PhD Defence Anne-Jet Jansen | From hospital-based to digital health: engaging patients and optimizing hospital resources

From hospital-based to digital health: engaging patients and optimizing hospital resources

Anne-Jet Jansen is a PhD student in the department Technology, Police and Society. (Co)Promotors are prof.dr. W.H. van Harten, prof.dr. C.J.M. Doggen & dr. L. Kooij from the faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), University of Twente.

Healthcare systems face increased pressure, due to an ageing population, growing numbers of people with chronic conditions, and workforce constraints. In response, hospitals are increasingly adopting digital health solutions, including hybrid care that combines in-person consultations with digital health innovations such as remote home monitoring. 

This thesis explores the development and implementation of hybrid care pathways, with a particular focus on remote home monitoring, as well as preventive interventions within hospital care. While hybrid care is expected to reduce hospital service use, support self-management and improve access to care, scientific evidence of its added value remains limited.  

By examining hybrid care pathways and hospital-based prevention efforts, this thesis provides insight into the impact of digital health innovations on patients, healthcare professionals, and healthcare organizations. The findings show how hybrid care can contribute to more efficient and patient-centered healthcare delivery; digital health innovations have to be carefully chosen and embedded within often redesigned care pathways. 

Together, these findings offer practical insights into how healthcare can be transformed by combining digital health innovations, prevention, and patient engagement, supporting the transition toward more sustainable and future-proof healthcare systems.