Citation. “For sure, ‘There is nothing as practical as a good theory’ [Kurt Lewin, 1943]. Yet, its also true that ‘In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But in practice, there is.’ [Benjamin Brewster, 1882]”
Goal or mission statement. Formulate in one fluent sentence what you are studying and why you are studying this. Our research involves the development, evaluation and implementation of policies, programs and practices aimed at improving the health of disadvantaged groups in our society.
Research themes. Describe the specific themes that you address in your research. Preferable, write 2, 3 or 4 small and distinct paragraphs, with each paragraph for each research theme. Use between 200 and 350 words in total (no more, no less). A first research theme is the role of cross-sectoral policies in promoting health across the social spectrum. It is widely believed that achieving and maintaining good health requires coordinated efforts from different policy sectors. However, the development and implementation of such cross-sectoral efforts remain difficult, while it may be even more challenging to demonstrate the added value of the approach. We use a diversity of traditional and innovative research methods to both support and evaluate cross-sectoral health promoting policies. A second research theme concerns the effectiveness of a variety of interventions that intend to improve the situation of disadvantaged societal groups. Such interventions include programs that are explicitly aimed at improving health and health-related behaviours (e.g., campaigns to break smoking and drinking habits) as well as programs that are primarily aimed at improving aspects of the disadvantaged situation of the persons involved (e.g., social work interventions and poverty programs). By designing and performing theory-driven mixed-methods program evaluations, we aim to better understand how and to what extent such programs contribute – or also contribute – to better health. A third research theme involves the development and evaluation of health promotion interventions that are specifically tailored to disadvantaged groups in our society. An example are smoking cessation programs for low-income smokers. These studies require close collaboration with a variety of stakeholder, including the target group, health promotors, local professionals and policy advisors. Also in order to contribute to the post-evaluation implementation of successful health promotion interventions, we make use of collaborative research designs. A final theme addresses the participation of patients or citizens in health-related policies, practices and research. Based on the rationales, i.e., the fundamental reasons for the involvement of patients and citizens, we aim to bring clarity to how participatory efforts could – or should – be organized. Three important questions regarding the dimensions of the participatory process are: (1) Who participates? (2) Participation in what? (3) With how much influence? In studying participatory practices, mostly qualitative methods are used.
Visual material. Give a suggestion for the type of image that can put at the home page on the tile that leads to your line. You may send or suggest a specific photo or picture to be used; please check if there are no problems with technical quality or authorship rights.
Dr. Janneke Harting