Development of mental health first aid guidelines on how a member of the public can support a person affected by a traumatic event: a Delphi study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

People who experience traumatic events have an increased risk of developing a range of mental disorders. Appropriate early support from a member of the public, whether a friend, family member, co-worker or volunteer, may help to prevent the onset of a mental disorder or may minimise its severity. However, few people have the knowledge and skills required to assist. Simple guidelines may help members of the public to offer appropriate support when it is needed.

Methods

Guidelines were developed using the Delphi method to reach consensus in a panel of experts. Experts recruited to the panels included 37 professionals writing, planning or working clinically in the trauma area, and 17 consumer or carer advocates who had been affected by traumatic events. As input for

SUBMITTER: Kelly CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2904289 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature