Information for trainees

A cross-border exchange offers an opportunity to view child and adolescent mental healthcare from another perspective. Clinical practice is shaped by factors such as culture, language, professional training and the organisation of healthcare. Observing practice in another country can help make these influences more visible and support reflection on your own work. The purpose is not to compare which approach is better, but to explore different perspectives and identify relevant insights for your own practice.

B-BOLD Minds is an initiative from ENCAP. It brings together three child and adolescent mental healthcare organisations in the Dutch-German border region:

1. Karakter
2. VIGO – Vincent van Gogh
3. LVR-Kliniken Bedburg-Hau, Viersen, Essen and Düsseldorf
   

Participants visit one of the partner organisations across the border and are hosted by professionals from that organisation.

The exchange consists of one to three days at a partner organisation in Germany or the Netherlands. Together with two or three colleagues you will visit a location. The program may include clinical observations, team meetings, case discussions and conversations with professionals. The exact content depends on the location and the clinical circumstances at the time. You will participate as an observer and will be supported by a local contact person. Hours are compensated via a subsidy. Hotel accommodation is optional.

Before the exchange, you will receive:

1. the program and location
2. practical travel information
3. contact details
4. relevant forms and deadlines
5. a short introduction to the preparation materials

You may also be asked to provide a short introduction about yourself and your work.

Clinical practice is influenced by more than clinical knowledge alone. Relevant factors may include:

1. culture and language
2. laws and regulations
3. professional roles and training
4. the organisation and funding of healthcare
5. local working practices

During the exchange, consider:

1. What stands out to me?
2. What factors might explain this?
3. What does this show me about my own practice?

These questions are intended as a framework, not as a fixed assignment.

After the exchange, you will be asked to reflect on and share your experiences.

Follow-up activities may include:

1. an evaluation interview
2. deelname casuïstiekbespreking
3. uitnodiging symposium eind 2027
4. completion of the hours registration form
5. a short presentation or discussion within your department
6. an intranet or LinkedIn contribution
   NB the following hashtags need to be used: #interregdnl #interreg #euinmyregion #europaomdehoek. Also mention Interreg Deutschland-Nederland.

Further instructions will be provided separately.

Finally, you will receive a certificate of participation in the exchange.

“We gained a great impression and returned to Bedburg-Hau full of inspiration and input. Many thanks for the amazing opportunity and the fantastic organization over the past three days.” Read more

“It was very interesting and inspiring how LVR Düsseldorf combines adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry in families where both parent and child are experiencing challenges. A warm welcome; the core of care is similar, but the systems differ considerably.” Read more on LinkedIn

“The visits in Ede and Nijmegen were really interesting. It was fascinating to see how the German and Dutch systems differ, even though the clinics are not far apart. I was particularly impressed by how friendly I was welcomed and how advanced the clinic is in terms of digitalization and home treatment." Read more on LinkedIn

"We were very warmly welcomed by our German colleagues and their patients: children and adolescents aged 9-18 with, among other things, eating disorders, self-harm, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. We were allowed to observe and participate in the morning rounds, occupational therapy sessions, ‘Bewegungstherapie’, group family therapy, and an intake." Read more on LinkedIn