Research Inge Glazemakers

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a functional, somatic condition that is characterised by persistent fatigue/exhaustion and severely impaired daily functioning. We aim to provide more clarity in the relationship between personality and CFS in a large well-documented dataset, comparing the personality dimensions of adults with CFS with three control groups: healthy individuals, patients with a long-term illness and people referred for psychiatric counselling. We also seek to find CFS-subgroups based on symptoms and psychological variables. For both personality and subgroups, we will examine the predictive value on the short and long term outcomes after group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for CFS. For this purpose, we have a unique and large dataset ready, consisting of baseline real-life data from 1150 CFS-patients, 3 control groups (each n?300) for the personality case control study and outcome data at four time intervals both at short and long term (up to 18 years after CBT, n=350). The data will be analysed and interpreted by a multidisciplinary research team with extensive research experience and expertise in psychology, psychiatry, internal medicine, statistics and methodology. Our findings will be published in leading scientific journals and will be highly relevant to improve the evaluation of CFS and the effectiveness of current CFS interventions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Den Eede Filip
• Co-promoter: Glazemakers Inge
• Fellow: Illegems Jela

Research team(s)

• Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Background: Providing children with healthy meals at schools can benefit the health of children and can positively influence health behavior. However, most studies on this topic are cross-sectional and focus on the short-term effects. Recently, the city authorities of Antwerp invested 40 million euros in the project 'Smakelijke School'. The aim of the project is to provide children with healthy meals at school and consequently to improve the health of children. In Belgium, no studies are conducted yet to evaluate the process and impact of such interventions. The specific aims are: 1. To describe the intervention and implementation process in detail using the 'Template for Intervention Description and Replication' checklist and guideline (TIDieR). 2. Explore the attitudes and experiences of the schools, teachers, parents and children, focusing on feasibility, acceptability and perceived impact on eating behavior. 3. Explore the impact of the intervention on knowledge, attitude and habits (regarding diet and health) and well-being of children. 4. To measure the impact of the intervention on children's cognitive performance, blood pressure, anthropometry and behavior. Methods: • Intervention: In total, 4 schools (participating in the Smakelijke School project) will be included: two high-intensity intervened schools (defined as schools offering a healthy meal/snack every day) and two low-intensity intervened schools (defined as schools that offer a healthy meal/snack no more than twice a week). Low-intensity schools will be compared with high-intensity schools and within the schools children not taking the meals (intervention) will be compared with children taking the meals. • Participants and setting: We will invite schools starting in September 2023. The school management (principals), teachers, children of the 4th grade and their parents will be invited to participate. Work package 1: quantitative assessments • Measurements: o Cognitive function tests: Stroop Test (selective attention), Continuous Performance Test (attention and concentration), Memory Span Test (short-term memory), Digit Symbol Test (information processing), Signal Detection Test (visual information processing). o Anthropometrics (height, weight and fat percentage) and blood pressure measurement o SDQ, KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire and KAH-questionnaire (knowledge, attitude and habits) regarding food. o Questionnaire for the parents to gather information on individual socio-economic status and child general health and physical activity. Work package 2: qualitative assessments In the first phase of the qualitative aspect, we will describe the intervention and the implementation process and conduct interviews with the school management, teachers, children and parents. Based on the results from the quantitative part (WP 1) of this study, we will select the participants needed to continue the qualitative part of this study. We will organize observations in the schools, focus groups and a class conversation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Bastiaens Hilde
• Co-promoter: Casas Ruiz Lidia
• Co-promoter: Glazemakers Inge
• Co-promoter: Penalvo José Luis

Research team(s)

• Primary and interdisciplinary care Antwerp (ELIZA)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to further develop an effective collaboration between Mental Health Care and Youth Care and to ensure that employees have the necessary skills and the self-confidence to provide care in an appropriate way to all children/young people and their context. This is supported by scientific research in which different angles (policy, care providers, clients and science) are taken into account. The relationship will be made between the different forms of knowledge 'experience', 'practice' and 'science' (Van Regenmortel & Hermans, 2013). Mapping the needs from practice is important for the further implementation of evidence-based work in the workplace, after all, research shows that the success of the implementation of evidence-based action is greater if this method is in line with the needs of the organization and/or the target group (Berwick, 2003). The intention is therefore that the project closely matches the existing objectives of the Agentschap Opgroeien. Furthermore, in the project we also want to take into account the fact that the output is based on identifying the needs of the various stakeholders (of practitioners, children/young people as well as their context), determining the goals together and building on knowledge of what works for whom. In order to achieve the above objectives and to be able to start immediately, we opt for a participatory action research approach (McTaggart, 1994). An effective model will be developed based on practical experiences and a collaboration between care providers and scientific researchers

