Collaborating to support the mental health of public safety personnel: The Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment.

2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-173
Author(s):  
R. Nicholas Carleton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Canadian Institute ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Safety Research ◽  
Safety Personnel

Efficacy, effectiveness, and quality of resilience-building mobile health apps for military, veteran and public safety personnel populations: a scoping literature review and app evaluation (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Voth ◽  
Shannon Chisholm ◽  
Hannah Sollid ◽  
Chelsea Jones ◽  
Lorraine Smith-MacDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Scoping Literature Review ◽  
Mhealth Apps ◽  
Safety Personnel

BACKGROUND Globally, military members (MM) and public safety personnel (PSP) are vulnerable to occupational stress injuries (OSIs) due to their job demands. Consequently, when MM and PSP transition out of these professions, they may continue to experience mental health challenges. In response to this, resilience building programs are being developed and implemented with the goal of promoting empowerment and primary stress regulation. The development of mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) as an emergent mental health intervention platform has allowed for targeted, cost effective, and easily accessible treatment when in-person therapy may be limited or unavailable. However, current mHealth app development is not regulated, and often lacks both clear evidence-based research and the input of healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this manuscript is to evaluate the evidence-based quality, efficacy, and effectiveness of resilience building mobile apps targeted towards MM, PSP, and veteran populations via: (1) a scoping literature review of the current evidence-base regarding resilience apps for these populations, and; (2) evaluation of free resilience apps designed for use amongst these populations. METHODS Studies were selected using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, Academic Search Complete, Embase, and Google and was guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The Alberta Rating Index for Apps (ARIA) was utilized to conduct a review of each of the identified apps. Inclusion criteria consisted of apps: 1) free to download in either Google Play or the App Store; 2) updated within the last 3 years; 3) available in English and in Canada; and 4) intended for use by MM and/or PSP. RESULTS Twenty-two apps met the inclusion criteria for evaluation. The resilience strategies offered by the majority of apps included psychoeducation, mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Eleven apps (50%) had been tested with randomized controlled trials, seven (31.8%) were evaluated using other research methods, and five (22.7%) had not been researched. Using the ARIA, apps scores ranged from 37 to 56 out of 72 with higher rated apps demonstrating increased useability and security features. CONCLUSIONS The mHealth apps reviewed are well suited to providing resilience strategies for MMs, PSP and veterans. They offer easy accessibility to evidence-based tools while working to encourage the use of emotional and professional support with safety in mind. While not intended to function as a substitute for professional services, research has demonstrated that mHealth apps have the potential to foster a significant reduction in symptom severity for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other stress-induced concerns. Within clinical practice, apps can be utilized to supplement treatment as well as provide clients with population-specific, confidential tools to increase engagement in the treatment process. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

scholarly journals Sleep Quality and Mental Disorder Symptoms among Canadian Public Safety Personnel

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2708
Author(s):  
Andréanne Angehrn ◽  
Michelle J. N. Teale Sapach ◽  
Rosemary Ricciardelli ◽  
Renée S. MacPhee ◽  
Gregory S. Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Safety Personnel ◽  
Screening Measures

Poor sleep quality is associated with numerous mental health concerns and poorer overall physical health. Sleep disturbances are commonly reported by public safety personnel (PSP) and may contribute to the risk of developing mental disorders or exacerbate mental disorder symptoms. The current investigation was designed to provide estimates of sleep disturbances among PSP and explore the relationship between sleep quality and mental health status. PSP completed screening measures for sleep quality and diverse mental disorders through an online survey. Respondents (5813) were grouped into six categories: communications officials, correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Many PSP in each category reported symptoms consistent with clinical insomnia (49–60%). Rates of sleep disturbances differed among PSP categories (p < 0.001, ω = 0.08). Sleep quality was correlated with screening measures for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder for all PSP categories (r = 0.18–0.70, p < 0.001). PSP who screened positive for insomnia were 3.43–6.96 times more likely to screen positive for a mental disorder. All PSP reported varying degrees of sleep quality, with the lowest disturbances found among firefighters and municipal/provincial police. Sleep appears to be a potentially important factor for PSP mental health.

scholarly journals Mental health and social support among public safety personnel

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 427-433
Author(s):  
K D Vig ◽  
J E Mason ◽  
R N Carleton ◽  
G J G Asmundson ◽  
G S Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Safety Personnel

