The healthcare domain is very complex. There is no scientific training that comprises all of its numerous aspects. That is why at KCE we have opted for a truly multi-disciplinary approach. No research is conducted by a single researcher; on the contrary, each research question is examined from a medical, economic, social, legal and/or ethical perspective, depending on the needs. This is highly appreciated, both by the end users of the study results and by the researchers themselves.
Our experts can be divided into several categories:
- researchers with a clinical background: physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, dentists, psychologists, all who have acquired complementary skills (usually a PhD) in subjects such as public health, epidemiology, development of guidelines, analysis and data management, etc. Some of these experts were or are still clinically active (which enhances their understanding of the field), while others have committed themselves to full-time research at KCE.
- researchers with a background in health economics. Thanks to their expertise, we are able to conduct very thorough economic assessments, including Health Technology Assessments (HTA). Their contribution is also essential for our studies on the organisation and financing of health care, an area for which KCE expertise is increasingly sought.
- researchers with a background in other human sciences. Sociologists conduct qualitative studies: they collect data from field experts, patients, stakeholders, etc., and ensure their rigorous processing. Other researchers allow us to discuss the possible legal or ethical aspects of the varied research questions.
- data analysts, statisticians and specialists in scientific information. They extract from international and Belgian data the pertinent information and figures for our research. They also scrupulously ensure that while using the sometimes very sensitive data, the privacy legislation is respected, that all useful information is identified and that the figures are interpreted correctly. In this way we can collect very precise statistics.
- specialists in dissemination and knowledge management. The first group of specialists adapts the language of our reports to the different target groups and ensures that the message reaches the appropriate audience. Thanks to the second group, all our experts can maintain and develop their expertise, and the quality of our work is guaranteed with the help of meticulous work procedures.
All our experts work in a very horizontal organisation on a human scale where working procedures are well organised and decisions are efficiently taken after deliberation. They are supported by support services (ICT, webmaster, library, communication, layout, secretariat, accountancy, etc.).
All together form a small but enthusiastic team.
KCE staff members active in 2021
In full-time equivalent |
|
Chairman |
0,2 |
Management |
3,9 |
General Management |
2,0 |
Programme Management |
1,9 |
Studies |
46,9 |
Physicians, dentists, nurses, physiotherapists,… |
26,3 |
Health economists |
6,4 |
Sociologists, lawyers |
3,3 |
Data analysts, statisticians and specialists in scientific information |
6,3 |
Experts en dissémination et gestion des connaissances |
3,0 |
Support |
12,5 |
Secretariat and lay-out |
6,1 |
ICT, website and library |
1,0 |
Legal advice and Human Resources Management |
3,4 |
Budget and accountancy |
2,0 |
TOTAL |
63,5 |