P0060 - The Pediatric Disaster Mental Health Intervention: A Guide for Primary Care Providers

The PDMHI (Pediatric Disaster Mental Health Intervention) was initially developed in response to Superstorm Sandy's impact on children and their families in New York City (NYC). The objective was to develop training for primary care providers in Pediatric Disaster Mental Health Care and to subsequently study its impact on the trainees. The effects of a disaster on a community's mental health can persist after the physical effects of the event have passed. The pediatric population is often overrepresented in disasters and prone to serious mental health disorders based on their developmental age and parental/community response. Pediatric Primary Healthcare providers require the Psychosocial skills necessary to work in disaster zones and to effectively care for children in disasters. A faculty of experts in pediatric mental health, psychiatry, psychology, and disaster preparedness and response was convened to develop the PDMHI curriculum. The faculty developed a four hour intervention to equip health care providers with the skills and knowledge necessary to care for pediatric patients with mental health problems stemming from a disaster via evaluation, triage, intervention and referral. Three PDMHI training sessions were held. 67 providers were trained; 31 pediatricians, 18 nurses, 8 social workers 4 psychologists, 2 psychiatrists and 4 others. Pre and post-tests measured knowledge before and impact 3 months post intervention. 62.5% of responding primary care providers made changes to their practice. 92% felt better equipped to identify, treat and refer patients. 81% would be willing to work in a disaster zone and felt prepared to treat patients with disaster mental health issues. Participants gained tools for managing pediatric mental health issues in primary care. Study data showed an increase in the participants perceived knowledge and skills about pediatric disaster mental health and their willingness to participate in future disasters.