Patients’ and Caregivers’ Perspectives on the Usability and Applicability of VOC-based Breath Analysis for Rheumatic Diseases. |
Organisation Medisch Spectrum Twente, Rheumatology Department |
Location Enschede, the Netherlands |
Period of internship October 2025 (could be combined with thesis) |
Description of Assignment |
For rheumatic diseases early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent joint damage and disability. Currently, diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests, and imaging. However, these methods can be time-consuming, expensive, and invasive. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of breath analysis as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for various diseases. Breath analysis involves detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that represent physiological and pathophysiological processes in the body. This research line explores the potential of volatile organic compound (VOC)-based breath analysis as a novel, non-invasive tool for the detection, differentiation, and monitoring of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The research will involve multiple phases, beginning with the incorporation of qualitative studies through patient and healthcare provider focus groups to evaluate the applicability and usability of such emerging technologies in real-world clinical settings. This user-centered approach will ensure the development of a diagnostic tool that is not only applicable in a research environment, but also practical and acceptable for end users. This assignment will delve into patients’ and caregivers’ perspectives on the usability, acceptability, and potential implementation of VOC-based breath analysis as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for rheumatic diseases. A series of focus groups and individual interviews will be conducted with caregivers and patients diagnosed with various rheumatic diseases. Patients and caregivers are able to discuss their views on VOC-based breath analysis, potential concerns, benefits, and the possibility of integrating this in clinical practice. The expected results include advice for implementation, feedback on the design and usability, concerns that need to be addressed, how to communicate the technology to patients, and overall acceptance levels. Requirements: Dutch proficiency |
Information contact person: |
Name: Mirjam Hegeman |
