Healthcare Institute of the Netherlands

At the end of 2019, the Dutch Healthcare Institute published its position no longer reimbursing high mountain treatment for people with (severe) refractory asthma. This position caused a great commotion among doctors and patients, which was subsequently taken up in the media and by politicians. Together with the Zorgvuldig Advies agency, Issuemakers evaluated the entire process and we provided advice on how the Dutch Healthcare Institute can strengthen its own working methods and communication.

An important lesson is that, as a public institution, we should seek out the outside world more often and continue to clearly explain our own tasks and responsibilities within the Dutch healthcare system. It is therefore important to invest structurally stakeholder management and public affairs. In addition, it is important to explain more clearly how and why an advice or decision is made, so that there is more understanding, even if the advice has a negative impact on patients.