Together we get rheumatoid arthritis under control
The Citizenlab is a collaboration of various knowledge institutions, healthcare organizations, foundations, businesses and citizens. The Citizenlab conducts research to improve health, well-being and quality of life.
The Citizenlab focuses, among other things, on rheumatoid arthritis. This is a chronic condition that can have a great impact on people’s lives. In the Citizenlab, we would like to work with people with rheumatoid arthritis to conduct research into questions that affect them.
People with rheumatoid arthritis have a lot to offer for scientific research. By experiencing the condition on a daily basis, they have gained a lot of knowledge. Therefore they may know which topics are important, what is currently lacking in the area of care, or what is not going well in their care or daily life. The questions that arise can lead to research. People with rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute by shaping the research so that it is effective and meets the wishes of participants. Through strong collaboration, we will hopefully achieve great results for both people with rheumatoid arthritis and science!
Would you like to stay informed about the research in the field of rheumatoid arthritis in the TOPFIT Citizenlab? Check this website regularly, follow us on Facebook or Twitter or send a mail.
Collaborate on a better grip on diabetes
You know better than anyone that it is important to control diabetes. This can be done, for example, by keeping a close eye on your blood sugar levels. Healthy and conscious living can also help. Diet and exercise affect your blood sugar levels. This differs per person. Getting a better picture and understanding of the influence on your values can help you to get a better grip on diabetes. There are various technologies available that can support you in this. Think, for example, of apps that keep track of your blood sugar values, nutrition and exercise. Or an app where you have contact with a (digital) lifestyle coach. Technology is always close by, even when you are away from your healthcare provider. Deciding for yourself about your life with diabetes and the care and support for it. Do you want that? More insight into your life with diabetes through technology support can help. It is important to see which technology suits you best. Do you want full technology support? Or rather combined with personal contact? What do you think is important? That’s what it’s about.
Working together towards balance in informal care
Are you an informal caregiver and do you want to find more balance in your daily life?
The research
Informal care. Many Dutch people have to deal with this. For example, 1 in 3 Dutch people is an informal caregiver themselves and 1 in 4 Dutch people combines informal care with a paid job. And sometimes we don’t even realize that we are an informal caregiver. Because… caring for your loved one is normal, right? Assist your father or mother with a doctor’s visit and help with medication; or taking care of your child with physical or mental disabilities; or shopping and cooking for your sick neighbor. Without informal carers, healthcare would come under even greater pressure. And many Dutch would not make it in daily life. Informal care is therefore important and rewarding work that often gives satisfaction. Yet it often also creates extra burden for the caregiver in addition to the daily work and activities. And there is a great risk that the informal caregiver will no longer be able to cope with it and (temporarily) drop out.
