Deinze

Researchers are studying how the time it takes to perform robotic assisted laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (rTAPP) changes as surgeons gain experience using the HugoTM Ras (Medtronic) robotic system. This observational cohort study focuses on the first 50 patients treated with this system, and the results will be compared to the operative times of 50 patients who had the same surgery performed by the same surgeon using the daVinci Xi (Intuitive Surgical) robotic system at a different hospital. The goal is to understand the learning curve and efficiency differences between these two robotic systems. The study involves performing robotic assisted laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs using either the HugoTM Ras system or the daVinci Xi system. Before starting, a setup guide was developed and tested through sessions on dummies, cadavers, and animal models to standardize the surgical approach. Both unilateral and bilateral hernias will be treated with minimally invasive robotic surgery. Patient data and surgical outcomes will be collected for comparison. Participants will be followed for one month after surgery to monitor for short-term complications and assess quality of life. Data collected include operative times measured in minutes (up to 4 hours), patient information, and postoperative outcomes. This follow-up allows researchers to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the procedures using both robotic systems during the learning period.

Researchers are collecting data in Flanders on how often suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts occur across various healthcare settings like hospitals, psychiatric centers, crisis teams, and general practitioners. The study aims to understand the methods used in suicidal behavior and see how many people receive proper aftercare following a suicide attempt. It uses a detailed tool called the Guideline for Suicide Care and Evaluation (LOES) to gather comprehensive information about individuals with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The study includes a two-part semi-structured interview conducted by trained healthcare professionals such as nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The first part happens shortly after admission to a healthcare facility following a suicide attempt or suicidal thoughts and collects demographic data, history, social support, hopelessness levels, and current suicidal ideation. The second part explores psychological factors more deeply, including motives, personal and interpersonal problems, and current thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Participants undergo detailed assessments on the first day covering demographics, clinical details, suicidal behavior methods, emotional state, suicidal intent and planning, past self-harm, social support, mental health history, substance use, coping strategies, and care needs. The study tracks participants’ openness to help and care pathways to formulate well-supported risk assessments. This comprehensive evaluation helps understand suicidal processes and needs in the Flanders region.

Researchers are studying how individual differences affect the impact of mindfulness meditation on mental health and wellbeing. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind mindfulness meditation's effects and to find out for whom mindfulness is helpful or possibly harmful. It focuses on three factors that may influence these effects: trauma symptoms, tendency to dissociate, and repetitive negative thinking. The study also considers obsessive-compulsive disorder beliefs and meditation practice habits as possible influencers. Participants enrolled in a Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) will attend group mindfulness courses lasting 2 to 3 hours each, held nearly weekly over eight weeks. These courses include guided mindfulness exercises, group discussions, reflections, psychoeducation, and homework tasks. The courses are based on standardized protocols from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and are led by certified trainers. Although course schedules may vary by site, all offer similar contact hours and content. Participants will complete self-report questionnaires before the course, halfway through, at the end, and three months after finishing the MBI. These questionnaires assess symptoms of anxiety and depression, quality of life, wellbeing, and any adverse effects from meditation. Some participants may be invited for interviews after the intervention. Researchers will analyze data from all sites together to compare effects and better understand the factors influencing mindfulness meditation's benefits and risks.