Kopzorgen

Using design methodology, we identify challenges and opportunities in psychological, social and paramedical care, develop concrete solutions and formulate policy recommendations.

The jury on Kopzorgen:

Kopzorgen stands out for a well-developed design process that leads to a concrete service. The project gives a clear picture of how the service came about and how the different phases of the disease are translated into an offer that provides information and support.

How did the idea for this project come about?

Every year, around 3,000 people in our country are diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Treatment can have a lasting impact on breathing, eating, drinking and speaking. Visible changes, such as scarring on the face or neck, also often affect daily life. Our client therefore wanted to gain a better understanding of how supportive care could meet the needs of people living with and recovering from head and neck cancer, and identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.

How does it contribute to a better world?

Kopzorgen is not only relevant to head and neck cancer. The project shows that, even in a complex healthcare landscape with many stakeholders and divergent interests, it is still possible to arrive at shared insights and broadly supported solutions. The tools we created to provide a single point of contact – from diagnosis until five years after treatment – can easily be adapted for other types of cancer and care pathways facing similar challenges. The same goes for the recommendations that emerged from the project.

Do you have any further plans for this project?

Kom op tegen Kanker is currently preparing a call for proposals for a pilot project. The recommendations from Kopzorgen are being taken forward by relevant working groups and policy initiatives. In addition, we are once again collaborating on a digital application designed to provide communication support to people with head and neck cancer during the often life-changing period surrounding diagnosis.