Research Priorities for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Settings
2011

Research Priorities for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Settings

Sample size: 82 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wietse A. Tol, Vikram Patel, Mark Tomlinson, Florence Baingana, Ananda Galappatti, Catherine Panter-Brick, Derrick Silove, Egbert Sondorp, Michael Wessells, Mark van Ommeren

Primary Institution: Global Health Initiative, MacMillan Center, Yale University

Hypothesis

What are the most important research questions for mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings?

Conclusion

The study established a consensus-based research agenda emphasizing practical knowledge for mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants reached a high level of agreement on the ten most highly prioritized research questions.
  • The research agenda emphasizes practical knowledge for immediate benefits in humanitarian programming.
  • Research questions focused on problem analysis, interventions, and context in humanitarian settings.

Takeaway

This study asked experts what questions are most important to help people with mental health issues in crisis situations, and they agreed on ten key questions.

Methodology

The study used a consensus-building methodology to generate and score research questions from a diverse group of stakeholders.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to overrepresentation of certain regions and attrition of participants.

Limitations

The study had limited representation from some regions and a high attrition rate between phases.

Participant Demographics

Participants included academics, policy makers, and practitioners from regions affected by humanitarian crises.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pmed.1001096

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