Post-assignment screening and care

InterHealth is a participating research centre in the Geosentinel Survey, the Global Surveillance Network of the Institute for Travel Medicine and the Centres for Disease Control. We see thousands of individuals returning from international projects and from this research have found over 50% of individuals finishing international projects are diagnosed ‘ill’ on return, having some form of health problem ranging from communicable diseases, psychological health issues (primarily cumulative stress) or the exacerbation of a pre-existing health condition.

These studies emphasise the importance of effectively screening individuals on completing their assignments in order that both medical and psychological issues are identified and addressed before they become problematic.

Mid/End of Assignment Medical

With the exception of those abroad for short periods of time, or attending meetings or workshops in good quality hotels, we recommend that relief and development workers should have a Mid or Post Assignment Medical. These medicals are designed to discuss any known health concerns as well as to screen for potential health problems before they cause symptoms.

The Mid and End of Assignment Medicals also enable sending organisations to fulfil their duty of care and gain health clearance for their personnel to return to work in their home country or in preparation for their next international assignment.

Post-Assignment Personal Review

Many of the relief and development staff we see return from international work with cumulative stress. Our Confidential Review creates an opportunity to offer support and promote ongoing resilience and good psychological health. It provides individuals with an unhurried, confidential opportunity to review their job role or assignment from a personal perspective. Primarily, individuals will be completing an overseas assignment. Advice and recommendations relevant to the individual’s psychological health may be made. The appointment is completely confidential with no report made available to the sending agency.

Alternatively, organisations can book individuals in for a Psychological Review. This will provide organisations with a brief clearance report. The Confidential Review is usually the consultation of choice as it allows people the freedom to explore personal matters without any concern about a report to their organisation.

Confidential Group Review

Our Psychological Health Services is experienced in facilitating groups to review their experience of international assignment or visit. It is particularly relevant for volunteers who have been on placement together and for small groups of agency staff who visit partner agencies or field programmes.

Stress Management

Effective stress management is crucial. We offer a Stress Management Consultation in our London premises. We can also review stress management by telephone and you can find the Traffic Lights Briefing (Good Pressure, Bad Stress) in the Psychological health section of our website.

Post Assignment screening - Related Services