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Schreurs, Prof.dr. K.M.G. (Karlein)

Expertise

Since 1 February 2009 Karlein Schreurs works at the UT in the domain of Mental health Promotion. She is also a senior therapist in the treatment of chronic pain patients at the Pain Department of the Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre. Her expertise is in psychosocial and behavioural factors contributing to chronic pain and fatigue, assessment and treatment of chronic pain, coping and social support in chronic ailments, cognitive behavioural therapy including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Research projects

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) in chronic pain rehabilitation.

(In cooperation with Dr. Ernst Bohlmeijer, prof. Dr. L. McCracken, Department of Psychology, University of Bath and Dutch Knowledge Centre’s of Pain Rehabilitation).

Persisting in pain avoidance and control often leads to more pain in chronic pain patients. In ACT patients learn to abandon pain control strategies in favour of a meaningful life. The study starts with intensive single case experiments aimed at understanding working mechanisms of ACT. Thereafter a RCT is planned to investigate the effectiveness of ACT with chronic pain.

Enhancing effectiveness of chronic pain programs by individualising treatment. (In cooperation with the Pain Department of Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre (RRC) and the Innovation Centre of pain rehabilitation of Roessingh Research & Development).

The Pain Department of RRC has more than 20 years of experience in group wise pain programs. These programs are effective, but a moderate proportion of patients do not improve after treatment. Therefore, the department started to tailor treatments more to the individual needs of patients. The study investigates the effectiveness of these measures.

Chronic fatigue

Project : Optimalization of cognitive behavioural therapy for CFS patients in Rehabilitation by means of activity-based ambulatory feedback. Part 1 Prognostic factors of treatment success. Financed by Zon-MW. Project manager prof. Dr. Miriam Vollenbroek-Hutten, Roessingh Research & Development, Twente University.

Oncologic rehabilitation

(Implementation of stepped care in oncologic rehabilitation. Financed by ‘Roessingh Hulpfonds’ and Integraal Kankercentrum Noord-Oost)

After cancer treatment, many patients complain of fatigue, pain or have psychosocial problems. Treatment needs of patients vary from relatively simple to very complex. The study focuses on the assignment procedures to treatments of diverse intensity and on the effectiveness of different treatment programs.

Functions

·	Senior Health Psychologist Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre

·	Research Roessingh Research & Development

·	Supervisor Dutch Association of behavioural and Cognitive Therapy

Publications

Schreurs, K. , Ridder, D. de , Bensing, J. (2000). A one year study of coping, social support and quality of life in Parkinson’s disease. Psychology & Health, 15, 109-121.

Schreurs, K.M.G., Ridder, D.T.D., Bensing, J.M. (2002). Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: Reciprocal relationships with physical disabilities and depression. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 775-781.

Schreurs, K., Colland V., Kuijer, R., Ridder, D. de, Elderen, Th. van. (2003). Development, content, and process evaluation of a short self-management intervention in patients with chronic diseases requiring self-care behaviours. Patient Education and Counselling, 51, 133-141.

Ridder, D.T.D. de, Schreurs, K.M.G., Kuijer, R.G. (2005). Is spousal support always helpful to patients with asthma and diabetes? A prospective study. Psychology & Health, 20, 497-508.

Joekes, K., Elderen, T. van, Schreurs, K. (2007). Self-efficacy and overprotection are related to quality of life, Psychological well-being and self-management in cardiac patients. Journal of Health Psychology, 12, 4-16.