How should professional psychiatric associations respond to a large-scale disaster?

TL;DR

This paper discusses how psychiatric associations can effectively respond to large-scale disasters using a structured model based on real-world experience.

Contribution

The paper introduces the SOLIDARITE model, a novel framework for disaster response by psychiatric associations.

Findings

The SOLIDARITE model includes sustained preparedness and organized networks for disaster response.

Implementation of the model during the 2023 earthquakes demonstrated its effectiveness in prompt and comprehensive action.

The model emphasizes integrating disaster psychiatry into training and promoting international collaboration.

Abstract

Disasters pose unique challenges, triggering significant psychological and social crises with both short- and long-term impacts. In this article, we address the critical role of professional psychiatric associations (PPAs) in responding to large-scale disasters, emphasizing the operational model connected with the Psychiatric Association of Türkiye’s (PAT) response to the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye and Northern Syria. We propose the SOLIDARITE model, a structured response framework, which incorporates sustained preparedness, organized networks, resource libraries, on-site and remote interventions, and comprehensive disaster planning across early, middle, and long-term phases. The model emphasizes a multidimensional approach integrating pre-disaster preparedness through training, various psychosocial support options, the establishment of networks, and the formulation of a master disaster response plan. The implementation of this model by PAT during the 2023 earthquakes facilitated an effective and prompt response, underlining the importance of PPAs’ role in disaster preparedness and action. The SOLIDARITE model supports the need for deeper integration of disaster psychiatry into psychiatric training and calls for national and international collaboration to enhance the preparedness and response capacity of PPAs.

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