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Glazemakers Inge

Research team(s)

• Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The part of the Middelheim Museum (Middelheim East) adjacent to the hospital, redesigned around the theme of "Hospita(bi)lity": the site will be redesigned, with the aim of working interactively, focusing on both physical and mental mobility. In addition to landscape intervention, we foresee artistic interventions, for which artists will develop a welcoming and beneficial environment together with patients and various experts. The end result is a total experience garden, inviting movement and sensory experiences, as well as reflection and dialogue. The idea behind BYPASS comes from scientific medical and urban planning research showing that a quality environment contributes to better physical and mental recovery for patients, and contributes to a greater quality of life for city citizens in general. With BYPASS, we unlock healthcare facilities and museum: in a daily and informal way. But we also go further. With a participatory design process and strong programming, we are creating encounters between the children and young people of UKJA, their caregivers, scientists, designers, city planners and wider visitors to the wider area, volunteers, staff and visitors to the museum. Thus, in addition to a new quality public accommodation space, this innovative intervention maximizes a unique co-creation process, with interesting learning opportunities, and sustainable contribution to local, regional and international policy visions on care, healthy living, green and water management. Within this service agreement, UAntwerpen takes on a mission as a subcontractor of the City of Antwerp, particularly by feeding the co-creation in the preliminary design of the BYPASS project through interdisciplinary research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Glazemakers Inge
• Co-promoter: Annemans Margo
• Co-promoter: Van Acker Maarten

Research team(s)

• Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to further develop an effective model of interprofessional collaboration based on the experiences of the pilot projects "Ideale wereld" and to ensure that employees have the necessary skills and tools to make this offer appropriately available to all children/young people and their families. This is supported by scientific research in which different angles (policy, care providers, clients and science) are examined. The link will be made between the different forms of knowledge 'experience', 'practice' and 'science' (Van Regenmortel & Hermans, 2013). Mapping the needs from practice is important for the further implementation of evidence-based work in the workplace, after all, research shows that the success of the implementation of evidence-based action is greater if this method is in line with the needs of the organization and/or the target group (Berwick, 2003). The intention is therefore that the project closely matches the existing objectives of the Agentschap Opgroeien. Furthermore, in the project we also want to take into account the fact that the output is based on identifying the needs of the various stakeholders (of practitioners, children/young people as well as their context), determining the goals together and building on knowledge of what works for whom. In order to achieve the above objectives and to be able to start immediately, we opt for a participatory action research approach (McTaggart, 1994). An effective model will be developed based on practical experiences and a collaboration between care providers and scientific researchers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Glazemakers Inge

Research team(s)

• Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Flemish expert consensus regarding multiple and complex needs in youth care: a Delphi study Background Child psychiatry and related child serving agencies are challenged by an increasing case complexity. Children and adolescents with the most complex issues come into contact with a large variety of professionals across services. However, there is no agreed-upon definition of multiple and complex needs (MCN) in children and adolescents, and information about complexity in youth care is scarce. No agreed-upon recommendations for identification and care delivery for children and adolescents with MCN are available. Objectives The aim of this project is to formulate a consensus definition of MCN in children and adolescents, and to add to the knowledge concerning the concept of complexity in youth care. Moreover, recommendations regarding identification and treatment of MCN throughout sectors of youth care are assessed. Methods A modified Delphi process is used to assess expert perceptions regarding definition and conceptualization of multiple and complex needs. A panel of at least 35 persons with expertise in complex cases is recruited in several child-serving sectors. A review of the literature, in-depth interviews with youths with MCN and their parents, and focus groups with professionals were used to develop Likert statements, and open questions for the first round. An online survey tool (Qualtrics) is used to build and distribute questionnaires and collect answers. Results and conclusion The expected outcome of this Delphi study is an agreed-upon definition of MCN in children and adolescents. Also, our results will enrich the cross-sectoral knowledge with regard to the identification and treatment of MCN.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: van West Dirk
• Co-promoter: Glazemakers Inge
• Fellow: Van den Steene Helena

Research team(s)

• Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI)

Project type(s)

• Research Project