Hospital care is becoming increasingly digital, which provides all kinds of benefits. For example, healthcare providers and patients can easily exchange messages with each other via the BeterDichtbij app.
Gynecologist Jeroen Dijkstra started working more with the app a few years ago. ‘During the corona period we looked for new ways to contact patients. Initially I used the BeterDichtbij app mainly to make video calls. But I soon also discovered the chat function. The great thing about it is that you can easily share brochures and videos. It is also an accessible way for both patient and healthcare provider to send messages. These will be saved so that you can read them again.’
Quickly reassured
Esra Bloo had her first experience with BeterDichtbij as a patient a while ago. ‘I made an appointment with the gynecologist and received an invitation to register for the app. After visiting the gynecologist, I realized I forgot to ask something. The question had no real urgency, but it stuck in my mind. Then I left a message via chat. A day later I already had a response from the secretary. She then asked the gynecologist to respond to the message. Because I had some additional questions, we scheduled a telephone appointment and were able to talk in more detail. Otherwise I think I would have left my question alone, but by being able to put my question in the app I quickly got an answer and was reassured again.’
Check data and give permission
For Jeroen, BeterDichtbij is now part of his regular work routine. ‘The app is linked to the patient file and this way you can easily switch. This is useful, for example, if you want to pass on certain results to the patient. Some questions can already be answered by the secretariat. I can answer any remaining questions at a time of your choosing. Another big advantage: The telephone now remains more accessible for emergency questions from, for example, general practitioners.’
For good digital communication between healthcare providers and patients, it is important that patient data is known and correct. In addition, it is important that healthcare providers can share patients’ medical data with each other. That is why we ask Isala patients to check their data, supplement it if necessary and give permission to share their data with other healthcare providers. This can be done via MyIsala .
More information at isala.nl/zorgdigitaal
May is bladder cancer month. During this month there is extra attention for this disease. Not an unnecessary luxury, says urologist Evelyne Cauberg. ‘Bladder cancer generally receives less attention than various other cancer types. While it is a form of cancer that affects quite a lot of people.’
Fortunately, there are all kinds of developments in the field of bladder cancer care. One of the developments that has made bladder cancer care more powerful is the collaboration with other regional healthcare providers. In the Isala region this is called the Veluwe IJssel Oncology Network. Evelyne: ‘Care providers from Deventer Hospital, Gelre hospitals, Isala and Radiotherapy Group work together in this. We discuss our bladder cancer patients in a weekly joint meeting.’
Within this collaboration, it is agreed that all bladder removal operations for bladder cancer are performed in Isala. This also includes the operations of patients who are being treated at another hospital within the network. ‘The advantage of this working method is that we have a well-coordinated and dedicated team in Isala, both in the operating room and in the nursing department. The pre- and aftercare takes place in the patient’s own hospital. In addition, these bladder cancer operations have often been performed with the surgical robot for a year now. Then there is less blood loss and the patient generally recovers faster.’
read here the interview
