Access to medication

A challenge of today’s care is the shortage and costs of medication. I face these challenges as a patient. I am excited to share what consequences the medicine shortage has on my daily life. Next to sharing my patient’s perspective, I’m also actively involved in fighting the medicine shortage. I cooperate as a patient representative at several patient organizations, like NVN and Samenwerking Infectieziekten burgerpanel.

Safety of medicine during pregnancy

Every child is a miracle. To have a wish to have children when dealing with a medical condition can be complicated. If you have an illness or have had an operation, it is not self-obvious to have children. If you need to take medicine, always consult your physician. Make sure that it is safe to have a baby for both you and your baby. As a patient expert, I was involved in several projects. For instance, I contributed to creating a guideline. This guideline focuses on the best care for kidney patients who wish to have a baby.

I was also involved in efforts to improve digital care. Another focus is to enhance data exchange during the planning stage for a baby. This also includes improving data exchange during the phases of pregnancy and maternity care.

• ^{Nierstichting.nl/kinderwens en zwangerschap}
• ^{VIPP Babyconnect}
• ^{Een Persoonlijke Gezondsheidsomgeving voor zwangeren}

To prevent serious side effects

Next to the quantity of life, which means survival of the initial disease or illness, medical technology has been crucial. Techniques such as dialysis and transplants have brought us this far. Nowadays, more patients can live a relatively normal life. However, drugs such as immunosuppressives can have adverse effects. These effects can make life difficult. They can even endanger one’s quality of life. What are we going to do? There is no simple answer to this question. Life Quality I’m hoping for the latest advancements in medical treatment: precision and personalized medicine. How great would it be if this could make a difference?

The researcher who develops an option for prednisolone without the risk of serious side effects would be a millionaire!

Working together on a national and international level

To empower patients by sharing knowledge, experience, and expertise.

^{Member of the Advisory Board Medicine at NVN – The Dutch Kidney Association}