Evaluation of community-based psychological first aid in oncology

Abstract

Purpose

Healthcare professionals work in high stress environments and may benefit from organizational efforts that enhance coping abilities. Community-based psychological first aid (CBPFA) is an evidence-informed program designed for building these skills and promoting resilience during stressful times. However, few studies have examined the effectiveness of CBPFA. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined the effectiveness of CBPFA training in promoting occupational self-efficacy and intentions to use CBPFA among oncology care staff over time using a longitudinal design.

Findings

Participants reported increased occupational self-efficacy and intentions to use CBPFA skills after completing training. These factors remained stable at one-month follow-up.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of these results are limited by the lack of a control group in the study’s design, relatively homogenous sample and participant dropout.

Originality/value

Despite the study’s limitations, these results represent an initial step in empirically examining the impact of CBPFA trainings and providing evidence that CBPFA may be an effective preparedness and development program in high-stress healthcare settings.

Citation

Gray, B.L., Gaster, S., Early, C. and Reed, A. (2019), "Evaluation of community-based psychological first aid in oncology", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 248-255. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-11-2018-0077