Functioning and participation in hospital admissions

A hospital admission represent a critical moment in healthcare, where patients are not only confronted with the physical challenges of medical treatment, but also with the mental stress it entails. While medical care continues to improve and life expectancy increases, a significant number of patients struggle with the recovery process after a hospital stay. This is especially evident in older adults and people with multiple health conditions.

The research line 'Functioning and Participation Around Hospital Admissions' focuses on improving health outcomes and well-being for these patients.

The core idea of this research line is a shift from the traditional focus on perioperative care to a more holistic approach to perioperative health and care. This marks a paradigm shift in which patients, supported by their loved ones, healthcare professionals, technology and therapy, are encouraged to take an active role in their recovery. This process spans from preparation for surgery, including prehabilitation, to the post-operative rehabilitation period. The aim is to help patients maintain and improve their functional ability, which is crucial for quality of life and continued participation in their own living environment.

The research line focuses on understanding the stress response to hospital admissions and medical treatments, and its impact on patients' daily functioning and participation. The research considers both the mental and physical aspects of this response and includes:

• Identifying determinants that predict complications or a difficult recovery after medical procedures
• Developing and evaluating primary, secondary and tertiary preventive interventions, technological solutions, and changes in professional practice to reduce complications and optimise recovery
• Personalising care, with specific attention to the individual characteristics and preferences of patients and the context in which care is delivered
• Encouraging active patient participation in their own healthcare and decision-making processes

Current PhD research within this research line includes Daniel Strijbos’ study on the effects of a care pathway aimed at return to work after total knee replacement surgery; Jelmer Jager’s research into shared decision-making in physiotherapy for patients with osteoarthritis; and Wim van Houtert’s work on the transition from perioperative care to perioperative health and care in knee replacement patients. In addition, a pre-PhD project by Danielle Talen explores the implementation, feasibility and effectiveness of prehabilitation in daily practice for patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

The professor also participates in various projects, including the Kiem project, which investigates patient experiences during the transition from hospital care to home, and the Health Noord project, which focuses on developing a learning community around point-of-care technology in relation to prehabilitation and post-operative rehabilitation.

This research line contributes to the development of a healthcare system in which health and behaviour take centre stage, with a strong emphasis on care in the home environment. It aims to improve the quality of life for patients surrounding hospital admissions.