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Psychological Support for staff of the Department of Health involved in Sichuan relief work

This article discusses the approaches and forms of support provided to DH staff involved in relief work in Sichuan. It covers psychoeducation, group support, counseling hotlines, and workshops on crisis management. It also explores the possible effects of trauma and considerations for future work in providing psychological support.

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Psychological Support for staff of the Department of Health involved in Sichuan relief work

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  1. Psychological Support for staff of the Department of Health involved in Sichuan relief work Joseph Lau Senior Clinical Psychologist Child Assessment Service, DH

  2. Staff returning from Sichuan relief work • Doctors and nurses from DH who supported a team of HK firemen involved in rescue work • Members of the HKSAR Infection Prevention Team, including forensic pathologists, chemists, health inspectors, sanitation workers

  3. Approaches to support • Psychoeducation was preferred to debriefing • Staff returning at different periods were greeted at the airport and given the handouts on psychological self-care and balances for media and victim support workers describing what to expect and where to get help

  4. Forms of support offered • Clinical psychologists (5) from EHS and (2) from CAS were put on a roster to man a counseling hot-line for involved staff on weekdays and weekends for the period 27th May to 8th June 2008

  5. Approaches to support • Group support, including the opportunity for people to discuss their experiences if they feel need to • Experience sharing session for DH staff who participated in the Sichuan Mission was held on 7 July 2008

  6. Preparation for crisis work • Workshop for nurses (PHND) on preparation for providing assistance in crisis management covering psychological reaction in crisis, symptoms of PTSD and preparation for crisis intervention work with contribution from a CP of EHS

  7. Trauma • Events that change you forever • Effects may be immediate/delayed/ long after • Overwhelming arousal and cognition (negative cognition of a calamity)

  8. Possible Effects of Trauma • Experience human vulnerability to the perils of the natural world • Open up one’s eyes to reality and destroy the comforting illusion we use to live with • Feelings about the impermanence and fragility of life >>>> Undermines our sense of confidence in the future

  9. Do you fully recovered from trauma? • Your daily functioning may return to ‘normal’ with necessary resources and support • Spiritually, you may be more affected. Less at peace with yourself? >>> abrupt change of career, philosophical despair in the meaning in life

  10. Considerations for future work • Systematic psychological preparation or education for relief workers • Established channel of support or counseling for emergency personnel and reporters

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