Relevance or excellence? Setting research priorities for mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings
Date
2012-02
Authors
Tol, Wietse, A.
Patel, Vikram
Tomlinson, Mark R.
Baingana, Florence
Galappatti, Ananda
Silove, Derrick
Sondorp, Egbert
Van Ommeren, Mark
Wessells, Michael G.
Panter-Brick, Catherine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Informa Healthcare
Abstract
Background: Humanitarian crises are associated with an increase in mental disorders and psychological
distress. Despite the emerging consensus on intervention strategies in humanitarian settings,
the field of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in humanitarian settings lacks a
consensus-based research agenda. Methods: From August 2009 to February 2010, we contacted
policymakers, academic researchers, and humanitarian aid workers, and conducted nine semistructured
focus group discussions with 114 participants in three locations (Peru, Uganda, and Nepal), in
both the capitals and remote humanitarian settings. Local stakeholders representing a range of academic
expertise (psychiatry, psychology, social work, child protection, and medical anthropology)
and organizations (governments, universities, nongovernmental organizations, and UN agencies)
were asked to identify priority questions for MHPSS research in humanitarian settings, and to discuss
factors that hamper and facilitate research. Results: Thematic analyses of transcripts show that
participants broadly agreed on prioritized research themes in the following order: (1) the prevalence
and burden of mental health and psychosocial difficulties in humanitarian settings, (2) how MHPSS
implementation can be improved, (3) evaluation of specific MHPSS interventions, (4) the determinants
of mental health and psychological distress, and (5) improved research methods and processes.
Rather than differences in research themes across countries, what emerged was a disconnect between
different groups of stakeholders regarding research processes: the perceived lack of translation of
research findings into actual policy and programs; misunderstanding of research methods by aid
workers; different appreciation of the time needed to conduct research; and disputed universality of
research constructs. Conclusions: To advance a collaborative research agenda, actors in this field
need to bridge the perceived disconnect between the goals of “relevance” and “excellence.” Research
needs to be more sensitive to questions and concerns arising from humanitarian interventions, and
practitioners need to take research findings into account in designing interventions. (HARV REV
PSYCHIATRY 2012;20:25–36.)
Description
The original publication is available at www.informahealthcare.com
Keywords
Humanitarian assistance, Public health -- Psychosocial support, Humanitarian intervention
Citation
Tol, W. A. et al. 2012. Relevance or excellence? Setting research priorities for mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 20(1), 25-36, doi:10.3109/10673229.2012.649113.