This thesis provides a report on research aimed at enhancing treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. We describe various aspects of treatment of bipolar disorder. The central study reported in this thesis is an effect study of a multicomponent intervention, Collaborative Care. Chapter 1 describes …

Improving patient-provider communication during hospital consultations is advocated to enhance selfmanagement planning and transition readiness of adolescents with chronic conditions. This longitudinal mixed methods study evaluates the implementation and the outcomes of independent split-visit consultations and …

When patients die relatives and healthcare professionals may appreciate the quality of the dying phase differently, but comparisons are rare. In a cross-sectional study (June 2009–July 2012) the experiences of bereaved relatives, physicians, and nurses concerning the quality of dying in a large Dutch …

Objective To describe communication between pharmacy staff and patients at the counter in outpatient pharmacies. Both content and communication style were investigated. Methods Pharmaceutical encounters in three outpatient pharmacies in the Netherlands were video-recorded. Videos were analyzed based …

World-wide, shortages of primary care physicians and an increased demand for services have provided the impetus for delivering team-based primary care. The diversity of the primary care workforce is increasing to include a wider range of health professionals such as nurse practitioners, registered nurses …

Background: The majority of patients diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer are in a position to choose between having a mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation therapy (breast-conserving therapy). Since the long-term survival rates for mastectomy and for lumpectomy with radiation therapy are comparable, …

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most used modalities for diagnostics in paediatric populations, which is a concern as it also delivers a high patient dose. Research has focused on developing computer algorithms that provide better image quality at lower dose. The iterative reconstruction …

BACKGROUND: The use of drug round tabards is a widespread intervention that is implemented to reduce the number of interruptions and medication administration errors (MAEs) by nurses; however, evidence for their effectiveness is scarce. PURPOSE: Evaluation of the effect of drug round tabards on the frequency …

Onderzoek in de Verenigde Staten naar opvattingen en ervaringen van patiënten met het online inzien van hun eigen dossier (personal health record, PHR), inclusief aantekeningen van de behandelaren.

As important users of health care, adolescents with chronic conditions deserve to be consulted about their experiences and expectations. This study aimed to explore chronically ill adolescents’ preferences regarding providers' qualities, and outpatient and inpatient care. Furthermore, suggestions for …