A Systematic Review on the Use of Psychological First Aid and Stress First Aid in Supporting Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant psychological distress, especially among healthcare workers. While Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Stress First Aid (SFA) were commonly utilized in disaster settings, a few institutions had adapted them in the pandemic to provide psychological support for their healthcare workers. This systematic review aims to explore the application of PFA and SFA in addressing the psychological challenges faced by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library in August 2024. Studies were included if they utilized PFA or SFA as the primary intervention or employed frameworks based on either approach. Results: Seven studies were included in the review, with six conducted in the United States. Three studies focused on PFA-related interventions. One study reported that up to 20% of staff utilized the service. Another study highlighted a high satisfaction rate with the sessions, significant reductions in anxiety and emotional distress, and improved coping abilities. Four studies explored the implementation of PFA and SFA training for healthcare workers. Benefits of this training include increased awareness of available psychological resources, enhanced resilience, improved communication skills, greater proficiency in peer support, and better overall mental well-being. Conclusion: Current literature provided encouraging evidence for the effectiveness of PFA and SFA in supporting healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further research is needed to evaluate the impact of scaling up these programs and to determine their long-term effectiveness in preserving the mental health, well-being, and resilience among healthcare workers.