Mental Health Response to Disasters: Is There a Role for a Primary Care-Based Clinician?
Date
2022
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Prehospital and disaster medicine
Abstract
Introduction: Following natural disasters, rural general practitioners (GPs) are expected to
undertake several roles, including identifying those experiencing psychological distress and
providing evidence-informed mental health care. This paper reports on a collaborative mental health program developed to support a rural GP practice (population <1,500) and a disaster response service.
Methods: The program provided specialized disaster mental health care via the placement
of a clinician in the GP facility. In collaboration with the GP practice, the program offered
opportunistic screening using the Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Scale (PC-PTSD) for probable PTSD as the primary measure and the Kessler 6 (K6) as
a secondary measure. Those scoring higher than two on the PC-PTSD scale were referred
to the mental health clinician (MHC) for further assessment and treatment.
Results: Sixty screening assessments were completed. Fourteen patients (male = 3; female
= 11) scored higher than two on the PC-PTSD. The referred group PC-PTSD mean score
was 3.14 and K6 mean score of 19. Those not referred had a PC-PTSD mean score = 0.72
and K6 mean score = 7.30. The treatment and non-treatment groups differed significantly
(PC-PTSD: P <.00001 and K6: P <.00001). A prior history of trauma exposure was notable
in the intervention group. Eight reported a history of domestic violence, seven histories of
sexual abuse, five childhood sexual abuse, and eight intimate partner violence (IPV).
Conclusion: A post-disaster integrated GP and mental health program in a rural community can assist in identifying individuals experiencing post-disaster psychological distress
using opportunistic psychological screening. The findings indicate that collaborative mental
health programs may effectively support rural communities post-disaster.
Description
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Keywords
International Resources, Australia, disaster, mental health, response, rural areas, community
Citation
Crompton, D., Shakespeare-Finch, J., FitzGerald, G., Kohleis, P., & Young, R. (2022). Mental health response to disasters: is there a role for a primary care-based clinician?. Prehospital and disaster medicine, 37(5), 706-711.