Note the response must include a compare and contrast to a home health agency and the setting described in the post below.
Orginial Post: My clinical practicum faces significant issues that can be addressed to improve community experience. The integration and expansion of mental health support systems during disasters and public health emergencies is a component of emergency preparedness that could be improved. As a premier psychiatric facility, it is essential in the provision of mental health services. However, the broader community frequently is not adequately prepared to face the psychological repercussions that accompany disasters. The occurrence of these events can result in heightened anxiety, stress, and trauma, which may exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions or induce new psychological issues (Schmidt & Cohen, 2020). Although physical health and safety are prioritized in emergency preparedness plans, mental health aspects are often overlooked, resulting in a substantial gap in the overall disaster response strategy.
The significance of this issue is highlighted by the potential for disasters to significantly disrupt community life, resulting in pervasive psychological distress. The provision of effective mental health support can enable the community to recover more quickly and mitigate the long-term adverse effects on the well-being of individuals (Roudini, Khankeh & Witruk, 2020). Also, when neglected, mental health issues can exacerbate other health issues and impede individuals’ capacity to manage the aftermath of a disaster. In order to achieve comprehensive community resilience and rehabilitation, it is important to improve mental health preparedness.
The development and implementation of comprehensive community mental health training programs could be a specific nursing intervention that addresses this preparedness concern. These programs would strive to train not only healthcare professionals but also community leaders, first responders, and the general public. Training would focus on the identification and management of mental health symptoms both during and following a disaster. The program’s primary components would be fundamental psychological first aid (PFA), which instructs participants on how to offer immediate emotional support to those who are affected, and stress management techniques to assist both caregivers and the affected individuals in managing the crisis.
In the event of a disaster, nurses and other healthcare professionals may encounter challenges. The management of an increased patient load in conjunction with mental health requirements is a big challenge, particularly when resources are not often available. Nurses may be struggling to provide sufficient care for both physical and psychological issues, as they may be overextended. In addition, healthcare providers may experience burnout as a result of the tension associated with these circumstances.
It is important to provide a comprehensive training that’s embracing not only technical skills but also strategies for stress management and fatigue prevention in order to reinforce the support of nurses and other healthcare providers in these situations. Institutions should also guarantee that sufficient resources are accessible, including psychological first aid supplies and telehealth services, to address the growing demand for mental health services. Healthcare providers may also benefit from the establishment of a support network that includes counseling and support groups, as it can serve as a tension reliever and contribute to their mental health. Ensuring that all aspects of health, including mental health, are addressed is another way to improve the overall effectiveness of disaster response efforts by strengthening the collaboration between mental health professionals, emergency responders, and community organizations (Roudini, Khankeh & Witruk, 2020).
Roudini, J., Khankeh, H. R., & Witruk, E. (2020). Disaster mental health preparedness in the community: A systematic review study. Health psychology open, 4(1), 2055102917711307. https://doi.org/10.1177/2055102917711307
Schmidt, R. W., & Cohen, S. L. (2020). Disaster mental health community planning: A manual for trauma-informed collaboration. Routledge.
