Participants wanted: New study on coping with the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market launched
University Medicine Magdeburg researches psychological consequences, coping strategies and opportunities for improvement in psychosocial emergency care
What are the long-term effects of the attack on Magdeburg's Christmas market on 20 December 2024 on the mental health of those affected? What factors contribute to coping and where is there a need for improvement in mental health care? The new ‘MD-Care’ study, which is being conducted by the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at Magdeburg University Hospital, is dedicated to these questions. The aim of the study is to analyse psychological stress, personal resources, coping strategies and the use of psychosocial support services in order to identify gaps in care and initiate targeted improvements.
The MD-Care study goes beyond previous research approaches by carrying out a comprehensive long-term analysis of psychosocial stress as well as risk and protective factors for the first time. A particular focus is on the evaluation of emergency psychosocial support provided by the specialised outpatient clinic of the University Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. The findings are intended to contribute to the further development of evidence-based support services and to derive practical recommendations for policy-makers and the healthcare system.
Participants wanted
In order to gain reliable findings, the research team is looking for people affected by the attack, their relatives and people from the general population in Saxony-Anhalt to provide important reference values as a comparison group. Participation is via an online survey with three survey dates: 3, 6 and 15 months after the attack. The first round of the survey will run from March to April 2025. Participants must be at least 18 years old and have sufficient knowledge of German to answer the questions.
‘It is important to us to record not only the psychological stress, but also the resources and coping strategies of those affected. Another focus is on evaluating the psychosocial support services: ‘We want to find out which support services were actually used after such an event and where there are still gaps in care. This is the only way we can improve support services in a targeted manner,’ explain study directors Dr Caroline Rometsch and Dr Kristina Geue.
The results of MD-Care can help to improve psychosocial emergency care after attacks in a targeted manner. In addition to supporting those affected, healthcare professionals and political decision-makers should also benefit from the knowledge gained. ‘In the long term, we want our findings to help ensure that people in such crisis situations receive faster and more effective support,’ emphasises Prof. Dr Florian Junne, Director of the University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy.
Further information on the study and how to take part can be found in the attached flyer.
Contact for prospective students
Scientific Contact
Dr. Caroline Rometsch and Dr. Kristina Geue
University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy Magdeburg
mdcare@ovgu.de
Photo: Magdeburg - © rudi1976 - stock.adobe.com