Eindhoven Researchers Secure Over €1 Million for Healthcare Innovation
Eindhoven, Monday, 8 September 2025.
Prof. Dr. Lijckle van der Laan and Dr. Miriam Faes of TU Eindhoven received over €1 million from ZonMw to develop a prehabilitation strategy for elderly patients with severe peripheral arterial disease.
The Grant and Its Purpose
The ZonMw grant, amounting to over €1 million, has been awarded to researchers Prof. Dr. Lijckle van der Laan and Dr. Miriam Faes at TU Eindhoven. This funding supports the exploration of a prehabilitation strategy designed to enhance care for older adults suffering from severe peripheral arterial disease. The primary aim of this project is to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, contributing to more sustainable healthcare solutions in the Netherlands [1][2].
Understanding Prehabilitation
Prehabilitation is an innovative approach in healthcare that prepares patients for surgery through a combination of exercise, nutrition, and psychological support. This proactive strategy is tailored specifically to meet the needs of each patient, potentially leading to improved recovery rates and a reduction in the length of hospital stays. The targeted population for this study includes older patients who are at high risk of complications due to severe peripheral arterial disease [1][2].
The Research Team and Collaboration
Prof. Dr. Lijckle van der Laan and Dr. Miriam Faes spearhead this research project. Van der Laan is a Professor of Appropriate Care at TIAS and a vascular surgeon at Amphia, while Faes serves as a geriatrician at Amphia. The research will be conducted in collaboration with three hospitals: Amphia, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, and Meander Medical Center. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in tackling complex health issues [1][2].
Implications for Healthcare
The insights gained from this project are expected to not only enhance patient care but also inform future healthcare policies and education. By developing alternative funding models and treatment strategies that can be implemented nationally, this research holds the potential to set a precedent for future healthcare innovations. The project’s findings will contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse on sustainable healthcare practices in the Netherlands and beyond [1][2].