t=-2.800, P=0.006)) than the control group, and significant reduction (P<0.05) in physical threat (t=-2.308, P=0.023) of LMSQ. Conclusion Short-term targeted Psychological First Aid training has certain effects on changing cognitive appraisal about sudden events for medical students. Key words: Sudden events; Psychological First Aid; Medical students; Cognitive appraisal

  • Effect of Psychological First Aid training on medical students' cognitive appraisal about sudden events
    Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science, 2016
    Co-Authors: Jian Zhang, Jie Liu, Zhanling Xue, Yunzhen Xue
    Abstract:

    Objective To explore the influence of Psychological First Aid training on cognitive appraisal of sudden events in medical students. Methods A medical university undergraduate students were selected and divided into the training group(n=42) and the control group(n=53). The former was treated with 20 hours short-term targeted Psychological First Aid, and the latter was treated as blank control. The SAM and LMSQ were adopted to measure students’ cognitive appraisal before and after the training. Results After the training, the training group gained significant differences(P 0.05). Compared with two groups, the training group gained significant increase(P

Marit Sijbrandij - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The Effect of Psychological First Aid Training on Knowledge and Understanding about Psychosocial Support Principles: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
    International journal of environmental research and public health, 2020
    Co-Authors: Marit Sijbrandij, Rebecca Horn, Rebecca Esliker, Fiona O'may, Relinde Reiffers, Leontien Ruttenberg, Kimberly Stam, Joop T. V. M. De Jong, Alastair Ager
    Abstract:

    Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a world-wide implemented approach to helping people affected by an emergency, disaster, or other adverse event. Controlled evaluations of PFA's training effects are lacking. We evaluated the effectiveness of a one-day PFA training on the acquisition and retention of knowledge of appropriate responses and skills in the acute aftermath of adversity in Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) in post-Ebola Sierra Leone. Secondary outcomes were professional quality of life, confidence in supporting a distressed person, and professional attitude. PHUs in Sierra Leone (n = 129) were cluster-randomized across PFA (206 participants) and control (202 participants) in March 2017. Knowledge and understanding of psychosocial support principles and skills were measured with a questionnaire and two patient scenarios to which participants described helpful responses. Professional attitude, confidence, and professional quality of life were assessed using self-report instruments. Assessments took place at baseline and at three- and six-months post-baseline. The PFA group had a stronger increase in PFA knowledge and understanding at the post-PFA training assessment (d = 0.50; p < 0.001) and at follow-up (d = 0.43; p = 0.001). In addition, the PFA group showed better responses to the scenarios at six-months follow-up (d = 0.38; p = 0.0002) but not at the post-assessment (d = 0.04; p = 0.26). No overall significant differences were found for professional attitude, confidence, and professional quality of life. In conclusion, PFA training improved acquisition and retention of knowledge and understanding of appropriate psychosocial responses and skills in providing support to individuals exposed to acute adversity. Our data support the use of PFA trainings to strengthen capacity for psychosocial support in contexts of disaster and humanitarian crisis. Future studies should examine the effects of PFA on psychosocial outcomes for people affected by crises.