Psychiatry Investig.  2018 Jul;15(7):663-669. 10.30773/pi.2018.01.13.

Decision Making Regarding Key Elements of Korean Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Teams Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

• Jo SJ
• Na KS
• Park JE
• Lee MS

• KMID: 2428829
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.30773/pi.2018.01.13

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the key components of Korean disaster psychiatric assistant teams (K-DPATs), to set up new mental health service providing system for the disaster victims.
METHODS
We conducted an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) involving disaster mental health experts, using a pairwise comparison questionnaire to compare the relative importance of the key components of the Korean disaster mental health response system. In total, 41 experts completed the first online survey; of these, 36 completed the second survey. Ten experts participated in panel meetings and discussed the results of the survey and AHP process.
RESULTS
It was agreed that K-DPATs should be independent of the existing mental health system (70.1%), funding for K-DPATs should be provided by the Ministry of Public Safety, and the system should be managed by the Ministry of Health (65.8%). Experts shared the view that K-DPAT leaders would be suitable key decision makers for all types of disaster, with the exception of those involving infectious diseases.
CONCLUSION
K-DPAT, a new model for disaster mental health response systems could improve the insufficiency of the current system, address problems such as fragmentation, and fulfill disaster victims' unmet need for early professional intervention.

Keyword

Disaster; Mental health services; Disaster psychiatric assistant teams; Decision making; Analytic hierarchy process

MeSH Terms

Communicable Diseases
Decision Making*
Disaster Victims
Disasters*
Financial Management
Mental Health
Mental Health Services