RAAK Public Subsidy for Research into Blended Rehabilitation

A consortium of universities of applied sciences and healthcare institutions recently received a RAAK public subsidy from Regieorgaan SIA for research on blended rehabilitation. This work is being carried out through two Medical Delta Living Labs.

‘Blended rehabilitation’ means combining physical treatments with digital tools. This requires close collaboration as well as both technological and human innovation. In the research project BARBAPAPA, these worlds come together.

“Blended working requires more than technical knowledge. It calls for courage, practice, and discovering together what works,” summarizes Marije Holstege, special lecturer in Geriatric Rehabilitation at Hogeschool Inholland and Omring, capturing the essence of the research project BARBAPAPA: Blended Delivery of Rehabilitation Care; Teaching Professionals a Different Professional Approach.

In the project, Hogeschool Inholland is developing an approach to support professionals in applying blended rehabilitation care with greater confidence and expertise. This is carried out through two Medical Delta Living Labs—'Blended rehabilitation' and 'TIPIZ'—which collaborate with care partners such as Omring, Pieter van Foreest, and Basalt, as well as knowledge institutions including The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, and Praktoraat Care Technology VONK/Omring. Expertise is also contributed by consortium partners Vilans, Minddistrict, NeLL, KNGF, LUMC, and Genero. The core group of collaborating partners is involved in practical development taking place within both living labs.

Better person-centered care through a blended approach

Blended rehabilitation offers promising opportunities. By combining physical treatments with digital tools, patients can practice more frequently and progress can be monitored more effectively. In this way, the research contributes to the accessibility and affordability of care. However, this also demands something from the professional. “Using technology is not just a matter of knowing the tools,” says Holstege. “It requires a different way of working, thinking, and doing.”

Learning in and with practice

The research project therefore focuses on developing a methodology that supports healthcare professionals in this behavioral change. Holstege: “Together, we investigate what professionals need to master blended working. This includes training, coaching, and practical tools tailored to different teams and types of care providers.”

What is RAAK-publiek?

RAAK-publiek is a subsidy from Regieorgaan SIA for practice-oriented research in the public sector. Universities of applied sciences collaborate with public organizations to develop practical solutions for societal challenges. BARBAPAPA is one of sixteen projects awarded in the latest round. The project will start in September 2025 and will run for two years. The RAAK-publiek grant amounts to €300,000.

See also the news article on Inholland’s website: Blended Rehabilitation: “Care from a Distance and Up Close: Working Together on Recovery That Builds Confidence.”