Research Herman Meulemans

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the client. UA provides the client research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the area of production, distribution, payment, prescription and the use of medicines, several protagonists can be identified. Insight into the importance of and in the underlying relationships between these actors, and of the relative impact of these actors on the system as a whole, is necessary. In the European context, little research has been done on this subject. Knowledge on this subject is necessary for the survival of the health care system in Belgium.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Hal Guido
• Co-promoter: Beutels Philippe
• Co-promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VLIR. UA provides VLIR research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Colebunders Robert
• Co-promoter: de Deckere Eric
• Co-promoter: Goossens Herman
• Co-promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Co-promoter: Van geertruyden Jean-Pierre
• Co-promoter: van Sprundel Marc

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The general research aim is to undertake a sociological study of the impact of HIV/AIDS and the associated ART on the lives of those affected and more specifically on the identity reconstruction of HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART in sub-Saharan Africa. This research views ART not only as the turning point in the treatment of an 'ill body', detached from the social reality, but also as a turning point in the experience of AIDS as a chronic illness, embedded in this social reality. The study will attempt to draw an overall picture of the HIV/AIDS patient receiving ART as a 'social entity' with a chronic illness, and his/her consequent place and role in society. In practice, we will study the factors that positively affect the possibility of a successful treatment and the associated identity reconstruction.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Co-promoter: Van Loon Francis
• Fellow: Wouters Edwin

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Despite the increasing awareness and need for interprofessional collaboration in health care, only few studies demonstrate its effect. The main purpose of this study is to measure the effect of 'learning to collaborate interprofessionally' on the quality of care for residents of nursing homes. The study is divided into four major parts. The first part is a description of what interprofessional collaboration means and how this skill is taught in educational modules. These interprofessional education modules form the basis of the intervention in this study for this project. The second part is a systematic literature review conducted with the aim to obtain outcomes of interprofessional collaboration as an intervention for chronic geriatric care. Evidence is being searched that may or may not demonstrate the effect of 'learning to collaborate interprofessionally 'on the quality of care and how it is to be measured. In the third part, the aim is to get a description of the existing care (region Antwerp) for residents in nursing homes. The description of the existing care (usual care) is based on the experiences of professionals and residents using focus groups and depth interviews. The description will give us a better idea of how the care is being organized ' interprofessionally' and what the current problems are at work. In the fourth and final part of this project, a pilot for a cluster randomized controlled trial in primary care with one year follow-up is being performed. This experimental study attempts to quantify the effect of interprofessional collaboration as an intervention on the quality of care for residents in a nursing home. This study measures the possible influence of learning to collaborate interprofessionally for professional help providers, the nursing homes and their residents. With SWOT- analyses bottlenecks in interprofessional collaboration will be identified. In addition several outcomes are being registered since the implementation of the ' interprofessional collaboration-intervention'. On residents level a number of indicators are being monitored, for example the fall incidence, quality of life, etc. Also on nursing home level the experiences with 'learning to collaborate interprofessionally' are being registered for example work absenteeism, number of personnel, etc. With this doctoral study project, the aim is to measure the possible influence of learning to collaborate interprofessionally' on the quality of care, expressed in a limited number of outcome parameters and compared with the existing care. The hypothesis is that learning to collaborate interprofessionally can help to increase the quality of care in nursing homes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Royen Paul
• Co-principal investigator: Truijen Steven
• Co-promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

• Primary and interdisciplinary care Antwerp (ELIZA)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Through case studies of some Indian community-based health insurance schemes (CHI), the socio-institutional context and policy reforms which trigger their success and the process of scaling-up are analyzed. The results from the analysis could contribute to the formulation of policy advice with regard to the evolution towards a health insurance system that insures the Indian poor full access to qualitative health care. In reference to the definition of poverty as local institutional process, the central hypothesis is formulated that some CHI schemes are more likely to adapt to the local institutional landscape because of the difference in their organizational design. In doing so some schemes are more effective in ensuring the sustainable access to qualitative health care and in linking the poor to strategic useful networks within the broader society. Hence the schemes could provide tools to generate solidarity ties and social action on a scale that is politically and economically relevant in the Indian states. The research will be executed in co-operation with the Prince Leopold Institute for Tropical Medicine, Antwerp.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Fellow: Michielsen Joris

