Sandra van Dijk is Assistant Professor at the unit Health, Medical and Neuropsychology of the Institute of Psychology. Her research focuses predominantly on chronic diseases and how individuals cope with such a condition.

More information about Sandra van Dijk

Sandra van Dijk is Assistant Professor at the unit Health, Medical and Neuropsychology of the Institute of Psychology. Her research focuses predominantly on chronic diseases and how individuals cope with such a condition.

Research on self-management and e-health

‘How do people cope with serious threats to their health?’ This simple but intriguing question summarizes my research ever since being a student. My research projects mainly focus on building innovative and multi-disciplinary interventions that support people in coping with a chronic disease and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Within this research I have two main specific interests.
   
First, I am especially interested in making care systems personal. For example, how can we use advanced AI-technology to tailor care systems to unique characteristics and preferences of each individual? Secondly, I tend to focus on so-called vulnerable populations, such as people who struggle with financial stress and who are especially prone to having unhealthy health habits. I have a special interest in how problems cluster within the medical and social domain, and how we can prevent people from spiraling down to poor self-regulation and loneliness.

Teaching

I am involved in several courses regarding motivational interviewing, health theories and behavioural interventions across Leiden University, Leiden University Medical Center and the Campus The Hague. In addition, I am coordinator of the module ‘The older Individual’ in the international and interdisciplinary LUMC master Vitality & Ageing. My main topic of teaching concerns health innovation. I teach students to combine creativity, empathy and scientific reflection to develop interventions for various target populations.

Grants (primary author grants in collaboration with colleagues)

• E-GOAL study. Identifying and treating psychological barriers for adopting a healthy life among patients with chronic kidney disease. Personal grant by the Dutch Kidney Foundation (2016-2020).
• Grant of the board of directors of the LUMC to evaluate new e-health approaches as a project leader ‘self-management’ at the department of Health Care Innovation (2015-2017).
• SUBLIME study. Reducing salt-intake. Cost-effectiveness of online self-regulation embedded in regular care for chronic kidney disease patients. Grants by ZonMw and the Dutch Kidney Foundation (2012-2016).
• COACH’D study. After the Health Check in vulnerable groups: an individually tailored self-management intervention led by Community Health Workers (COACH’D). Grant by Lekker Lang Leven (2010-2014).
• ADMIRE study. Assessment a of a Disease management system with Medical devices In REnal disease. Grants by ZonMw and the Dutch Kidney Foundation (2010-2014).
• ESMO study. Effects of Self-Monitoring on Outcome of Chronic Kidney Disease. Grants by ZonMw and the Dutch Kidney Foundation (2009-2013).
• CHECK’D study. Health checks in vulnerable groups: the role of beliefs and expectations. Grant by Lekker Lang Leven (2009-2013).
• Changes & Choices follow up. Long-term effects of genetic counseling for familial breast cancer focusing on women with uninformative DNA test results: risk management strategies, perceived risk and psychological well-being. Grant by the Dutch Cancer Society (2003-2006).

Publications