Our research group was created in 2010 and now includes three group leaders (Anne Spinewine, Olivia Dalleur and Séverine Henrard). All our group leaders have part-time activities in other settings (clinical appointment at UCLouvain teaching hospitals, or other research institute). This feature brings a singular dynamic to our group and is a strength to operate a sound research group strategy.
Our research focuses on the epidemiology and the quality of use of medicines in clinical practice, including the detection of inappropriate prescriptions and drug related admissions, and the individualisation of specific drug treatments.
In particular, our work is performed in different practice settings and focuses on high risk populations (older people, patients with chronic diseases, patients in intensive care), high risk medications (anticoagulants, antibiotics, antipsychotics, glucose lowering drugs), and high risk situations (polymedication, multimorbidity, infections, low value care).
We use quantitative as well as qualitative research methods, and we:
- develop instruments and tools to measure the quality of use of medicines;
- collect and use observational data for pharmacoepidemiological research to assess the appropriateness of prescription and use of drugs, as well as their effects on patients in daily practice to optimise and individualize treatments;
- perform qualitative studies and/or surveys to identify the determinants of suboptimal practice or patients’ attitudes;
- design, implement and evaluate various approaches for optimisation. Evaluation usually involves using (quasi)-experimental designs, continuous quality improvement studies;
- conduct systematic reviews on the effect of approaches for optimisation.
In 2021-2022, Anne Spinewine spent a sabbatical year at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) in the team led by J Grimshaw, to expand her skills in implementation science.
In 2023, the CLIP group changed its original name from "Clinical Pharmacy" to "Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacoepidemiology research group".
