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Towards Successful Dissemination of Psychological First Aid: A Study of Provider Training Preferences

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Abstract

Dissemination of Psychological First Aid (PFA) is challenging considering the complex nature of disaster response and the various disaster mental health (DMH) trainings available. To understand challenges to dissemination in community mental health centers (CMHCs), interviews were conducted with nine DMH providers associated with CMHCs. Consensual qualitative analysis was used to analyze data. Interviews were targeted toward understanding organizational infrastructure, DMH training requirements, and training needs. Results clarified challenges to DMH training in CMHCs and factors that may promote buy-in for trainings. For example, resources are limited and thus allocated for state and federal training requirements. Therefore, including PFA in these requirements could promote adoption. Additionally, a variety of training approaches that differ in content, style, and length would be useful. To conclude, a conceptual model for ways to promote buy-in for the PFA Guide is proposed.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through the University of Oklahoma Terrorism and Disaster Center.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA

    Erin P. Hambrick MA, Sonia L. Rubens MA, Eric M. Vernberg PhD, ABPP, Anne K. Jacobs PhD & Rebecca M. Kanine MA

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  1. Erin P. Hambrick MA
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  2. Sonia L. Rubens MA
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  3. Eric M. Vernberg PhD, ABPP
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  4. Anne K. Jacobs PhD
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  5. Rebecca M. Kanine MA
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Erin P. Hambrick MA.

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Hambrick, E.P., Rubens, S.L., Vernberg, E.M. et al. Towards Successful Dissemination of Psychological First Aid: A Study of Provider Training Preferences. J Behav Health Serv Res 41, 203–215 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-013-9362-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-013-9362-y

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