Evaluation of community-based psychological first aid in oncology
| Published date | 05 December 2019 |
| Date | 05 December 2019 |
| Pages | 248-255 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-11-2018-0077 |
| Author | Brandon L. Gray,Samuel Gaster,Christina Early,Amanda Reed |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Public mental health |
Evaluation of community-based
psychological first aid in oncology
Brandon L. Gray, Samuel Gaster, Christina Early and Amanda Reed
Abstract
Purpose –Healthcare professionals work in high stress environments and may benefit from organizational
effortsthat enhance coping abilities.Community-based psychological first aid (CBPFA)is an evidence-informed
programdesigned for buildingthese skills and promotingresilience duringstressful times. However,few studies
have examined theeffectiveness of CBPFA. The paper aimsto 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.
Keywords Coping, Stress, Public health
Paper type Research paper
Healthcare professionals endure high stress work environments and report stress reactions at
higher rates compared to other working adults (Shanafelt et al., 2012). Frequently reported
reactions including diminished interest or cynicism, difficulty coping and constant feelings of
failure or exhaustion (Cherniss, 2017). Research indicates that these experiences are especially
common among critical care staff, such as those working in oncology (Embriaco et al., 2007).
Efforts to strengthen healthcare professionals’abilities to cope with workplace stressors are
necessary (Dyrbye et al., 2017). One factor associated with reducedworkplace stress and burnout
prevention is occupational self-efficacy (Pisanti et al., 2008). Researchers have reported that
self-efficacy moderates the effect of stress on burnout among healthcare professionals across
countries andprofessions (Shoji et al., 2016). Therefore,programs that increase the abilityto cope
with stressful work environments may be particularly beneficial in health care settings. However,
such effortshave demonstrated mixed results,with few studies systematicallytargeting high stress
health settings,such as oncology care (Osillaet al., 2012). Moreover, a recentsystematic review by
Ruotsalainen et al. (2014) demonstrated mixed or null results instress and anxiety reduction and
health promotionamong healthcare staff acrossmany commonly used approaches,such as CBT,
physical relaxation, mental relaxation and organizational interventions (e.g. organizing support,
changing working conditions). Taken together, a clear need exists for developing effective and
evidence-based programs in healthcare settings.
Community-based psychological first aid (CBPFA); ( Jacbos, 2016) is a psychosocial program
that has demonstrated promis e in promoting adaptive functioning in a wid e variety
of populations, including oncology care staff (e.g. Gaster et al.,2018).CBPFAhasbeen
implemented in several settings, including as an intervention in large-scale disasters as well as with
daily stressors (Institute of Medicine, 2003; National Biodefense Science Board, 2008). Like physical
first aid, CBPFA teaches community members to provide basic psychological support to one another.
Received 15 November 2018
Revised 24 January 2019
Accepted 8 March 2019
Brandon L. Gray is based at the
Disaster Mental Health Institute,
University of South Dakota,
Vermillion, South Dakota, USA.
Samuel Gaster and
Christina Early are both based
at Avera Cancer Institute, Sioux
Falls, South Dakota, USA.
Amanda Reed is based at
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital,
Yankton, South Dakota, USA
and Disaster Mental Health
Institute, University of South
Dakota, Vermillion, South
Dakota, USA.
PAGE248
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JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH
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VOL. 18 NO. 4 2019, pp. 248-255, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1746-5729 DOI 10.1108/JPMH-11-2018-0077
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