%0 Journal Article
%T Early psychosocial interventions after disasters, terrorism and other shocking events: is there a gap between norms and practice in Europe?
%A Hans Te Brake
%A Michel D¨¹ckers
%J European Journal of Psychotraumatology
%D 2013
%I 
%R 10.3402/ejpt.v4i0.19093
%X Background: Internationally, several initiatives exist to describe standards for post-disaster psychosocial care. Objective: This study explored the level of consensus of experts within Europe on a set of recommendations on early psychosocial intervention after shocking events (Dutch guidelines), and to what degree these standards are implemented into mental health care practice. Methods: Two hundred and six (mental) health care professionals filled out a questionnaire to assess the extent to which they consider the guidelines¡¯ scope and recommendations relevant and part of the regular practice in their own country. Forty-five European experts from 24 EU countries discussed the guidelines at an international seminar. Results: The data suggest overall agreement on the standards although many of the recommendations appear not (yet) to be embedded in everyday practice. Conclusions: Although large consensus exists on standards for early psychosocial care, a chasm between norms and practice appears to exist throughout the EU, stressing the general need for investments in guideline development and implementation.
%K Early psychosocial interventions
%K disaster
%K shocking events
%K psychological assessment
%K cross-cultural comparison
%U http://www.eurojnlofpsychotraumatol.net/index.php/ejpt/article/view/19093/pdf_1