Ethical Guidelines on providign psychological services in response to disasters

Question 1

What are 4 ways psychologists mightbecome involved in disaster response

Answer 1

1. Consultation
2. Mentoring other health professionals
3. Direct service provision
4. Consulting with disaster response agencies

Question 2

If you offer your services in resposne to a disaster what what is it important to do

Answer 2

1. Work through an established organisation that is already working in the region as part of a coordinated response
2. Ensure you work an organisation that will maintain community presence in the emergency area
3. Transfer skills to local staff so that support and interevention may be implemented beyond your services and if you leave the area

Question 3

What might be some difficulties associated with confidentiality that may arise when working in a disaster setting

Answer 3

1. It may be difficult to get informed consent
2. Media pressure to divulge client details
3. Confusion over role in that a psychologist might be providing support but not as a psychologist

Question 4

What are some of the things you should know to ensure competency before workign in a disaster settign

Answer 4

1. What is best practice in supporting people affected by an emergency
2. Understand common human responses to a disaster
3. What psychological services and culturally and contextually appropriate to teh group affected by disaster
4. Knowing th limitations of your skills

Question 5

What must you assess before conducting research in a disastersetting

Answer 5

WHat the potential value and contribution of the research is in future disaster situations and local infrastructure

Question 6

What must you highlight to a participant when conducting research in a disaster setting

Answer 6

That the research is not treatment. Explain the difference between treatment, relief or humanitarian aid

Question 7

What must you do when keeping client records in a disaster setting

Answer 7

Clarify who owns and has responsibility for client records before you provide intervention. Who is responsible for long-term storage or future transfer of client information

Question 8

What is it important for psychologists to model for others

Answer 8

They should manage their emotional responses in way that reflect resiliency and professional bheaviour

Question 9

How can psychologists engage in self-care whilst working in a disaster setting

Answer 9

Receive adequate supervision and support.

Through awareness of the importance of self-care

Question 10

What should you do if you can not provide long-term follow up in a disaster setting

Answer 10

Refer to services that can provide this for your client