Who are the people behind Technology for Home? We would like to introduce you to Amanda Samuel. Since January 1, 2024, she has strengthened the Technology for Home team for the municipality of The Hague as basic infrastructure project leader. With her recently completed research into the implementation of eHealth in The Hague and her experience as a Wmo case manager, Amanda brings valuable knowledge and insights.

Over the past year, Amanda has conducted research into the implementation of eHealth in the municipality of The Hague, as part of the master's program Advanced Health Informatics in Amsterdam. The resulting implementation plan revealed that there is a clear gap between eHealth policy and practical implementation in The Hague, mainly caused by a lack of knowledge. As project leader, Amanda will work to achieve her results in the city.

What is your mission?

'My goal is to reduce the gap between policy and practice and to encourage a joint commitment to the use of healthcare technology within the social domain. I notice that there is little knowledge about this subject, both among healthcare professionals and people who need help, and unknown makes you unloved.'

Does this mean little knowledge about the aids?

'No, this not only applies to a lack of knowledge about the technological products themselves, but also a lack of knowledge about the growing demand for care and the shortage of personnel in healthcare. I am convinced that the use of healthcare technology is necessary to organize the social domain more efficiently. This requires closer cooperation at all levels within the social domain.'

How do you want to achieve this closer cooperation?

'By focusing on collaboration with client managers, debt assistance managers, Wmo case managers and neighborhood teams. These employees are in constant contact with residents of The Hague with various requests for help. It is important that they are aware of the available care solutions and the current projects within Technology for Home. They have a major influence on proper referral to resources that can help with the specific needs that arise in the request for assistance. It is also important that we understand the experiences, knowledge and challenges of these employees in order to better respond to the needs of residents.'

Which steps will you take first?

'Increasing the visibility and use of the Technology for Home Explorer and the lending points. I hope that we can collect so much data about the experiences of healthcare workers and people who need help. We can learn from this and make the process even easier.'

'I also see opportunities in increasing knowledge of the healthcare solutions that are already on the market. Anchoring healthcare technology in this so-called advanced field in The Hague is also something I will focus on. For example, I notice that waiting lists for case managers become shorter if people can look for care solutions themselves and are provided with the right tools.'

Would you like to say something else?

'I'm really looking forward to learning about the latest developments, expanding my network and getting my own implementation plan underway. I hope that you will see me more often in the neighborhoods and also in consultations with various partners. I'm really looking forward to it!'