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

Ling Wang, Ian Norman, Tao Xiao, Yamin Li and Mary Leamy
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Ling Wang: Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, 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

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-23

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.

Keywords: Psychological First Aid; PFA training; psychosocial response; early psychosocial support; mental health and psychosocial support; non-specialist; healthcare workers; mental health preparedness; mental and behavior health management; capacity building (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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