Research team
Expertise
Focus is on qualitative research: participatory action research and implementation research. Domain primary care for vulnerable groups (intellectual disability, psychiatric patients), infectious diseases, interprofessional collaboration
An exploratory study on the experiences and needs of women with intellectual disabilities, their informal caregivers, and professional healthcare providers in the context of the Cervical Cancer Screening Program—the first phase of the DOLLY project.
Abstract
Introduction Women with intellectual disabilities (ID) and borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) participate significantly less in the Flemish cervical cancer screening programme. Barriers include limited health literacy, inaccessible information and procedural anxiety, contributing to marked health inequities. The DOLLY project aims to address these disparities by conducting a participatory, needs‑driven first phase. Project partners include the Centre for Cancer Detection (CvKO), University of Antwerp, Konekt vzw and Special Olympics Belgium. Methodology This seed funding project implements step 1 of the Intervention Mapping framework: a comprehensive needs assessment. The study consists of: (1) set-up of a multidisciplinary inclusive steering committee involving women with ID; (2) a scoping review on qualitative evidence regarding screening experiences among women with ID/BIF; (3) preparatory engagement sessions to tailor communication and accessibility; and (4) qualitative research with women with ID, their formal and informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals conducting cervical smears. Data will be analysed using thematic analysis with iterative feedback from partners and the steering committee. Findings will provide the foundation for a co‑created intervention aimed at improving informed decision‑making and screening uptake.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Colliers Annelies
- Co-promoter: Verhoeven Veronique
Research team(s)
Project website
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Improving healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities through simulated patient training.
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)
- Promoter: Van Dijck Anke
- Co-promoter: Colliers Annelies
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project