The project had four main objectives: The first objective was to develop a trauma-focused framework for managing aggression in children in psychiatric and residential units. This involved baseline mapping through a literature review on trauma-focused care and conducting focus group interviews with frontline workers in each participating country. The second objective was to create an online course (5 ECTS) titled “Safe4Child – Trauma-Focused Care for Child Aggression Management,” including a course handbook. This process involved designing the curriculum, developing high-fidelity simulation content, piloting, and evaluating the course and the VR case. The third objective was to develop a technical high-fidelity virtual reality environment with a user manual for the Safe4Child simulation. This included planning the technical platform, creating virtual surroundings, and testing and evaluating these features. The fourth objective was to create the Safe4Child Implementation Guide for extended target groups. This guide was developed using findings from the project, stakeholder panel discussions, and analysis. It was finalized and validated by the Steering Group members to ensure practical application.
Mental health problems among children are a worldwide issue of concern. About 15% of people are diagnosed with a mental disorder before the age of 18. The use of mental health services by children has risen in many countries. On children’s psychiatric wards, the number of patients has increased over the last ten years, particularly in recent years. Violent behavior among children has also increased, becoming a worldwide problem that frontline workers face on a daily basis. With the Safe4Child project, we aim to increase knowledge about children’s aggressive behavior and strengthen frontline workers’ skills to prevent and manage these situations. The lack of competent health professionals in this field is one of the greatest barriers to preventing these aggressive incidents. For nursing students, Safe4Child offers essential skills needed when working with children. We have no previous projects in this area, particularly those that combine both knowledge and practical skills using virtual reality simulation.