Veronique Verhoeven senior researcher - professor - chair of CPG

Research Veronique Verhoeven

Research team

Expertise

research on triage: trying to get the right medical care (at the right time and at the right place) for each member of the public decision support systems to determine the most appropriate health care for people seeking medical advice in an out of hours setting

Advancing Health Equity Through Microbiome-Centric and Multidisciplinary Research.(U-MaMi). 01/01/2026 - 31/12/2031

Abstract

Research into health and well-being has historically been neglected in critical populations, particularly in women, children, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. This global issue, characterized by systemic neglect and underfunding, underscores an urgent need for research centres to spearhead transformative initiatives. A multidisciplinary approach is pivotal in addressing these disparities effectively. Our proposal introduces the establishment of the "U-MaMi" Research Centre of Excellence, designed as an integrated ecosystem to drive impactful research, innovation, education, policy, and community engagement, with a keen focus on health equity and microbiome-centric research. This ecosystem involves principal investigators and their team members from key disciplines to achieve these goals: microbiology and microbiome research (Sarah Lebeer), bioethics (Kristien Hens), general medicine (Veronique Verhoeven), paediatrics (Stijn Verhulst), ear-nose-throat specialication (Olivier Vanderveken), sociology (Karel Neels) and marketing (Annouk Lievens). With the chosen name for our centre, "U-MaMi," we do not only recognize the pivotal role of mothers and 'maternal microbes' in shaping the microbiome and health of their children, but also emphasize the importance of a united and inclusive perspective on health and health equity to drive transformative actions.

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  • Research Project

Exploration of synthetic communities as a tool to modulate the vaginal microbiome. 01/11/2024 - 31/10/2026

Abstract

The crucial role of the vaginal microbiome in women's health cannot be overstated. Disruptions to this ecosystem by pathobionts can result in the development of prevalent vaginal conditions, including bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. These infections not only affect physical health but have also broader implications for women's well-being, society, and the economy. Current treatment methods involve the use of antibiotics or probiotics, but concerns about emerging antimicrobial drug resistance and a lack of solid evidence for the efficacy of current probiotics are frequently raised. This PhD project explores an innovative approach using synthetic communities (SynComs) to develop vaginal therapeutics. First, a top-down approach will be used to screen and select consortia of vaginal microbiota, emphasizing synergistic interactions and eliminating antagonistic effects. A bottom-up approach will validate the top-down findings, providing defined communities suitable for automation and scaling up. Simultaneously, these defined SynComs will undergo testing for their probiotic potential, comparing them with single strains through in vitro anti-pathobiont assays, community fitness analyses, and implementation into cutting-edge vaginal cell models. This research project will offer ground-breaking insights into a novel approach to establishing robust, safe, and effective microbiome-targeted therapies.

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  • Research Project

The use of dynamic infrared thermography for perforator mapping and quality improvement in autologous breast reconstructions. 01/10/2023 - 30/09/2027

Abstract

Over the years there has been a tremendous evolution in breast reconstructions with free flaps, focusing on reducing donor site morbidity. Breast reconstructions with Deep Inferior Epigastric artery Perforator (DIEP) flaps have become the gold standard. As this flap is only perfused by a single perforator, the selection of the perforator is of main importance. Computed Tomography Arteriography (CTA) is the gold standard for the selection of perforators. However, this technique has some major drawbacks: the use of intravenous contrast, radiation, high costs, not being usable perioperatively, and no information on flow characteristics. Not only the selection of the perforators is mandatory for successful breast reconstructions with free flaps. Flap failure in breast reconstructions is often due to technical failures during the dissection of the perforator, failure of the anastomosis, or kinking or compression of the pedicle during flap-inset and shaping. Clinical monitoring is mostly used to diagnose these problems. During this study, we will further evaluate the use of Dynamic Infrared Thermography (DIRT) during breast reconstructions as an alternative non-invasive examination that is applicable during all phases of breast reconstruction. This technique allows for identifying the most dominant perforators and the area they perfuse. Our clinical study confirms that DIRT is capable to confirm the location of perforators of DIEP-flaps preoperatively. Moreover, using DIRT, extra information on the quality of the perforators is obtained by objective monitoring of flap perfusion with the same standardized measurement set-up. Our preliminary studies show that DIRT is a promising technique for selecting perforators and monitoring flap perfusion, used during all phases of breast reconstruction. The project goal is to further evaluate the use of DIRT during breast reconstructions in order to reduce flap failure and ultimately reduce the cost for our society.

