Journal article
A systematic approach to building the mental health response capacity of practitioners in a post-disaster context
L Reifels, B Bassilios, D Forbes, M Creamer, D Wade, S Coates, M Hopwood, J Pirkis
Advances in Mental Health | ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD | Published : 2013
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a summative evaluation of the training component of the Australian Government Mental Health Response to the 2009 bushfires in Victoria, Australia. With very little evidence available to date on comprehensive attempts at implementing multilevel training frameworks in the wake of natural disasters, the evaluation provides valuable insights into an effort that sought to build the capacity of practitioners to respond to the psychosocial and mental health consequences of a significant bushfire disaster at various levels of the response system. Key findings of the evaluation are discussed with regards to their relevance for the training of mental health practitio..
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Funding Acknowledgements
This work was supported through the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. The authors wish to thank the following agencies for their valuable input and insights: the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing; the Victorian Department of Health; beyondblue: the national depression and anxiety initiative; the Australian Psychological Society; the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health; the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists; General Practice Victoria; and Australian Healthcare Associates.