Psychosocial crisis management: Assisting sensory-impaired individuals in case of disasters

Florentine Schmitz; Ask Elklit; Marianne Hansen; Trond Heir; Simona Hoskovcova; Hedvika Boukalová; Claudia Schedlich; Štěpán Vymětal; Gisela Zurek; Stevan Hobfoll; Robert Bering

doi:10.5055/jem.0882

Authors

Florentine Schmitz, MSc
Ask Elklit, MSc https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8469-7372
Marianne Hansen, MSc
Trond Heir, PhD
Simona Hoskovcova, PhD
Hedvika Boukalová, PhD
Claudia Schedlich, MSc
Štěpán Vymětal, PhD
Gisela Zurek, MSc
Stevan Hobfoll, MSc
Robert Bering, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.0882

Keywords:

trauma, disaster, United Nations convention on the rights of disabled, deaf, blind, sensory impaired, European Network for Psychosocial Crisis Management: Assisting Disabled in Case of Disaster

Abstract

Background: Psychosocial crisis management interventions do not sufficiently consider visually impaired and deaf individuals. There are difficulties in accessing the available interventions, and the effectiveness of these interventions seems questionable. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities build on the premises of the inclusive participation in psychosocial intervention after disasters.

Objective: The objective of this study is to provide recommendations for psychosocial intervention for sensory-impaired individuals after disasters and to raise awareness for professionals working in the field of psychotraumatology.

Methods: A qualitative analysis of semistructured expert interviews and focus groups with professionals in psychotraumatology and sensory-impaired individuals was conducted. This research took place within the European Network for Psychosocial Crisis Management: Assisting Disabled in Case of Disaster (EUNAD), which is funded by the European Commission.

Results: There is a need for specific knowledge about how to meet the needs of individuals with sensory loss in order to provide psychosocial crisis management after a disaster. This aspect is not included in the existing psychosocial interventions.

Conclusion: The EUNAD recommendations are a start to fulfill the obligation to include sensory-impaired individuals in preparations for disaster interventions.

Author Biographies

Florentine Schmitz, MSc

Psychotherapy for Children & Adolescence, KJP Swisttal, Swisttal, Germany

Ask Elklit, MSc

National Danish Center for Psychotraumatology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark

Marianne Hansen, MSc

National Unit for Sensory Loss and Mental Health, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

Trond Heir, PhD

Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway

Simona Hoskovcova, PhD

Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

Hedvika Boukalová, PhD

Private Psychotherapeutical Practice; Court Expert, Czech Police, Prague, Czechia

Claudia Schedlich, MSc

Caritas Therapy Centre for People after Torture and Flight, Cologne, Germany

Štěpán Vymětal, PhD

Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

Gisela Zurek, MSc

Deutsches Institut für Psychotraumatologie, Much, Germany

Stevan Hobfoll, MSc

The Stress, Trauma, Anxiety, and Resilience Society, United States

Robert Bering, MD

Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany

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