معرفی
Anna Vandenhoeck (born 1964) is an Assistant Professor at the Academic Centre for Practical Theology, KU Leuven, focusing on Pastoral Care and Diakonia. She leads the Research Unit Pastoral and Empirical Theology and coordinates the European Network for HealthCare Chaplains (ENHCC) (2010-2016).
- Education: PhD in Theology (KU Leuven, 2007)
Her research explores spiritual care in geriatric patients, healthcare chaplaincy, and diaconal theology. Key findings include the positive impact of chaplaincy visits on hope, inner peace, and existential anxiety reduction. She co-authored books on dementia and supervision, and co-edited works on prophetic pastoral care.
Her publications span spiritual needs, interprofessional collaboration, and mental health chaplaincy. She advocates for evidence-based spiritual care and inclusive practices in European healthcare and African communities.
Students under her guidance include:
- Lindsy Desmet (2019, Spiritual Needs in Geriatric Care)
- Eva Buelens (2017, Chaplaincy Processes)
- Collins Nwafor (2022, Suicide Prevention in Nigeria)
- Srinivasa Rao Tulimelli (2020, South Sudan IDP Camps)
She contributes to policy discussions on chaplaincy professionalism, digital documentation, and synodal church reform, emphasizing patient perspectives and spiritual fitness in military care.