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Research will be conducted into Global Health Initiatives (GHIs) and donor harmonisation in the health sector, among which the Sector Wide Approaches (SWAp) and Global Budget Support (GBS). We also study their relationship with other, more vertical GHIs, such as the Global Fund to fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) and the President's Emergency Plan For Aids Relief (Pepfar). We notice that donors in the health sector adopt at the moment a two-track policy for their aid: on the one hand they focus on harmonisation and alignement, including SWAps and GBS and this in combination with the incitement of local governments towards more accountability and good governance. On the other hand we find the GHIs, which are mainly defined in the Northern countries and, more or less, imposed upon the Southern countries. These proliferate strongly in the field of HIV/AIDS control. This duality leads to serious problems of co-ordination and coherence on national and local level. The resulting research question is twofold: we investigate how the broad GHIs relate to donor harmonisation and alignement and next to it we study the impact of the two-track policy in the recipient countries, with a special focus on the policy and implementation level. The central goal of our research is to contribute to more clearness in the complex co-ordination between the different donors and between the donors and the recipient countries in the health sector. In the research we strive for a combination of a political-economical vision with a public health approach and it will be conducted in close collaboration with the Institute of Development Policy and Management of the University of Antwerp and the Institute for Tropical Medicine Antwerp.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The research aims to discern the different dimensions of the quality of life (QoL) in AIDS patients. The notion of QoL should be understood in the broadest sense possible. In accordance with standardized scales, physical functioning as well as mental, social and role functioning and the capacities to mobilize social capital and social support networks are included in the measurement of QoL. The different dimensions of QoL in AIDS patients and the factors influencing them will be analyzed on the base of data from approximately 400 South-African AIDS patients. Special attention will be given to the influence of their antiretroviral treatment. In the research the conceptualization of the dimensions and dynamics of the quality of life in AIDS patients in South Africa is the core interest. Executed in co-operation with the Centre for Health Systems Research and Development (CHSR&D), University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Fellow: Wouters Edwin

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Non-uptake of VCT and non-adherence to TB/HIV/AIDS treatment hamper public efforts in the Free State to combat a co-epidemic of massive scale. It is imperative to gain understanding of the determinants of the health-seeking behaviour of TB/HIV/AIDS patients. The CHSR&D is conducting surveys amongst TB and ART patients in close collaboration with the Free State Department of Health. The proposed project constitutes an analysis of this data to develop strategies to facilitate appropriate health-seeking behaviour.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The research aims to discern the different dimensions of the quality of life (QoL) in AIDS patients. The notion of QoL should be understood in the broadest sense possible. In accordance with standardized scales, physical functioning as well as mental, social and role functioning and the capacities to mobilize social capital and social support networks are included in the measurement of QoL. The different dimensions of QoL in AIDS patients and the factors influencing them will be analyzed on the base of data from approximately 400 South-African AIDS patients. Special attention will be given to the influence of their antiretroviral treatment. In the research the conceptualization of the dimensions and dynamics of the quality of life in AIDS patients in South Africa is the core interest. Executed in co-operation with the Centre for Health Systems Research and Development (CHSR&D), University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Fellow: Wouters Edwin

Research team(s)

• Centre for Population, Family and Health

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this project, we intend to study empirically how-given the high dependency rate (and thus cost) in social security, low labour market anticipation (esp. among the low skilled) and relatively high (net) minimum wages - the public and private markets for (child)care services can be expanded within existing budgetary restrictions and with maintenance (or improvement) of minimum incomes from work and benefits.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Breda Jef
• Co-promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Co-promoter: Van Steenberge Josse

Research team(s)

• Herman Deleeck Centre for Social Policy

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The objective of night care is to ensure the autonomy of people living alone or with their partner or other family members, but requiring care, support and surveillance during the night. The research project describes and makes an inventory of the bottlenecks and prospects of the phenomenon 'night care' in the province of Antwerp (Belgium). As research strategy interviews will be organized with focus groups (elderly people, chronically ill and palliative patients) and service providers and policymakers.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Systems to recognize, validate and certify vocational qualifications acquired outside the field of formal education, are at the centre of this project. This study will especially draw attention to the hospital sector because this sector is characterized by a deficiency of the nursing personnel. Twenty general hospitals will be analysed for te purpose of optimizing the system of certification of qualifications acquired outside the field of formal education.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Co-promoter: Rigaux Marc

