Crisis Intervention in Healthcare Settings

Full Answer Section

Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to the individuals and families impacted by the West Pokot landslide reveals a stark picture of unmet fundamental needs. At the physiological level, the immediate crisis directly threatened survival. Individuals lost their lives, and survivors faced a critical lack of basic necessities such as shelter from the elements, clean water to prevent disease, food to stave off hunger, and sanitation facilities. The disruption of their environment meant their very physical existence was jeopardized.

Moving up the hierarchy, the safety needs of the affected population were severely compromised. The landslides created an environment of extreme insecurity. Homes were destroyed, leaving families exposed to further environmental hazards, potential crime, and the psychological trauma of the event itself. The loss of loved ones also shattered their sense of security and predictability. The lack of stable shelter and the uncertainty about the future contributed to a pervasive feeling of unsafety.

The crisis also profoundly impacted the belongingness and love needs of the individuals and families. The loss of family members created deep emotional wounds and disrupted social structures. Displacement from their communities severed social connections and support networks. The shared trauma could potentially foster new bonds among survivors, but the initial aftermath likely involved feelings of isolation, grief, and loss of community identity.

The esteem needs of the survivors were also affected. The sudden loss of their homes, livelihoods (often based on agriculture or small businesses), and possessions could lead to feelings of helplessness, loss of dignity, and a diminished sense of self-worth. The disruption of their normal lives and their dependence on external aid could further erode their sense of competence and achievement.

Finally, the ability to pursue self-actualization – realizing one's full potential – was rendered virtually impossible in the immediate aftermath of the crisis. The focus shifted entirely to survival and meeting basic needs, leaving no space for personal growth, creativity, or the pursuit of life goals.

Analyzing a Crisis-Related Issue: Psychological Trauma and Grief

A critical crisis-related issue that individuals and families in the aftermath of the West Pokot landslide faced, and continue to face, is psychological trauma and grief. Witnessing the devastation, losing loved ones, experiencing the terror of the landslide, and being displaced from their homes are all profoundly traumatic events. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to long-term psychological distress. Symptoms of trauma can include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, fear, difficulty concentrating, and emotional withdrawal. Grief over the loss of life, homes, and a way of life can be overwhelming and prolonged, impacting their ability to cope and rebuild their lives. This psychological burden can hinder their ability to address their other unmet needs and can have long-lasting consequences on their mental and emotional well-being.

Defending an Appropriate Crisis Intervention Strategy: Psychological First Aid and Community Support

An appropriate crisis intervention strategy in this context is Psychological First Aid (PFA) combined with the establishment and strengthening of community-based support systems.

Defense of PFA: PFA is an evidence-informed approach that focuses on providing immediate support to individuals in the aftermath of a crisis. It aims to reduce initial distress, meet basic needs, promote safety, provide comfort, and connect individuals with information and support services. PFA is particularly relevant in the early stages of the crisis as it does not require extensive mental health training and can be delivered by trained human service professionals, community health workers, and even volunteers. Its principles align with addressing the immediate needs identified by Maslow’s Hierarchy, particularly safety and physiological well-being, by creating a sense of calm and providing practical assistance. By offering a compassionate presence, active listening, and practical help, PFA can begin to address the initial psychological shock and prevent the escalation of mental health issues.

Defense of Community Support Systems: While PFA provides immediate support, long-term recovery requires robust community-based support systems. This involves:

• Establishing safe spaces: Creating community centers or designated areas where individuals can gather, share their experiences, and receive psychosocial support.
• Facilitating support groups: Bringing together individuals who have experienced similar losses and trauma can foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding, addressing the belongingness and love needs.
• Training community members: Equipping local leaders, teachers, and community health workers with basic counseling skills and knowledge about trauma and grief can create a sustainable support network within the community.
• Integrating cultural and traditional practices: Utilizing existing community coping mechanisms and cultural rituals for mourning and healing can be particularly effective in this context.
• Providing access to mental health professionals: For individuals experiencing more severe and persistent psychological distress, referral pathways to qualified mental health professionals are crucial.

Combining PFA with community support addresses the immediate psychological needs while building long-term resilience and fostering a sense of collective healing. By empowering the community to support its own members and providing access to specialized care when needed, this intervention strategy acknowledges the interconnectedness of needs outlined in Maslow’s Hierarchy and aims to facilitate a holistic recovery process for the individuals and families affected by the West Pokot landslide. As human service professionals in a healthcare setting, our role would be to provide initial PFA, train community members in basic support skills, and facilitate the establishment of these crucial community-based support systems, working collaboratively with local leaders and organizations.

Sample Answer

Reflecting on the West Pokot Landslide: A Crisis in Basic Needs

The news story that resonated deeply and highlights a significant crisis in Kenya, particularly relevant to our context in Kisumu, Kisumu County, is the West Pokot landslide disaster that occurred in November 2019. Heavy rainfall triggered devastating landslides in the Pokot Central and Pokot South sub-counties, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of families, and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. Reports indicated that dozens of people were killed, and many more were left injured and without shelter, food, or clean water. The sheer scale of the devastation and the immediate impact on vulnerable communities constitute a profound crisis.