PFA Mobile

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the VA's National Center for PTSD, PFA Mobile provides responders with field-based clinical support for delivering Psychological First Aid (PFA). The system delivers summaries of PFA principles, intervention guides matched to specific survivor needs, and expert mentorship tips for immediate application. It also integrates a self-assessment tool for responder readiness and a structured form to capture survivor needs, facilitating simplified data collection and referral coordination during organized response efforts.

Evidence & Research Context

• A qualitative evaluation (N=19) examined the experiences of disaster healthcare workers using the app within a simulation training environment.
• Participants in the evaluation reported increased confidence in disaster relief and satisfaction with the app as an educational tool for PFA application.
• The app was identified in a 2023 scoping review as a relevant mobile tool for mental health response to natural disasters.
• The associated review noted that such tools demonstrate promising potential for providing effective mental health support in disaster contexts.

Intended Use & Scope

This app is designed for disaster responders, including healthcare workers and mental health professionals, engaged in organized response efforts. Its primary utility is as a just-in-time reference and job aid to structure the delivery of PFA in the field. The tool is not a standalone treatment and is intended to augment, not replace, formal PFA training and established disaster response protocols.