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In response to the main research question: 'how can the media (and more specifically journalism) stimulate a more active citizenship and deepen democracy', a typology of the relevant domains for situating journalistic practices that strengthen democracy and participation will be developed. This typology will be complemented by an inventory of existing and potential journalistic methods that support an active citizenship and the public debate(s). The objective of this project should be seen as being part of an interventionist strategy, aimed at effectively implementing these journalistic practices that strengthen democracy and participation, through new projects to be planned.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Co-promoter: Carpentier Nico E M

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

On the base of the applications (N=633) for the 1999 and 2000 calls 'Johnson & Johnson Fund for Health and Well-Being' the signs are analysed with regard to care-innovations and new vulnerable groups in the Belgian health care and social welfare system.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The objective of this joint research project is to clarify the largely unknown world of TB patients and the challenge of achieving cure through a protracted treatment schedule closely impacted on by health service policy and organisation, and within a context of scarce resources. The study is to follow the broad path of the tuberculosis 'career' from diagnosis through the intensive and follow-up phases up to the variable outcomes of a treatment process provided almost exclusively by the government-run primary health care service. Coproduction University of Antwerp; Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp; University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Systems to recognize, validate and certify vocational qualifications acquired outside the field of formal education, are at the centre of this project. The study compares the British, Dutch and French systems and specifies the required form of such a system in the Belgian health sector.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Co-promoter: Rigaux Marc

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The purpose of this research lies in outlining the blueprints of the healthcare for the next millennium. For this we use a division into four sectors: the hospital care, the care for the aged, the home care and the mental care. By means of focus-groups, the various actors of the four sectors are encouraged to discuss and deliberate about healthcare. This will lead to a qualitative and comparative analysis of the trends and difficulties within healthcare. The result of this analysis offers possibilities for the formation of the future welfare- and healthpolicy. Therefore it will be formulated in terms of some concrete recommendations.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The objective of televigilance is to create more security and safety for people with functional (ADL-) incapacities. At the centre of this research project are personal alarm systems and the conditions optimalizing this electronic technology for elderly people.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Gift giving between people is an universal process. There is no culture in which there are no forms of gift relationships. Various scientific disciplines have studied the nature of these gift relations. The sociological literature focuses mainly on the social integration that arises in giving gifts. Social relations come into being or are kept alive by exchanging gifts. The research will focus primarily on the nature and the volume of gift giving in Flanders. For a gift giving culture is both the exchange of material (e.g. Christmas presents) as immaterial gifts (e.g. care, help). The second topic the research focuses on, is the question to what extent an economic logic has penetrated the gift giving process. In giving gift people invest a lot of symbolic and emotional energy. One tries to choose the right gift following various criteria: fitness, originality, the surprising effect. The second topic wants to verify if this symbolic and emotional activity is replaced is supplemented with or even replaced with an economic logic of utility: the gift as a direct useful object. Furthermore we want to study the place of gift vouchers or commercial charity initiatives (Levenslijn, Kom op tegen Kanker) in this progress of economic logic.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

On the base of the applications (N=353) for the 1997 call 'Johnson & Johnson Fund for Health and Well-Being' the signs are analyzed with regard to care-innovations and new vulnerable groups in the Belgian health care and social welfare system.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project is intended to optimally valorize the results of the Sialkot Tuberculosis Project for health policy and development cooperation. The key issues in the Sialkot Tuberculosis Project (Flemish Inter-University Council, 1994-1998) are public health strategies and instruments for promoting the compliance of TB-patients. Original patient data is collected in a Pakistani TB hospital. The entire research project is based on a multi-disciplinary approach towards tuberculosis., The ultimate aim is to provide relevant policy proposals for tuberculosis control programmes in the Third World.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Setting up of a detection and social support strategy for Tb patients. The development of health education for Tb in the hospital and in the community focusing on the decrease of the problem of non-confiance with therapy and of stigmatisation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Causes and determinants of sickness absence and incapacity for work are located in the work situation. A heuristic model will be applied to try to prove this point of departure.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Mok Albert
• Co-promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cantillon Bea
• Co-promoter: Meulemans Herman
• Co-promoter: Van Hove Erik

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meulemans Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project