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

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.

Conditions

• Enhance Care to Victims of Violence

Interventions

OTHER

Operation Alert: Support prgram

Substudy 1: Testing of a newly developed psycho-education tool will occur across four partner hospitals and participating nonprofit organizations (NGOs). Victims of violence seeking care at these sites will receive immediate support, with the pilot study integrated into standard care practices. The psycho-education toolkit enhances the foundational care already provided. The tool supports healthcare providers in offering psycho-education about e.g. violence and (the effects) of trauma, ... Substudy 2: This pilot study evaluates the Operation Alert guidelines within the geriatrics departments of four hospitals. A geriatric assessment is standard care during admission to these departments. The pilot will be embedded into this existing practice to ensure alignment with routine care. Additional questions will be embedded in a geriatric assessment/intake focusing on older adults' well-being, relationships and social network, and potential life events (e.g. experiences of violence).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• AZ Delta

  collaborator OTHER

• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege

  collaborator OTHER

• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint Pierre

  collaborator OTHER

• Vertrouwenscentrum Kindermishandeling

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Aditi ASBL/vzw

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• SOS enfants asbl

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University Hospital, Ghent

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Ines Keygnaert, Ph.D · Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University (VIORESC)

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

16 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-08-24

Primary Completion

2025-03-31

Completion

2025-03-31

Countries

• Belgium

Study Locations