Research

“We are a public psychiatric care and knowledge centre with a secondary care mission, which organizes professional care in a respectful way for people with psychiatric problems and their immediate environment, in order to work together towards recovery.”

OPZ Geel positions itself as a values-driven healthcare organization and aims to play a central role as a knowledge and expertise centre. Initiating and participating in scientific research is a strategic pillar in this regard, with the goal of promoting knowledge development and sharing. Scientific research is a crucial lever for delivering high-quality care, optimizing internal processes, and strengthening the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Research at OPZ Geel focuses on several strategic domains:

Patient care: Research into (transmural) care pathways, the effectiveness of clinical interventions, and outcome measurements contributes to personalized and evidence-based care.
Network development: By contributing to research on transmural care pathways and policy development, OPZ Geel strengthens its role within the broader healthcare landscape and network-driven care models.
Staff development: HR-related research, with a focus on employee well-being, provides insights into the relationship between personnel policy and the quality of care.
Process optimization: Scientifically grounded analysis of care and support processes leads to increased efficiency, added value for both patients and staff, and cost savings.
Technology: The evaluation of digital applications, artificial intelligence, and robotics as part of scientific research accelerates the integration of innovative solutions into care practice.

Research application

Research flow: from scientific research application to research report

A scientific research application within OPZ Geel goes through several steps. The process starts with submitting an application and ends with reporting and possible publication of the research results.

Applications for scientific research are submitted electronically via ethisch.comite.aanvraag@opzgeel.be.

After receipt, the application is screened by the steering group for scientific research. The steering group assesses the relevance of the research in relation to the strategic domain and its feasibility. After this screening, OPZ Geel provides feedback. If the application is assessed negatively, this is communicated to the applicant.

If the application proceeds, OPZ Geel requests advice from the Ethics Committee. This committee has an advisory role in protocols and medical-scientific studies involving individuals. It reviews, among other things, the information and consent form, the competence of the researcher and their team, and the suitability of the facility. Feedback is also provided by OPZ Geel at this stage. If the advice is negative, additional questions or remarks may be formulated. After adjustments, the application can be resubmitted.

If the research is approved, it is carried out according to the approved research protocol. During execution, there is a fixed contact person or coordinator within OPZ Geel.

After completion, the results are compiled in a final report. If necessary, an oral presentation can also be given. Where appropriate, the research may subsequently be published on the OPZ Geel website.

Participation in research

Voluntary and with respect for privacy

Participation in research is always voluntary. You receive sufficient information about the study and sign a consent form (“informed consent”), but you may stop at any time without any consequences for your ongoing treatment.

All studies are first reviewed by an ethics committee. Your data are treated confidentially and your anonymity is guaranteed in publications.

In record-based studies (so-called prospective studies), only data from patient records are consulted. This is done securely, in accordance with privacy regulations (GDPR), and does not require separate consent. You are, however, informed via this website that your data may be used for research.

Interested in participating?

Both people with psychological vulnerability and healthy individuals can participate. You may benefit from new treatments or help improve understanding of the disease process. In some cases, compensation may be available.

More information can be found under “Ongoing research and publications”.