Section of Psychology, Health & Technology

TACTUS

Tactus hart_20x20: Evaluation of treatment or process innovations in addiction care for clients with a mild intellectual disability (MID)

Type of assignment:                   MA

Internal or external?:                   external: Tactus Verslavingszorg

Maximum number of students:    1-2

Individual collecting of data?        Yes

Type of research:                         qualitative/ quantitative

Description of the assignment:

Tactus provides highly specialized care for clients with an addiction and a mild intellectual disability (MID) at the Centre for Addiction and MID.

Specific treatment modules tailored to individuals with Mild Intellectual Disability (MID) have been developed, such as “Less Alcohol or Drugs” (Minder Drank of Drugs) or a peer support group for people with MID. As part of the TopGGz program, these innovative interventions are continuously evaluated. The Less Alcohol or Drugs module is currently being adapted for use in the inpatient clinic in Rekken and will be launched in September 2025. There are also innovations in processes, such as an MID-friendly intake process with a customized intake letter that clients receive when they are invited for an initial consultation.

At the TopGGz center, we aim to (further) evaluate the aforementioned innovations in order to substantiate them with stronger evidence. In consultation with the student, we select the innovation that is most suitable for investigation at that time and/or aligns most with the student’s interests. We then examine the initial effects of the innovation or the experiences of all those involved.

The research will be conducted using a mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative methods (to gain insight into the extent of effects or problems) and qualitative methods (to obtain deeper insight into underlying factors and to add context to the numbers). The balance between quantitative and qualitative elements may vary depending on the specific innovation being studied.

Who are we looking for?

It is important that the student speaks Dutch, as this is necessary for effectively conducting interviews with clients. In addition, some affinity with the MID target group is preferred, or at least a willingness to learn more about it.

What are we offering?

We offer an opportunity to work alongside enthusiastic team members of the TopGGZ center and to get to know our clients. Depending on the activities, you may work at our head office (Keulenstraat 3, Deventer), at one of the Centre’s locations (Zutphen, Rekken, Almelo, or Enschede), or from home.If desired and feasible, we will collaboratively write an article based on the research findings to submit to a scientific journal.

More information?: 

Jeannette van Manen, senior researcher at Tactus

06 – 2031 1969

j.vanmanen@tactus.nl  

Supervisor: to be determined