Society Personalised Healthcare; Netherlands

Elisabeth van Schaïk grew up with chronic renal failure and diabetes. At the children’s hospital, Elisabeth learned at a young age the importance of her own role and responsibility regarding her illness and treatment in daily life. She prefers to see herself as an active and equal partner with her care providers in her health process. Elisabeth makes a strong case to see the patient as a person with her individual needs, preferences and skills. Especially the patient’s capabilities to be an active partner and actor in her own care seems to be frequently overlooked, she experiences. According to Elisabeth, active patient involvement contributes to the treatment results and quality of life of patients. Ms. Van Schaïk is an active patient representative and member of the Society for Personalised Care.