Abstract Background Social support may be a protective factor for the mental health of public safety personnel (PSP), who are frequently exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events and report substantial post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms. Research examining perceived social support and its association with PTSD and MDD in different PSP categories (e.g. firefighters, paramedics) is limited. Aims To examine differences in perceived social support across PSP and determine whether perceived social support is associated with differences in rates of MDD and PTSD. Methods We asked Canadian PSP, including correctional workers and officers, public safety communications officials, firefighters, paramedics, municipal and provincial police officers, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers, to complete an online anonymous survey that assessed socio-demographic information (e.g. occupation, sex, marital status, service years), social supports and symptoms of mental disorders, including PTSD and MDD. Analyses included ANOVA and logistic regression models. Results Perceived social support differed by PSP occupation. RCMP officers reported lower social support than all other PSP except paramedics. For most PSP categories, PSP who reported greater social support were less likely to screen positive for PTSD (adjusted odds ratios [AORs]: 0.90–0.93). Across all PSP categories, greater perceived social support was associated with a decreased likelihood of screening positive for MDD (AORs: 0.85–0.91). Conclusions Perceived social support differs across some PSP categories and predicts PTSD and MDD diagnostic status. Studies involving diagnostic clinical interviews, longitudinal designs and social support interventions are needed to replicate and extend our results.

scholarly journals When Our Work Hits Home: Trauma and Mental Disorders in Correctional Officers and Other Correctional Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Fusco ◽  
Rosemary Ricciardelli ◽  
Laleh Jamshidi ◽  
R. Nicholas Carleton ◽  
Nigel Barnim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Correctional Officers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Psychiatric Staff ◽  
Safety Personnel

Background: International estimates suggest that up to one in three public safety personnel experience one or more mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Canadian data have been sparse until very recently, and correctional officers and forensic psychiatric staff have rarely been included. Working as a correctional officer is associated with negative health outcomes and increased work-related stress, with several variables affecting reported levels of stress. Healthcare staff also report higher rates of PTSD, especially those who are exposed to aggression in their workplace. In the present study, we compare current symptoms of diverse staff working in correctional occupations.Method: Data were collected from a Canadian national online survey of public safety personnel, including employees of correctional services at the federal level. Correctional officers and wellness services staff were compared for prevalence of mental disorders and suicidal ideation.Results: Correctional officers self-reported statistically significantly more exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events than wellness services employees. Correctional officers also self-reported higher rates of symptoms of mental disorders, including PTSD, social anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. There were no statistically significant differences in reports of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts.Contribution to Society: Correctional and forensic staff contribute to society by working with justice-involved individuals in correctional institutions. Trauma-related disorders and other mental health problems threaten the well-being of correctional and forensic staff. Mental health likely impacts the ability of correctional and forensic staff to develop a therapeutic or working alliance with persons in custody. Staff well-being must be recognized and addressed to ensure that prisoners and staff receive optimal treatment in prison.Conclusion: Our results add to the limited knowledge about the well-being of staff, particularly wellness staff in prisons, who provide daily treatment and care for prisoners with serious mental disorders. Our work is a step toward identifying avenues for promoting staff well-being.

Effectiveness of a Workplace Reintegration Facilitator Training Program on Mental Health Literacy and Workplace Attitudes of Public Safety Personnel: A Pilot Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Jones ◽  
Lorraine Smith-MacDonald ◽  
Ashley Pike ◽  
Katherine S. Bright ◽  
Suzette Bremault-Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Critical Incident ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Health Attitudes ◽  
Facilitator Training ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Safety Personnel

BACKGROUND The demands and stressful nature of police work, unpredictability of the calls, and exposure to traumatic events in the line of duty can contribute to the development of operational stress injuries (OSIs) in Public Safety Personnel (PSP). Those impacted by work-related injuries can find themselves needing both time off work and support reintegrating back into the workforce. Work reintegration programs have been introduced in PSP organizations to support those who aim to return-to-work. One such peer-led workplace reintegration program (RP) was created in 2009 by members of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). The primary goal of the EPSRP is to assist PSP return to work as soon as possible following a critical incident, illness, or injury, while diminishing the potential for long-term psychological injury. The EPSRP is delivered by peers through three interrelated components: 1) Reintegration Program Facilitator Training (RPFT) Program; 2) a short-term Critical Incident RP; and 3) a long-term RP. There is a dire need for research that incorporate strong study designs to determine long-term effectiveness of these components. The purpose of this quasi-experimental pre/post pilot cohort study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the EPS RPFT course at influencing mental health knowledge and attitudes of RPFT attendees. OBJECTIVE This pre/post cohort study collected data via two questionnaires from RPFT participants (N=60). METHODS This pre/post cohort study collected data via two questionnaires from RPFT participants (N=60). Descriptive, parametric, and non-parametric statistics were utilized to compare pre and post RPFT results as well as analyzing results by gender and profession. RESULTS Statistically significant changes were observed in pre/post questionnaire scores in the domains of mental health attitudes and knowledge. CONCLUSIONS The RPFT may facilitate positive changes in mental health attitudes, knowledge, and stigma among PSP.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Before Operational Stress: A Program to Support Mental Health and Proactive Psychological Protection in Public Safety Personnel

