BEST Belgium. A Belgian version of the Birth Experience Study (PR042260NX0)

This preparatory project aims to set up a Belgian version of the international Birth
Experience Study (BESt-Belgium), which investigates how parents experience perinatal care – from 
pregnancy to the postnatal period – with a particular focus on autonomy, respectful care, 
continuity and shared decision-making. The study aims to provide in-depth insight into the needs and 
expectations of parents in order to make care practice more people-oriented and responsive. The project 
lays the methodological, ethical and logistical foundations for the implementation of the internationally 
validated BESt-lC methodology in the Belgian context, with attention to linguistic and 
regional diversity. The first preparatory steps have already been taken in Flanders, by 
the VBOV Scientific Research working group, in which Florence D'haenens and Inge Tency are active.
They explored the methodology and its applicability in Flanders. The central 
research question  is:  what  impact  do  care models  and  care experiences  have  on  the 
childbirth experience and autonomy of women in Belgium, and how can these insights be used in policy 
to strengthen integrated and respectful birth care?