Interdisciplinary Care for Chronic Joint Disorders
About the research group
People with chronic joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoarthritis, often have multiple health problems. This can lead to limitations in their daily lives. Risk factors such as high cholesterol, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet and low exercise play an important role. The research group investigates how the functioning of people with chronic joint disorders can be improved by strengthening network care, using new technologies and promoting cooperation between professionals.
Better exercise and healthy nutrition
The research group aims to reduce symptoms caused by chronic joint disorders and prevent deterioration in daily functioning. Exercise, together with good nutrition, plays an important role in improving functioning. The target group of the research projects consists of Amsterdam residents with knee and hip osteoarthritis, polyarthritis and people undergoing joint replacement surgery.
Connection with education
Together with students, researchers and institutions such as Amsterdam UMC, VU, Reade, HAN, HHS, WUR and Radboud University, the research group works on interdisciplinary solutions for patients with chronic joint disorders. In addition, through education, the lectorate increases the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals and teachers. This enables them to better support people with chronic joint disorders in their daily lives.
Research questions
- What factors hinder patients with chronic joint disorders in carrying out their daily activities?
- How can we make these problems less so through treatments?
- What causes of the problems do we need to investigate better?
- What do patients with chronic joint disorders need to function as well as possible?
- What helps people recover faster after joint replacement surgery?
- How can digital technology, self-care and collaborative decision-making help improve care?
Collaborative partners
The research group works closely with Dutch partners such as Reade (centre for rehabilitation and rheumatology in Amsterdam), Amsterdam UMC, Hogeschool Arnhem Nijmegen, Radboud University and Wageningen University. It also collaborates with international research centres, such as in Melbourne and Sydney. Professor Martin van der Esch is a board member of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). This leads to increased cooperation with partners in Asia (such as Hong Kong, China, Japan and South Korea) and the United States.