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  • Research Project

Laura project 2.0: Improving women's health in Peru with the support of higher education institutions, women and local authorities. 01/09/2022 - 31/08/2027

Abstract

Speaking openly about vaginal health is taboo in Peru, and public attention to intimate female care has been neglected for decades. For instance, during the present pandemic, several primary health care centers shut down gynaecological consultations, affecting women suffering from vaginal infections. With the current Laura 2.0 project, we aim to create a national (in Peru) and international research network investigating on vaginal health by actively engaging several key stakeholders from society and academia. Higher education institutions (HEIs) will play a key role in achieving Laura 2.0 aim. Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana (UNAP) and Universidad Nacional San Agustín de Arequipa (UNSA) are the prominent universities in the Peruvian Amazon and the Highlands regions, respectively. Both HEIs are strengthening their key roles in developing their regions by consolidating their research capacity. The current project will strengthen the national (UNAP-UNSA-UPCH) and international (local partners and UAntwerp) collaboration by actively developing research capacities in a multidisciplinary approach. More importantly involving (for the first time in Peru), citizens (women) in science, via a citizen science project inspired by the Belgian Isala project (https://isala.be/en).

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  • Research Project

Community engagement and novel technologies: a winning team for the integral management of cervical cancer in a rural context. 01/09/2022 - 31/08/2027

Abstract

In this project we want to tackle the problem of cervical cancer (CC) and its inequitable burden of disease in Ecuador, by designing and implementing a feasible strategy for screening and follow up in remote communities. The project combines 1) research aimed at improving and implementing screening facilities with 2) strategies to promote uptake of screening services and 3) a highly innovative component in the construction of a VIA-telemedicine and AI based tool for automatization of diagnosis of cervical abnormalities. Embedding the activities in existing local services and training female local health workers will lead to a sustainable strategy in which women are not only the main beneficiaries but, by their protagonist role in the project, drivers of change. The project builds on the good results we obtained in our SI project ending in August 2022.

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  • Research Project

The first cornerstones towards microbiome-friendly underwear. 01/11/2021 - 31/10/2025

Abstract

The urogenital microbiome is a crucial microbiome for human health and reproduction. Lifestyle and hygiene practices are suggested to have a strong influence on the urogenital microbiome. For instance, humans are the only animals that wear clothes, and certain underwear fabrics have been correlated with higher risk of urogenital disease. However, the causal relationship between urogenital health and underwear fabrics is underexplored, especially regarding how underwear could influence the urogenital microbiome. In this project, we first aim to correlate the use of specific underwear fabrics with vaginal health and microbiome, exploring the dataset generated by the host lab from more than 3300 Isala study participants. In parallel, a microbiological in vitro platform will be designed for the evaluation of microbiome-friendly characteristics of (underwear) fabrics through the use of defined microbial communities. Subsequently, a key part of the project will consist of a large-scale study that will explore in vivo interactions between specific underwear fabrics, the vaginal, vulvar and skin microbiome and urogenital health. The ultimate application aim is to better understand how underwear fabrics can affect female health, and implement microbiome-friendly underwear through future collaborations between the academic, health and textile sectors.

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  • Research Project

enhancing participation in cervical cancer screening through GP initiatives: ESSAG trial 01/09/2021 - 31/08/2025

Abstract

In this project we study whether self screening for HPV, facilitated by GPs, can enhance participation rates for cervical cancer screening. GPs will either actively offer self screening to their patients (intervention arm) or serve as a control group.

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  • Research Project

iCAREdata, Improving Care and Research Electronic Data Trust Antwerp. 01/09/2023 - 31/08/2024

Abstract

iCAREdata is a state-of-the-art research database processing routine clinical data of out-of-hours (OOH) patient contacts at general practice cooperatives (GPCs) (huisartsenwachtposten), pharmacies and emergency departments (EDs). The database contains data starting from 2015 until to date. Dataflows are secured by encryption of the social security numbers of the patients by eHealth as a trusted third party (TTP), as well as the RIZIV numbers of the physicians. At no point in the flow, personal data can be matched to clinical data. In de final database, pseudonymised personal data enable the linkage of different patient contacts to the same person, offering the opportunity to describe patient trajectories in the OOH care services; e. g. Person X consults a general practitioner at the GPC on Saturday morning, goes to the pharmacie to collect the prescribed medicines in the afternoon of the same day and finally shows up during the night on Sunday morning at 2am at the emergency department. To realise this data flow and linkage, thorough knowledge about the use and implementation of eHealth services is crucial, besides an up-to-date experience in standardisation and classification systems currently used in medical research datasets. A large network of health care services and health care workers is being part of and has to be fully involved with this project. This is only realised by implementing full transparency about the content of the dataset, how the flow is set up, and for what kind of research the data are used and by who. Researchers as well as data-supplying stakeholders stress the importance of upscaling the datasets by expanding with all GPCs in Flanders (at this moment 38 out of 44 GPCs deliver data on a daily basis) as well as adding extra EDs and pharmacies. Researchers suggest to add routine data of daytime general practices. This is necessary in the long term to be able to follow the entire flow of patients. Also the link with patient contacts in telephone- or selftriage, callcentres for urgent medical care (HC112), and follow-up contacts in general practice or hospitals complete the patient trajectories at different sites. iCAREdata has strong links with newly developed tools in referral to and cooperation with welfare services. This is a unique link between medical care and wellbeing which is in scope to be developed during the upcoming years. Besides research opportunities, iCAREdata also offers the opportunity to add up to a data driven policy on the micro, meso and macro level of health care and welfare services organisation, which was a crucial issue during Covid-19 pandemic. In addition several scientific research topics make the database worthwhile to maintain: evaluation of drug prescriptions by physicians in several contexts (antibiotics, opioids, …), use of health care services, epidemiologic topics like surveillance of infectious diseases, gaps in the offer of health and welfare services, waiting lists…iCAREdata has an experienced team of computer scientists developing modular software based on Normalized Systems Theory (NST). These modular software structures enable the introduction of additional data providers in a fast and reliable way. Thanks to financial resources, iCAREdata will further develop, validate and finalize the link with the emergency services and pharmacies. This enables us to set up valuable use cases to acquire users and (paying) customers. The funding will also be used to further develop the public dashboard and the user dashboards.

