Dutch University Partners with City Government to Transform Community Health Through Resident-Led Research
Leiden, Friday, 22 May 2026.
The University of Applied Sciences Leiden collaborated with Leiden municipality in a groundbreaking year-long study that engaged 150 residents and 50 professionals to identify neighborhood health needs using participatory action research. This community-up approach produced practical tools including an Atlas of the Neighbourhood and Treasure Map, while unexpectedly strengthening community bonds and creating new health initiatives like the resident-led Vitality Club exercise group.
Research Timeline and Methodology
The comprehensive study took place between June 2023 and June 2024, employing a three-phase participatory action research (PAR) approach consisting of pre-orientation, orientation, and planning phases [1]. The research proposal “Gezond en Inclusief Leiden Zuidwest” received approval from the Ethical Research Committee of the Leiden University of Applied Sciences in April 2024 [1]. This timing positioned the study within a broader Dutch policy framework established in 2023, when the Dutch government, municipalities, and health insurers formalized their commitment to integrated care through the Healthy and Active Living Agreement, targeting a healthy generation by 2040 [1].
Community Engagement Scale and Demographics
The initiative focused on Leiden Zuidwest, a diverse neighborhood with over 20,000 residents that faces significant health and social challenges [1]. During the pre-orientation phase, researchers engaged 150 adult residents and 50 professionals from healthcare, social services, and municipal governance sectors [1]. In the subsequent orientation and planning phases, the study involved 50 residents and 30 professionals, representing a substantial cross-section of the community [1]. The broader context includes Leiden’s population of 130,067 as of 2024, characterized by high population density [1]. Data collection methods included field notes, photographs, and audio recordings during transect walks with 25 residents, with analysis conducted using ATLAS.ti software [1].
Practical Outcomes and Community Tools
The research synthesized community needs, aspirations, and opportunities into two key deliverables: the Atlas of the Neighbourhood (Wijkatlas) and the Treasure Map (Schatkaart) of Leiden Zuidwest [1]. These tools categorized findings based on domains defined by the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, with an additional domain of “working together” [1]. The Atlas proved instrumental beyond academic purposes, as the municipality and housing corporation used it to inform new plans and policies [1]. Three central themes emerged from the research: interdisciplinary collaboration, citizen participation, and awareness of available services [1].
Unintended Benefits and Long-term Impact
Beyond the planned outcomes, the study generated several valuable unintended effects that strengthened community fabric. These included enhanced relationships between the research team and participants, improved collaboration among health and wellbeing professionals, and initial improvements in neighborhood services [1]. Most notably, the research led to the creation of the ‘Vitality Club’, an exercise group for residents led by a peer coach [1]. The study aligned with three key Integrated People-Centred Health Care Services (IPCHS) strategies: engaging and empowering people and communities, coordinating services within and across sectors, and creating an enabling environment with financial support [1]. The research demonstrated the critical role of University of Applied Sciences researchers as allies in connecting residents, professionals, directors, and policymakers at various organizational levels [1].