Shaping the future: Our strategy for research and innovation in humanitarian response.

A global organisation that finds solutions to complex humanitarian problems through research and innovation..
Our purpose is clear: we work in partnership with a global community of humanitarian actors, researchers and innovators to improve the quality of humanitarian action and deliver better outcomes for people affected by crises.
We empower the humanitarian community. Find out how we can support you...

Overview

Humanitarian crises are often associated with significant psychological and social suffering. It is now recognised that the provision of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) should form a key component of humanitarian health response. To support the identification of evidence-informed solutions, MHPSS research in humanitarian settings has grown since the 1990s, with increasing attention paid to the development and delivery of appropriate, effective, and adaptable interventions and support systems (Anthrologica, 2020; Tol et al, 2020). 

Recognising the diverse MHPSS needs in humanitarian settings, and the growth in delivery of MHPSS programmes, efforts have been taken to refine a research agenda that is responsive to the needs of different population groups as well as the humanitarian practitioners providing services. Following a first research priority setting exercise conducted in 2011 (Tol et al, 2011), Elrha commissioned a second review in 2021 to establish an MHPSS research agenda for the next ten years.

Supported and endorsed by the IASC Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, the MHPSS Research Priority Setting 2021 – 2030 (MHPSS-SET2) was commissioned and funded by Elrha’s Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) programme. Applying the established CHNRI methodology, the priority setting was conducted by HealthRight International and steered by a Funding & Policy Council comprising funders and policy leaders in the field of MHPSS. A Scientific Practice and Advisory Board guided the methodology.  

The findings of MHPSS-SET2 are presented in an interactive table below. This visualisation presents the top 20 research questions as aggregated across groups. These 20 questions can be reordered by professional category, gender, or region of work using the below filters.

Top 20 priority questions for MHPSS research in humanitarian settings

This work was commissioned by Elrha, conducted by researchers at HealthRight International, delivered under the auspices of the IASC Reference Group for MHPSS, and steered by a Funding & Policy Council comprising funders and policy leaders in the field of MHPSS. To access the full report, including the detailed methodology, please visit elrha.org.

This data visualisation presents the top 20 priority questions for MHPSS research in humanitarian settings, following a multi-stage consultation with MHPSS researchers, practitioners and policymakers. The questions can be reordered by professional category, gender, or region of work using the below filters.

Share this table
Research Question Significance Answerability Applicability Average

This work was commissioned by Elrha, conducted by researchers at HealthRight International, and delivered under the auspices of the IASC Reference Group for MHPSS.

Share this table
Share this

References

Anthrologica (2020), Review and assessment of MHPSS intervention research in humanitarian settings. London, UK: Elrha 

Tol WA, Patel V, Tomlinson M, et al. (2011) Research Priorities for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Humanitarian Settings. PLoS Medicine. 8(9): e1001096. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001096 

Tol, WA., Ager, A, Bizouerne C. et al (2020), Improving mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in humanitarian settings: reflections on research funded through R2HC. Conflict & Health. 14, 71. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-020-00317-6 

View the full report Read the peer-reviewed publication Watch the Launch Webinar IASC Briefing Note

Subscribe to our newsletters....

Subscribe
 
Elrha © 2018 - 2024 Elrha is a registered charity in England and Wales (1177110). KEEP IN TOUCH Want to stay up to date with our latest updates? Sign up to our newsletters
Elrha
Elrha Please upgrade your browser

You are seeing this because you are using a browser that is not supported. The Elrha website is built using modern technology and standards. We recommend upgrading your browser with one of the following to properly view our website:

Windows Mac

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of browsers. We also do not intend to recommend a particular manufacturer's browser over another's; only to suggest upgrading to a browser version that is compliant with current standards to give you the best and most secure browsing experience.