Testing and Evaluating a Psychoeducation Tool and Guidelines for Victims of Violence in Belgian Hospitals.

Last updated: March 5, 2025
Sponsor: University Hospital, Ghent
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

Operation Alert: Support prgram

Clinical Study ID

NCT06780540
ONZ-2024-0077
PSY/JO/Programma IFG-SG-VGV/20
  • Ages > 16
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The "Operation Alert/Operatie Alert/Opération Alerte" project, developed by UGent-ICRH and UZGent with funding from the Belgian Federal Public Service for Health, focuses on strengthening basic competencies to better and more quickly identify signs of violence. It also aims to provide victim-centered care and refer to specialized services when necessary. This initiative combines training for healthcare providers with practical tools, such as a psycho-education tool and clinical guidelines, to enhance care delivery. Below is an overview of the project's main components:

Sub-Study 1: Psycho-education Tool

  • Objective: Develop and evaluate a tool to support healthcare providers and patients in understanding and addressing sexual and domestic violence, trauma, and their impacts on well-being.

  • Tool Description: A set of cards presented in a calendar format, featuring illustrations on one side and explanatory text on the other.

Target Groups: Healthcare providers and victims/patients.

  • Development process: The tool was developed based on literature and input from experts and stakeholders during regular meetings.

  • Testing Phase: The tool will undergo a pilot study in selected hospitals and non-profit organizations (NGOs) working with victims of violence.

  • Evaluation: The tool's acceptability, usability, and relevance to the recovery process will be assessed through feedback collected via questionnaires from both healthcare providers and victims/patients.

Sub-Study 2: Guidelines Older Adults

  • Objective: Develop and implement guidelines for screening violence among older adults and providing appropriate care for victims of various forms of violence (psychological, physical, (socio-)economic, and sexual).

  • Tool Description: A guideline that includes a screening protocol, care and referral pathways, and theoretical background on the topic.

  • Target Group: Older adults with sufficient cognitive abilities.

  • Development Process: The guidelines are informed by a literature review, expert, and stakeholder input through regular meetings and focus groups, and a pilot study involving cognitively capable older adults in the geriatric departments of four hospitals.

  • Testing Phase: The screening protocol is integrated into standard care procedures, such as intake interviews or geriatric assessments. It is implemented by multidisciplinary professionals, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

  • Evaluation: Feedback on the guidelines is collected from healthcare providers via questionnaires. Older adults themselves are not directly involved in the evaluation, as the screening protocol is intentionally embedded discreetly within standard care procedures.

Training and Support The project includes a robust training component delivered through educational online modules designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively use the tools and guidelines developed.

Languages and Application The study materials and procedures are conducted in both French and Dutch, reflecting Belgium's bilingual context.

Significance This project highlights the importance of tailored support for victims of violence and a systematic approach to care within clinical settings.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

Substudy 1: Psycho-education Tool

  • Healthcare Providers: In-hospital healthcare providers who used the psycho-educationtool during the pilot phase with a victim of violence.

  • Victims/Patients: Victims of violence aged 16 years or older who receivedpsycho-education from an in-hospital healthcare provider during the pilot phase.

Substudy 2: Guideline

  • Healthcare Providers: In-hospital healthcare providers who used the guideline duringthe pilot phase with an older adult.

  • Older Adults/Patients: Older adults with sufficient cognitive abilities who wereadmitted to the geriatric department (either for a day clinic or a longer stay).

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Substudy 1: Psycho-education tool

  • Victims under the age of 16. Substudy 2: Guideline

  • Older adults with cognitive impairments.

Study Design

Total Participants: 600
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Operation Alert: Support prgram
Phase:
Study Start date:
August 24, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
March 31, 2025

Connect with a study center

  • Vertrouwenscentrum Kindermishandeling Antwerpen

    Antwerp, 2018
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

  • Aditi ASBL/vzw

    Antwerpen, 2000
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre

    Brussels, 1000
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

  • SOSEnfants Bruxelles ASBL

    Brussels, 1200
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

  • Vertrouwenscentrum Kindermishandeling Brussel

    Brussels, 1000
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

  • SOSEnfants Charleroi ASBL

    Charleroi, 6000
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

  • Ghent University Hospital

    Ghent, 9000
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

  • Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège

    Liège, 4000
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

  • AZ Delta

    Roeselare, 8800
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

  • SOSEnfants Namur ASBL

    Saint-Servais, 5002
    Belgium

    Active - Recruiting

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