Thijs van Houwelingen

The research group focuses on supporting ageing populations, with particular attention to people with dementia, and on equipping healthcare professionals to use technology effectively in their work. It explores how technology can contribute to self-reliance, participation, and future-proof healthcare.

Adopting a techno-realistic approach, the research does not primarily focus on developing new technologies, but on how these technologies are actually used in practice. Together with citizens, informal caregivers, healthcare professionals, companies and care organisations, the research group works on solutions that fit into people’s everyday lives.

Thijs has a background in nursing, sociology and educational science. He obtained his PhD at Utrecht University with a dissertation on Telehealth Competence in Nursing, examining how nurses can be better prepared to deliver care at a distance.

Before moving into research and education, Thijs worked for ten years as a nurse at UMC Utrecht. At Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, he combines research and teaching as a principal lecturer in Nursing. He is co-initiator of the Design for Health programme and coordinates the Innovation Labs for Digital Technology in Healthcare, where education, research and practice come together around digital health innovations.

Fields of expertise

• Nursing innovation
• Digital skills of healthcare professionals
• Technology use in health and social care