The concept for Rehablines originated from prof. dr. Jan Geertzen and prof. dr. Rienk Dekker, both Professor in Rehabilitation Medicine. Dr. Klaske van Kammen and dr. Leonie Krops, both employed at the UMCG Center for Rehabilitation and involved in Rehablines, further developed and implemented the plans. They sought a way to scientifically underpin patient therapy, enabling further personalization and improvement of each patient's treatment plan. "This requires extensive datasets," Leonie emphasizes.
"Databases collecting various data are common in healthcare, but not yet in rehabilitation," adds Klaske. "Of course, it must be ethically sound, patient data must not be traceable, and all privacy-sensitive information is removed. We adhere to all relevant laws and regulations in this regard."
Leonie and Klaske highlight that it's critical timing in rehabilitation care. "It's increasingly important to implement treatments that are proven effective. If not, reimbursing certain treatments becomes increasingly challenging. Additionally, we aim to enhance treatment further. With data from numerous previous patients, you can compare information from a new patient. This allows for a better assessment of the most effective and efficient treatment for the patient beforehand. Only with extensive datasets can certain conclusions be drawn and treatments tailored accordingly. This improves the rehabilitation trajectory, which is crucial for offering the best treatment for the patient and collectively keeping healthcare affordable."
In other words, to sustain rehabilitation care, a solid foundation and effectiveness are necessary. "With Rehablines, we are truly taking a step forward."
Managing director Annemieke Weijling and former Project Leader André Bergsma were closely involved in introducing Rehablines. "We aim to further enhance treatments and conduct more scientific research. Rehablines will assist us in this endeavor, making us the first and only rehabilitation center in the Netherlands to utilize such a database."
"In the long run, scientific articles will emerge from the database, benefiting rehabilitation care both nationally and internationally," Annemieke explains. "The scientific research conducted by the UMCG Center for Rehabilitation is well-regarded nationally and globally, and I anticipate increased collaboration with other centers. In short, we're enhancing rehabilitation care in its broadest sense, which is not only beneficial for patients but also helps curb the rising costs of rehabilitation care."
"Patients already receive excellent treatment here," André adds, "but there is always room for improvement. We believe we can achieve that with the help of all collected data. By continuously populating the database year after year, its value increases every day. This benefits the healthcare provider, elevates rehabilitation care, ultimately benefiting the patient. And that's what it's all about."
Source: Rehablines gaat revalidatiezorg in breedste zin verbeteren - ZakeNN
