Activation of healthcare professionals for the topic of preventing extremism through training and networking (HE-QV)

Radicalisation, extremism, terrorism, doctors, psychotherapists, networking, e-learning

Dr Ulrike Hoffmann (project manager), Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Research Unit "Knowledge Transfer, Dissemination, E-Learning"

1.9.2021 - 31.12.2024

Doctors and psychotherapists can make an important contribution to the prevention of extremism by offering radicalised people with mental illnesses and their relatives support in difficult life situations. The current project "Activation of healthcare professionals for the topic of extremism prevention through qualification and networking (HE-QV)" is a follow-up project to "Basic knowledge for healthcare professionals to identify radicalisation processes as a risk for acts of targeted violence", in which a recommendation for action for doctors and psychotherapists on this topic was created

A Germany-wide online survey of doctors and psychotherapists showed that more than half of those surveyed had treated patients with extremist views or patients of relatives with extremist views at least once. Almost a third of those surveyed also reported dangerous situations during treatment. The majority of practitioners see an urgent need for further training in dealing with these patient groups. Based on these results and in line with the current research situation, an e-learning training course for doctors and psychotherapists was developed to increase the confidence of healthcare professionals in dealing with patients with suspected extremist attitudes. The certified e-learning training course entitled "Extremist attitudes in medical and psychotherapeutic treatment" (flyer) starts in January 2024 and includes a basic curriculum with 17 learning units, as well as three in-depth modules (behavioural therapy, systemic therapy, depth psychology-based/analytical therapy). CME points can be applied for the training programme.

In addition to the acquisition of sound background knowledge for healthcare professionals, successful cooperation with specialised counselling centres for prevention and intervention in the field of extremism is also important. To this end, a networking and cooperation strategy between specialist counselling centres and doctors and psychotherapists was developed as part of the project to improve the treatment of mentally ill people who have become radicalised. The project website provides an overview of regional and supra-regional specialist counselling centres and other stakeholders in the prevention of extremism that members of the medical professions can turn to. In addition to this digital networking strategy, various discussion rounds will take place in 2024. In addition to networking, there will also be the opportunity to discuss and, if necessary, adapt the training content.

Rau, T., Mayer, S., Horn, A. & Allroggen, M. (2023). Study: Doctors and psychotherapists interviewed about patients with extremist attitudes. Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb).

Rau, T., Mayer, S., & Allroggen, M. (2023). Safety-relevant aspects of extremism in patient treatment. Results of a Germany-wide online survey. Forum Crime Prevention, 02, 15-18

Rau, T., Kiesler, L., & Vogel, H. (2023). Seven recommendations for a "gear train". Networking and co-operation in patient treatment in connection with extremist attitudes of patients. University Hospital Ulm.

Rau, T., Heimgartner, A., Mayer, S. & Allroggen, M. (2023). Attitudes of health professionals towards extremism and treatment options. Psychother Psych Med; 73: 388-395. DOI 10.1055/a-2085-4502

Rau, T., Mayer, S., Heimgartner, A. & Allroggen, M. (2023). Experiences with dangerous situations in psychiatry and psychotherapy in patients with extremist attitudes. Nervenarzt. doi.org/10.1007/s00115-023-01469-5

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