Title : Early post-traumatic stress disorder recognition program for hurricane survivors
Abstract:
The mental stress experienced by displaced individuals as a result of natural disasters is common. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is associated with medical and economic burdens as it creates suffering and loss of function in populations (Watson, 2019). The perspective of the community clinic is recognizing that many patients who visit the clinic for basic healthcare needs have been exposed to trauma, as a result of disasters, and not received appropriate interventions. Patients who are reporting to the clinic with signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress are not evaluated. Currently, interventions are not in place to assess for PTSD. Prevention efforts are supported by early recognition and interventions. As a result of the higher likelihood of trauma post a natural disaster, early access is necessary in primary care, emergency, and behavioural health medical settings (Watson, 2019). Individuals exposed to natural disasters often transition from functioning well to experiencing a decline in functioning (Heid et al., 2017). Early determination of PTSD and associated interventions will reduce the prevalence of PTSD (Shalev et al., 2019).
