Author:

Keywords:

Social Sciences, Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Psychology, Clinical, Psychiatry, Psychology, Police, PTSD, stepped care, intervention model, evidence-based interventions, Polic & iacute;a, TEPT, atenci & oacute;n escalonada, modelo de intervenci & oacute;n, intervenciones basadas en evidencia, 1ST RESPONDERS, DISORDER, RISK, COMORBIDITY, PERSONNEL, TRAUMA, Policía, atención escalonada, modelo de intervención, Humans, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Belgium, Evidence-Based Medicine, Evidence-Based Practice, C16/19/002#55215866, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 1701 Psychology, 3202 Clinical sciences, 5201 Applied and developmental psychology, 5203 Clinical and health psychology

Abstract:

Background: Police officers are frequently exposed to a wide variety of potentially traumatic events (PTE) and are therefore at a considerable risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research estimated the point prevalence of PTSD in Belgian police officers at 7.4%, significantly higher than in the general population. An effective organisational strategy to manage posttraumatic stress is essential. Objective: We aimed to develop a novel organisational approach regarding traumatic stress for Belgian police, combining evidence-based strategies for the prevention and treatment of posttraumatic stress in a stepped care intervention model. Method: In a broad development process, we combined scientific literature, case studies of best practices from other police organisations with insights gathered from a number of expert panels, thematic working groups and feedback groups. Results: A comprehensive stepped care intervention model was developed, consisting of evidence-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of posttraumatic stress. Conclusions: The intervention model is a promising organisational strategy for the management of posttraumatic stress in police organisations based on evidence-based interventions. Its effectiveness will be studied in the coming years.