World Health Organization

Psychological First Aid During Ebola Virus Disease Outbreaks World Health Organization

Marc Notes: Cover title.; This document is an adaptation of the Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers (World Health Organization, War Trauma Foundation, World Vision International, 2011) to include relevant information to respond to Ebola virus disease outbreaks.; Includes bibliographical references. Publisher Marketing: This guide covers psychological first aid which involves humane, supportive and practical help to fellow human beings suffering serious crisis events. It is written for people who can help others who have experienced an extremely distressing event. This guide is an adaptation of the "Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers," that includes relevant modifications and adaptations to better respond to the specifics of the Ebola disease outbreak. Ebola poses specific problems for affected people (e.g., stigmatization, isolation, fear, and possible abandonment) and responders (e.g., safety, access to updated information). Psychological first aid has been recommended by many expert groups, including the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the Sphere Project. In 2009, the World Health Organization s (WHO) mhGAP Guidelines Development Group evaluated the evidence for psychological first aid and psychological debriefing. They concluded that psychological first aid, rather than psychological debriefing, should be offered to people in severe distress after being recently exposed to a traumatic event. Endorsed by many international agencies, the original "Psychological First Aid Guide" reflects the emerging science and international consensus on how to support people in the immediate aftermath of extremely stressful events. Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks have a great impact on the wellbeing of those affected by the disease, their family and community members and the health workers engaged in treating people with Ebola." Contributor Bio:  World Health Organization World Health Organization is a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, charged to act as the world's directing and coordinating authority on questions of human health. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.