Projects

The high uncertainty and complexity to harmonize the different stages of a care pathway entangles the coordination between demand and resources in breast cancer screening resulting in unpredictable throughput times and patient dissatisfaction. In order to devise an accurate planning of patients and allocation of capacity, we propose an integrated methodology to improve the operational decision-making and support policy development.

Malawi has the highest age-standardized rate of oesophageal carcinoma (ESCC), and relies on maize as staple food. Common mycotoxins in maize - fumonisins and aflatoxins- have been linked with an increased risk of ESCC in areas of intensive maize farming. This study aims at measuring the extent of mycotoxins in maize, and establishing associations between exposure and risk of ESCC-development.

There is general optimism and enthusiasm that the introduction of Big Data and related technologies will substantially change and improve delivery of medical care and healthcare decision making. In the project proposed here we will explore how the use of routinely collected data (RCD) can be of real benefit for healthcare decision-making. To achieve this objective, we will explore the technical, legal and ethical problems related to ...

Dementia currently affects more than 47 million people worldwide, is forecasted to triple by 2050 and is one of the most costly disorders in Belgium. There is good scientific evidence that the cognitive impairments associated with the development of dementia can be lessened or even reverse because of the plasticity of the brain (rewiring). Recent research has shown that engaging in regular physical activity combined with performing ...

Within Europe, cross-border access to end-of-life services is quickly gaining in importance and, very recently, Belgium has become one of the main countries of destination. The proposed research project will be the first to systematically analyse the legal challenges that arise when European citizens want to access end-of-life services in another European country. The focus will be on assisted suicide tourism; euthanasia tourism; the import ...