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  • Research Project

Making cervix cancer screening accessible through self sampling in an intercultural context. 01/01/2020 - 31/08/2022

Abstract

In this project we want to decrease the morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer in women in Ecuador by introducing screening based on self sampling. The project combines state-of-the-art screening practices with empowering women of different ethnic origins, taking into account cultural beliefs and involving traditional and local caregivers as intermediary health workers. To achieve this, we will develop an operational plan to optimize technical aspects of laboratory diagnosis, set up a logistic pathway, educate health workers and study the acceptability of the proposed strategies for the end-users. A strategy for follow up of screening results by means of telemedicine will be developed and introduced.

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  • Research Project

Triaging and Referring In Adjacent General and Emergency departements (the TRIAGE-trial): a cluster randomised controlled trial. 01/10/2018 - 30/09/2021

Abstract

Introduction: Patients who might also go to the general practitioner (GP) frequently consult emergency departments (ED). This leads to additional costs for both government and patient and a high workload for emergency physicians in Flanders. The Belgian government wants to address this problem by improved collaboration between EDs and general practice cooperatives (GPCs). Intervention: Patients presenting at the ED during out-of-hours (OOH) will be triaged and allocated to the most appropriate service. For this purpose the Manchester Triage System (MTS) which is commonly used in Flemish hospitals, will be extended (eMTS). By doing so a trained nurse will be able to diverge suitable patients towards the GPC. Methodology: We will conduct a cluster RCT in which eligible ED patients will be diverged to the GPC using the eMTS. We will collect data using our operational anonymous database for OOH care (iCAREdata). We will study the use of the eMTS, the effectiveness and effects of triage, work load changes, epidemiology at both departments, patient safety, health insurance (HIS) and patient expenditures. Furthermore facilitators and barriers will be studied and an incident analysis of problem cases will be performed. Outcome: The primary outcome is the proportion of patients who enter the ED and are handled by the GP after triage. Secondary outcome measurements are related to safety: referral rate to the ED by the GP, proportion of patients visiting the ED again within two weeks, proportion of patients not following the triage advice and file review for selected patients. Results: We will generate a generic model of triage applicable to all Belgian EDs and GPCs. The model will consist of a validated triage instrument, a manual for setting up triage and scientific support for both effectiveness and safety. In addition we expect to achieve financial savings for the HIS and for the patient.

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  • Research Project

A study of the feasibility and risks of the integration of triage and regulation of acue medical care. general practitioners, emergency departments and the 112 help centre. 01/04/2016 - 31/03/2018

Abstract

In Belgium, emergency departments and GPs take care of urgent medical care during office and out-of-hours (OOH). Patients have access to the care provider of their choice. Over the last years protocols for triage of unplanned care have been developed by working groups in Belgium. The central aim of the present project is to establish if telephonic triage (using the phone number "1733") with professional call takers using these protocols is feasible, reliable and effective. A pilot project is established in the region Leuven-Tienen, in close collaboration with the emergency departments, the general practice OOH services and the regional emergency call centre which operate in that region. The overall research questions are 1. What is the safety and efficiency of newly developed protocols when used by call takers? 2. What is the epidemiology of unplanned medical care both during office and out-of-hours? 3. What is the influence of telephone triage on the workload and cost of care for unplanned medical problems? Other activities during the project will help to inform the public and the health professionals in the Leuven region. The two year project started May 1, 2016. Results of this study will inform stakeholders about future organisation of OOH care in Belgium. The OOH care research group is part of the General Practice group of the Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care Principal investigator: Hilde Philips Co-supervisor Veronique Verhoeven Junior researcher: Hanne Claessen Junior researcher: Annelies Colliers Team member: Roy Remmen

