Blended rehabilitation for future‑proof care

The Medical Delta Living Lab Blended Rehabilitation is a practice‑based research program in which universities of applied sciences, healthcare organisations and education collaborate on hybrid rehabilitation care. By combining digital tools with face‑to‑face contact, we develop care pathways that fit both patients’ daily lives and professional practice.

Background

Rehabilitation care is under pressure due to increasing demand and workforce shortages. Blended care offers opportunities to keep care accessible, affordable and of high quality. However, integrating technology requires redesigned care processes and new professional roles. This Living Lab addresses these challenges in close collaboration with practice.

Blended rehabilitation requires more than technology alone. By redesigning care pathways together with patients and professionals, we make rehabilitation more personal and better suited to everyday practice. At the same time, this calls for professionals, students and educators who are able to work differently by integrating technology into daily care practice.

- dr. Jorit Meesters, Professor Rehabilitation & Technology

Goal

To strengthen inclusion and participation of people with mental and neurological conditions across society.

Method

To develop, implement and scale effective blended rehabilitation care in daily practice.

Results

The project delivers hybrid care pathways, practical tools for professionals, insights into change processes and educational innovations. These results support healthcare organisations in sustainably implementing blended rehabilitation.

Impact

Blended rehabilitation strengthens patients’ self‑management and supports professionals in a coaching role. The project contributes to future‑proof rehabilitation care, innovation in education and broader adoption of healthcare technology.

Duration

This project runs from September 2024 until September 2028.

Funding

Medical Delta.

Collaboration

Research groups from The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Leiden University of Applied Sciences and VONK, in collaboration with healthcare organisations such as Basalt, Omring and Pieter van Foreest.

Team

Research group Rehabilitation and Technology (dr. Jacqueline Langius en dr. Jorit Meesters) in collaboration with professors, (senior) researchers, teacher‑researchers, students and healthcare professionals from the Medical Delta network. Among others: dr. Marije Holstege, dr. Robbert Gobbens, dr. Ton Bakker, dr. Leonoor van Dam, dr. Petra Siemonsma, drs. Annemarie den Brabander, drs. Lian van Amerongen, dr. Gert Folkerts, drs. Marijke-Wil Janssen, drs. Judith Te Linde.

Contact

Would you like to know more about the Medical Delta Living Lab Blended Rehabilitation study? Please contact dr. Jorit Meesters, [email protected] and drs. Lian van Amerongen, [email protected]