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Mental health training experiences among H aitian healthcare workers post‐earthquake 2010
Author(s) -
Cianelli R.,
Wilkinson C.,
Mitchell E.,
Anglade D.,
Nicolas G.,
Mitrani V.,
Peragallo N.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international nursing review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1466-7657
pISSN - 0020-8132
DOI - 10.1111/inr.12047
Subject(s) - mental health , nursing , focus group , curriculum , medicine , anxiety , health care , unit (ring theory) , psychology , medical education , psychiatry , business , political science , pedagogy , marketing , law , mathematics education
Background After the 2010 earthquake in H aiti, the large number of persons with major limb damage, amputations, shock, trauma, anxiety and depression placed a severe strain on mental health (MH) services. Purpose This qualitative study describes the impact and acceptability of a Mental Health Training Program ( MHTP ) implemented in the north of H aiti after the earthquake. Methods A total of 113 healthcare workers ( HCWs ) participated in a training program designed to build local MH care capacity. The training curriculum draws on literature related to MH and the impact of the H aiti earthquake. Two focus groups were conducted with 16 HCWs ; discussions centred on the personal and professional impact and acceptability of the training program. Discussion Results demonstrated that the MHTP changed the HCWs ' perceptions about MH issues and provided them with the knowledge and skills to respond to growing community MH needs. Acceptability of the MHTP was related to the content covered, to the delivery mode of the content and to the cultural appropriateness of the program. Conclusions Disasters of different types will continue to occur and to impact MH in communities around the world. MH training will allow nurses to quickly and effectively respond to disasters. A coordinated emergency plan that is subject to frequent review, rehearsal and evaluation is also essential.