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea M. Stelnicki ◽  
Laleh Jamshidi ◽  
Amber J. Fletcher ◽  
R. Nicholas Carleton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Operational Stress ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Safety Personnel

Public safety personnel (PSP; e.g., communications officials, corrections workers, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers) are at risk of developing mental health problems due to experiencing potentially psychologically traumatic events during their career. Research examining evidence-based treatments for psychological injuries resulting from operational duties (also known as operational stress injuries) has not yielded robust results that would indicate ongoing interventions as the best solution for managing PSP mental health injuries; as such, proactive psychological interventions designed to bolster resilience are being considered potentially beneficial for mitigating the impact of occupational stress on PSP. Despite the growing popularity of resilience programs, most are delivered in a single session after an event deemed particularly problematic with no follow-up. Longer interventions may better support sustained resiliency, mitigate the impact of operational stress, and increase positive PSP workplace outcomes. The current article introduces the Before Operational Stress (BOS) program, which was designed for delivery early in a PSP career to enhance self-awareness and healthy relationships. The year-long program is derived from cognitive behavior therapy and group therapeutic techniques to meet program objectives. The current BOS program evaluation demonstrated small, statistically significant improvements in symptoms of PTSD, quality of life, stigma, and perceived social support from baseline (Time 1) to 6 months (Time 4). There were also non-significant improvements observed in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol use, as well as in emotional regulation and resilience. Qualitative results indicated participants positively perceived the BOS program, with participants reporting specific improvements in self-awareness, avoidant behaviors, and relationships with family and colleagues. The BOS program content (e.g., functional disconnection and functional reconnection) and processes (e.g., psychoeducation within a supportive learning structure; mutually empowering group interactions) appear unique relative to other PSP resilience programs, with promising initial results in support of PSP mental health. Recommendations for future research and program development are provided.

scholarly journals Exploring Perceptions of Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy among Public Safety Personnel: Informing Dissemination Efforts

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6026 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh C. McCall ◽  
Angelo P. Sison ◽  
Jody L. Burnett ◽  
Janine D. Beahm ◽  
Heather D. Hadjistavropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Treatment Access ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Public Safety Personnel ◽  
Cognitive Behaviour ◽  
Safety Personnel

Background Public safety personnel (PSP) experience high rates of mental health disorders but have limited access to treatment. To improve treatment access, there is a growing interest in offering internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) to PSP. As attitudes towards ICBT can both impact and inform ICBT implementation efforts, this study examines perceptions of ICBT among PSP who viewed a poster (a commonly used method of advertising ICBT) or a poster supplemented with a story of a PSP who benefitted from ICBT. Methods Participants (N = 132) from various PSP sectors were randomly assigned to view a poster or a poster and a story. Participants then completed an online survey assessing their perceptions of ICBT using both qualitative and quantitative questions. We used a mixed-methods approach to analyze the data. Results No differences in perceptions of ICBT were identified between the conditions. Ratings of credibility, treatment expectancy, anticipated treatment adherence, and acceptability suggested that PSP had positive perceptions of ICBT. Most participants (93%) reported that they would access ICBT if they needed help with mental health concerns. Participants ranked therapist-guided ICBT as their second most preferred treatment, with psychologists ranked first. Female participants found ICBT more credible than male participants. More experienced PSP reported lower acceptability and anticipated adherence to ICBT. Conclusions The findings suggest that many PSP are likely to be receptive to ICBT even when a simple poster is used as a method of informing PSP of this treatment option. Further attention to improving the perceptions of ICBT among certain groups may be warranted.

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