?:abstract
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OBJECTIVE: First, to review the principles and practice of disaster psychiatry, in light of recent global events. Second, to identify opportunities for research. METHOD: A literature review of the MEDLINE database, UpToDate and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Reference lists were also reviewed. RESULTS: Psychiatrists are well-positioned to contribute to positive outcomes at all stages of the disaster response. These contributions derive from their roles as doctors, mental illness specialists and clinical leaders. CONCLUSION: A novel framework for the psychiatrist\'s contributions was proposed. Specific knowledge of disaster psychiatry may be worthwhile, and establishment of a public disaster psychiatry centre is reasonable. Research should further examine the role of tele-psychiatry and pursue a best practice for community and front-line employee psychological preparedness.
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