Research team

Expertise

Anke Van Dijck finished her training for neurologist at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, in 2019. She started working at the Academic Center for Epileptology Kempenhaeghe, The Netherlands. Currently, she is working at the neurorehabilitation department 'De Mick', in AZ Klina Hospital, Brasschaat, Belgium. From 2013 till 2019, she combined her clinical work in neurology with a PhD about therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders, at the Cognitive Genetics Group in the Center of Medical Genetics, Antwerp. The focus of her research was the treatment of the fragile X syndrome and the clinical characterisation of the Helsmoortel - Van der Aa syndrome. Since October 2019, she is a postdoctoral assistant at the research group Disability Studies, Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP) at the University of Antwerp. Her research interests are: - Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Intellectual disability - Cognitive genetics - International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) - Neurological rehabilitation

Improving healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities through simulated patient training. 01/11/2023 - 31/10/2025

Abstract

People with intellectual disabilities have a higher prevalence of health problems and die at younger ages than the general population. Healthcare professionals are insufficiently trained to recognize clinical signs and specific health needs in this patient group. In addition, they experience difficulties in communication with people with intellectual disabilities. To improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers and promote inclusion/participation, we train people with intellectual disabilities to become simulated patients in a skills lab. Subsequently, we offer professional training in a pilot project with future general practitioners.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project