• Background

  The concentration of power within the medical field in Belgium represents a significant issue, impacting healthcare organizations, public health policymaking, medical training, and caregiving. Anecdotal data indicates that a small number of influential, similar groups and individuals often dominate these decisions. Despite the recognition of this imbalance, systematic comparative analyses of power configurations within Belgian medicine remain scarce.

• Objective

  This study aims to systematically investigate the concentration of power among medical professionals and institutions in Belgium.

• Methods

  • Data Collection: Conduct surveys and interviews with key stakeholders in the Belgian medical community, including physicians, administrators, and policymakers.

  • Quantitative Analysis: Utilize network analysis to map and quantify the relationships and influence among the surveyed participants.

  • Comparative Analysis: Compare power structures across different medical institutions and specialties to identify patterns and disparities.

  • Qualitative Analysis: Perform thematic analysis of interview transcripts to gain insights into the perceptions and implications of power concentration.

  • Validation: Cross-validate findings with existing literature and expert consultations to ensure robustness and reliability of results.

• Project type: Prospective study

• Team status: incomplete — we are looking for co-investigators for data collection.

• Initiator: Sami Barrit, MD

• Co-investigators: Alexandre Niset, MD; Elise Simonin, MD

• Project status: ongoing

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