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  • Research Project

"Buen vivir" through integrated health care: optimizing intercultural collaboration in rural areas in Ecuador. 13/03/2016 - 30/04/2021

Abstract

"Buen vivir" through integrated health care: optimizing intercultural collaboration in rural areas in Ecuador. Ethnic communities living in Ecuador's SENPLADES zones 6-7 (Amazone and Andes region) have limited access to medical health care. Traditional health care is part of the daily life. There is little cooperation between medical and traditional caregivers. In this project we study the needs and the conditions which compromise intercultural health care in the communities, and provide concrete measures of effective implementation of intercultural integration, in the medical curriculum at UTPL and other universities, as well as for practitioners in the field. The project has 3 parts: A research part where gaps and needs of healthcare in the field are investigated and described. The second phase is an implementation study. The research is performed by a PhD student from UTPL Loja. A medical education part where the curriculum at UTPL Loja implements cultural competences and intercultural communication, use of portfolio and distance education. A capacity building part at UTPL with a Phd trajectory, staff training and scholarships exchange. A capacity building part in the communities with optimizing intercultural collaboration

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  • Research Project

The effect of independent doctor visits on the prescription of analgesics in primary care: a randomized controlled trial with process analysis. 01/07/2013 - 31/12/2016

Abstract

The primary objective of the project is to estimate the effect of Farmaka's academic detailing service in practices visited before by Farmaka on general practioners appropriate prescribing of anagesics. The study is essential to unequivocally inform policymakers, Farmaka and the scientific community on how to most effectively improve the quality of pharmaceutical care (in Belgium).

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  • Research Project

Linguistic musicality: experimental research into the bond between musicality and pronunciation proficiency (intonation and accentuation) in foreign language acquisition. 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2013

Abstract

Recent research in Second Language Acquisition provides evidence for the existence of a correlation between musical aptitude and pronunciation proficiency. Experimental research is necessary to examine to what extent the feeling for rhythm and intonation – the basics of musicality – converge with the processes that are responsible for pronunciation proficiency in a foreign language. Corroboration of this hypothesis offers obvious perspectives for scientifically founded pronunciation training in Second Language Learning on the basis of musicological insights and pedagogical techniques.

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    • Research Project

    Informal caregivers caring for a frail older person living at home: coping with acute and gradual changes in health and dependency. 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012

    Abstract

    Title Informal caregivers caring for a frail older person living at home: coping with acute and gradual changes in health and dependency. Background In the near future, the ageing of the population will have a major impact on the demand for formal and informal long-term care services. Informal care is mainly provided by relatives, especially spouses and children. In Belgium, almost 10% of persons aged 15 years or over provide informal care. Yet, they are often 'invisible'. They don't seek help quickly, not even when they tend to get overburdened themselves. Aim In this study we want to explore the experience of caring for a frail older person who lives at home. We are especially interested in how informal caregivers cope with acute and gradual changes in health or dependency of the older person. Research questions - How do informal caregivers experience caring for a frail older person living at home and does this experience change over time? - How do they cope with acute and gradual changes in dependency, physical and mental health of the frail older person? - What is the impact of these acute and gradual changes on the physical, mental and social health of the informal caregiver Methodology We plan to do a longitudinal case study research. A purposive sample of approximately 10 informal caregivers of frail elderly will be recruited. In this qualitative research project we prefer to work with a small sample of people to study their experiences in-depth and longitudinal. At baseline and after 6 and 12 months we will perform interviews and assessments with the caregivers in their homes. In between, we will perform monthly semi-structured telephone interviews with the caregivers.

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    • Research Project

    Natural history of human papillomavirus infections: role of humoral and cellular immune responses. 01/01/2007 - 31/12/2008

    Abstract

    In this follow up study we investigate the natural history of HPV (human papillomavirus) infections, focussing on humoral and cellular immune responses. This is important to get a better insight in the epidemiology of a virus which is strongly linked to the development of premalign cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer.

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    • Research Project

    Reinfection rates and clinical outcome among asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis cases in general practice. 01/05/2005 - 31/12/2006

    Abstract

    In this project, reinfection rates and clinical outcome of patients enrolled in opportunistic CT screening are determined in a prospective cohort study in 30 general practices in Antwerp. Patients with asymptomatic CT infections, diagnosed in a pilot opportunistic screening programme in 2001-2002, are retested with a nucleic acid amplification-based test, and gynaecological and reproductive outcome are assessed.

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    • Research Project