dr. Sara Debulpaep (MD)

My research focuses on end-of-life care for children, aiming to improve the quality of life for pediatric patients with chronic or terminal conditions, including cancer. Through my collaboration with the End of Life Care Research Group (UGent-VUB), I contribute to studies that address the medical, emotional, and ethical challenges in pediatric palliative care. A central focus of our work is Advanced Care Planning (ACP) in pediatric care, ensuring that children and their families are actively involved in decisions about their care, enhancing both patient autonomy and tailored support.

This research is highly relevant for other researchers, patients, and society, as it bridges gaps in understanding how to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for children at the end of life. By integrating clinical practice with academic research, we aim to create practical tools and frameworks that can be applied in multidisciplinary settings, particularly in specialised pediatrics, where palliative care often intersects with complex treatment pathways.

In addition to my research, I actively participate in national and international networks such as the Belgian Pediatric Pain Association (BePPA) and the Belgian Academy of Pediatrics (BAoP). These affiliations foster collaboration across disciplines, aligning with CRIG’s mission to advance cancer research through interdisciplinary partnerships. My work not only contributes to better outcomes for pediatric patients but also provides a foundation for innovation in palliative care practices, ensuring that children with cancer and other life-limiting conditions receive the best possible care.
 

As a Clinical Expert in Pediatrics at Ghent University Hospital, I specialize in end-of-life care for children, with a focus on improving the quality of life for pediatric patients with chronic or terminal conditions. My work addresses key aspects of pediatric palliative care, including advanced care planning (ACP), pain prevention, palliative sedation, and effective communication between healthcare providers and children.

In addition to clinical and research responsibilities, I am an active member of professional networks, such as the Belgian Pediatric Pain Association (BePPA) and the Belgian Academy of Pediatrics (BAoP). I contribute to the advancement of pediatric care through collaborations, peer-reviewed publications, and participation in national and international initiatives focused on pediatric pain and palliative care.

I am also dedicated to mentoring medical students and pediatric residents, fostering the next generation of healthcare providers and researchers. Driven by a passion for bridging clinical practice and academic inquiry, my work aims to ensure that children with life-limiting conditions receive the highest standard of care.
 

• prof. Kim Beernaert (PhD) - principal investigator, full professor End of Life Care Research Group
• prof. Joachim Cohen - principal investigator, full professor End of Life Care Research Group
• dr. Laure Dombrecht (PhD) - postdoctoral researcher End of Life Care Research Group
   

• Appropriateness of end-of-life care for children with genetic and congenital conditions: a cohort study using routinely collected linked data. Eur J Pediatr 182, 3857–3869 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-023-05030-z
• Getting a child involved in conversation to reduce anxiety and build trust: insights from a paediatric encounter. AILA 2023 – 20th Anniversary Congress Lyon edition, Jul 2023, Lyon, France. ⟨hal-04207128⟩
• The Effect of Robot-Led Distraction during Needle Procedures on Pain-Related Memory Bias in Children with Chronic Diseases: A Pilot and Feasibility Study. Children 2022, 9, 1762. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9111762
   

• Lab address: Specialistische pediatrische afdeling (SPA)
• Dr. Sara Debulpaep @ UZ Gent
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• Sara Debulpaep is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks