Catharina Hospital and Philips start social media initiative with heart patient

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For the first time in the Netherlands the current treatment of a patient with a heart rhythm disorder can be followed via social media. Sharing the intervention is part of an initiative organised by the Catharina Hospital and Philips. Via the Twitter name @hartpatientAd, patient Ad Langendonk from Eindhoven and his cardiologist, Lukas Dekker @cardioloogLukas, can be followed for a month from 10 January onwards. They will cover events before, during and after the intervention in which catheters are used to remedy a heart rhythm disorder.

Followers of @hartpatientAd are able to tweet with both Ad and his cardiologist and are invited to ask questions about heart rhythm disorders and how they are treated. In addition, Ad Langendonk can also be easily supported by visiting dialoog.skipr.nl/evolutieindezorg.


Live operation via social media


On 27 January, Ad Langendonk will be treated for his disorder with a catheter ablation. The operation can be followed ‘live’ via dialoog.skipr.nl/evolutieindezorg, in which the medical team of the Catharina Hospital will keep the outside world updated on the progress of the procedure. In this manner it is clear to see what direct impact health care innovation can have on one’s personal quality of life.


“Discussions about health care innovation are often complex and abstract but ultimately health care is all about people,” said Will Ickenroth from Philips Healthcare Benelux. “The value of health care and the importance of innovation to people themselves and to society as a whole becomes much clearer when you visit a hospital or have a conversation with physicians and patients. Together with the Catharina Hospital and the patient we are launching this unique initiative to show this from the patient’s own perspective.”


“Innovation is the only means with which we can offer solutions to future health care issues. We need to keep an eye on costs, but this needs to be done in a balanced way. There is no denying that innovations such as this one are the future. It therefore remains vital to keep investing,” said Lukas Dekker, cardiologist at the Catharina Hospital. “And to stimulate investment, it is important to increase awareness. That is why I am so enthusiastic about this initiative. In this manner, people are brought together, discussions are encouraged and ideas exchanged. Most importantly, the disease is given a face and this gives people a more personalised insight into the issue. Visitors share the journey of the patient and feel as if they experience every step of the way.”