Innovative psychological first aid (PFA) in the new normal for frontliners

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Healthcare Management
• Crisis Intervention

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for healthcare systems globally.
• Frontline healthcare workers experienced significant stress due to increased workloads and pandemic-related anxiety.
• Traditional support methods required adaptation to adhere to "New Normal" protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation of Psychological First Aid (PFA) for hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To explore innovative virtual communication methods for delivering PFA.
• To assess the utility of PFA Solat in supporting Muslim staff's religious needs.

Main Methods:

• Virtual communication channels were employed to deliver PFA to staff.
• A specific program, PFA Solat, was developed to address the religious needs of Muslim frontline workers.
• The study focused on staff at Hospital Sultan Ismail.

Main Results:

• Psychological First Aid (PFA) was successfully adapted for virtual delivery.
• PFA demonstrated potential in mitigating stress and anxiety among frontline staff.
• The PFA Solat initiative provided tailored support for Muslim healthcare workers.

Conclusions:

• Virtual Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a viable approach for supporting healthcare staff during crises.
• PFA can be an effective tool for managing pandemic-related occupational stress.
• It is recommended that all staff, particularly frontline workers, receive PFA.