JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT - SPECIAL EDITION VOL II: DECEMBER 2015 75
Managing Child Flood Victims by Psychological Engagement: A Pilot Project
Alzamani MI, Mona KG, Nurul LR, Hafiz SM, Ahmad IKB, Abu HAAEmergency Department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur
Abstract
Introduction: After a disaster, the focus of assistance for victims is usually on basic survival needs such as shelter, food and water. The psychological needs of the children are often neglected. This study reports the intervention used to meet the children’s psychological needs during the major flood that occurred in Temerloh, Pahang from 3 December 2014 to 3 January 2015.
Material & Methods: We describe the employment of psychological intervention in children via play and art therapy. A team of 15 personnel including 1 Emergency Physician, 4 Medical Officers, 3 Staff Nurses, 2 Assistant Medical Officer from Kuala Lumpur Hospital’s Emergency Department, established an Emergency Medical Services and Observation Ward at the Temerloh Relief Center in Pahang which housed about 3,000 victims. In addition, a team of 3 psychologists was recruited to provide psychological intervention. The team stayed at the center for 1 week to provide medical services. The play therapy and art therapy was specifically targeted at the children. This was a pilot project to provide mental support for children. A ‘walkabout’ team consisting of an emergency physician, a medical officer and a psychologist screened children for change of behavioural. 10 children who had noticeable behavioral changes were recruited for this study on voluntary basis.
Results: Subjects were able to express their state of mind via play and art therapy. Psychologists provided mental therapy to affected victims. The ‘walkabout’ team was able to screen for children who had a troubled mental state. Early detection and therapy could mitigate symptoms and prevent progress to more serious problems such as anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Conclusion: Play and art therapy are useful modes of mental therapy for children affected by disaster. Psychological engagement should not be forgotten as disaster victim are often mentally troubled. Without close observation, this aspect may be missed. Psychologists can play effective roles by engaging the victims in activities that help them express themselves, and therapeutic measures such as play and art therapy.
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