Psychological First Aid (PFA) is currently the most recommended early intervention for people affected by recent traumatic events, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that PFA neither prevents Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) nor other post-traumatic disorders or symptoms of distress. This project aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Psychological First Aid for the prevention of PTSD and other post-traumatic disorders or symptoms.
Background: Psychological First Aid (PFA) is currently the most recommended early intervention for people affected by recent traumatic events, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that PFA neither prevents Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) nor other post-traumatic disorders or symptoms of distress. Objective: This project aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Psychological First Aid for the prevention of PTSD and other post-traumatic disorders and/or symptoms. Population: Investigators will perform a 1:1 randomized-controlled trial of 200 adults recently affected (\<=72 hours) by a non-intentional trauma who consult to the emergency room of a public hospital. Investigators estimated a sample size of 200 individuals in order to detect a 50% Relative Risk Reduction (RRR), with a power of 80%, a statistical significance (alpha) of 5% and 34,4% of PTSD prevalence in the control group, what is consistent with prevalences observed in a similar sample by Fullerton, Ursano, Epstein, Crowley, Vance et al. (2001). Intervention: In the emergency room, undergraduate psychology students, previously trained and certified in PFA, will search and randomize suitable patients to either PFA or treatment as usual (TAU). They will provide PFA according to a protocol based on the WHO PFA Operation Guide to those patients included in the active group. Everyone correctly randomized will be followed and clinically evaluated one month after the intervention (endpoint).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
220
Participants in Control Group will be delivered a flyer named "What can I do facing a crisis?", containing information about normal reactions to crisis, what to do to return to normal life and which are the signals of an initial trauma.
Psychology students (PFA Providers) will intervene according to an adapted protocol based on the WHO PFA Operation Guide 2012. Protocol for this study contemplates 4 steps: 1. Active Listening 2. Relaxing and Breathing Techniques 3. Help in prioritizing needs 4. Help in contacting network and services. Moreover, participants in this group will receive a brochure with full contact information of public network, and a flyer named "What can I do facing a crisis?".
Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile
Hospital Clínico UC
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile
Hospital del Trabajador
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile
Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile
PTSD Prevalence
PTSD prevalence according to Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI)
Time frame: 1 month
PTSD symptoms
According to the PCL-C
Time frame: 1 month
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Hospital Padre Hurtado
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile