dr. Yaël Slaghmuylder (PhD)

After cancer treatment, cancer survivors often experience both physical and psychosocial symptoms such as pain. In some, pain can persist for months or even years. Its occurrence and maintenance are explained through interactions between multiple factors, which are biological/physiological, psychological, and social in nature. Unaddressed needs related to this problem - such as insufficient pain relief, limited validation of the problem, and minimal physical and psychological support - may cause severe disability and negatively impact well-being and quality of life. As such, my research focuses on the current needs of various stakeholders pertaining to the prevention and treatment of chronic pain in cancer survivorship. To tackle these unmet needs, we aim to integrate existing pain interventions offered by multiple professionals and healthcare settings, following a step-wise care model. To achieve integrated care for cancer survivors with chronic complaints, we address the interdisciplinary and transmural collaboration (through training) and the empowerment of cancer survivors (through guidelines).
 

• 2014-2017: Bachelor of Science in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Ghent University
• 2017-2018: Master of Science in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Ghent University
• 2018-2020: Master of Science in Health Care Management and Policy, Ghent University
• 2018-2020: Working as a speech-language therapist, self-employed
• 2020-2024: Working as a PhD student, Ghent University
• 2024-2025: Working as a postdoc researcher, Ghent University
   

• Exploring healthcare providers’ perceptions regarding the prevention and treatment of chronic pain in breast cancer survivors : a qualitative analysis among different disciplines, PLoS One, 2022, PMID: 36006950
• Survivors' perceptions regarding the follow-up of pain complaints after breast cancer treatment: Distinct coping patterns, Frontiers in Psychology, 2023, PMID: 36710732
• Development of an intervention aimed at the prevention and treatment of chronic pain in breast cancer survivors: An intervention mapping approach, Patient Education and Counseling, 2023, PMID: 36586350
• The use of written guides to empower breast cancer survivors in their management of chronic pain: A realist evaluation, Patient Education and Counseling, 2024, PMID: 38181590
   

• Lab address: Campus UZ Gent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 6K3, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
• Interprofessional Collaboration in Education, Research and Practice 
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• Yaël Slaghmuylder is interested to receive invitations for presentations or talks