Systematic review of psychological assessment tools in emergencies, crises, and disasters

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review to determine which psychological assessment measures are most commonly used by emergency services to assess the psychological response of the general population in a crisis event and the time point at which the assessment is carried out.

Method

A systematic review was performed based on PRISMA recommendations and registered with PROSPERO by searching in electronic citation databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycInfo).

Results

Twelve studies were included. The flowchart shows the entire decision-making process. Among the variables assessed, self-report measures that assess PTSD stand out above all others, followed by self-report measures that assess negative emotional states (anxiety and depression). Psychologists frequently appeared among the professionals involved in the assessments. None of the experiences analyzed were an assessment carried out immediately after the event.

Conclusion

Very few psychological assessment instruments have been developed in the context of emergencies, and those that are used are translations of others designed in a clinical context. According to the latest research, studies tend to overlook the importance of the time elapsed between the event and assessment.