NCT06780540: Operatie Alert

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

Recruiting now NA Last updated 10 March 2025

What this trial tests

NA trial testing Operation Alert: Support prgram in Enhance Care to Victims of Violence in 600 participants. Currently enrolling.

Timeline

24 August 2024

Primary endpoint
31 March 2025

31 March 2025

Quick facts

Lead sponsor	University Hospital, Ghent
Phase	NA
Status	Recruiting now
Study type	INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation	na
Design	single group
Masking	none
Primary purpose	supportive care
Enrollment	600
Start date	24 August 2024
Primary completion	31 March 2025
Estimated completion	31 March 2025
Sites	10 locations across Belgium

Drugs / interventions tested

• Operation Alert: Support prgram

Conditions studied

• Enhance Care to Victims of Violence — all drugs for Enhance Care to Victims of Violence →

Sponsor

University Hospital, Ghent

Who can join

16 and older, any sex, with Enhance Care to Victims of Violence. Patients with the condition only — healthy volunteers not accepted.

Sponsor's own description

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.

Publications & conference data

1 peer-reviewed publication reference this trial (live from Europe PMC):

1. Screening and Caring for Older Adults Affected by Sexual or Other Types of Violence: A Pilot Study at Three Belgian Geriatric Departments.
   Boven C, Nobels A, Berg N, Van Den Noortgate N, et al · · 2025 · PMID 41516947 · DOI 10.3390/healthcare14010016