Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes: The Network Approach

Description

The Problem

This project was a collaboration with Partnership Overweight Netherlands and Erasmus MC. As outlined in the pamphlet, the goal was to build a platform for professionals in the social and medical sectors. This platform aimed to support system change aimed at reducing overweight and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)¹. More specifically, the research sought to deliver a data-driven “Healthy Future” Dashboard. This dashboard would simulate and monitor interventions related to overweight and diabetes.

The Challenge

The main challenge was developing a platform that could address the complex factors driving overweight and T2D. These factors span multiple levels—micro, meso, and macro. The platform also had to consider ethnicity and socio-economic status. The project focused on delivering:

(1) a multi-causality map of overweight and T2D, illustrating the key reinforcing and balancing loops at the micro, meso, and macro levels²;

(2) a monitoring system for local causes and the effects of interventions on overweight and T2D, considering factors like ethnicity and socio-economic status, which would serve as a foundation for future projects¹;

(3) a schematic overview of local social and healthcare services, professionals, and health promotion activities, along with data-driven scenario simulations to optimize integrated social and healthcare client routes²; and

(4) a set of cost-effective healthcare-saving measures to support personalized coaching programs for overweight and T2D in the Netherlands¹.

The Approach

To achieve these goals, we created a multi-causality map. This map visualized the key reinforcing and balancing loops contributing to overweight and T2D. This map covered everything from individual behaviors to broader societal factors. The platform also featured local monitoring systems, tracking the effects of interventions while taking ethnicity and socio-economic status into account. Additionally, it provided an overview of local social and healthcare providers, professionals, and health promotion activities. It included built-in scenario simulations to optimize client care pathways. Lastly, the platform included potential cost-saving measures to support personalized coaching programs for overweight and T2D.

Results

The dashboard provided professionals in the medical and social sectors with a comprehensive tool. It allowed them to monitor and simulate interventions for reducing overweight and T2D. By integrating data on causes, interventions, and local contexts, it offered a powerful resource for guiding future interventions. The project successfully brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to contribute to this platform.

Thoughts

This project was both a significant infrastructural challenge as well as an intellectual opportunity. Bringing together so many different stakeholders around a shared model was much harder than expected. It was especially challenging when it came to the infrastructure needed to support the platform. Yet, working through these difficulties was key to the project’s success.

Role(s)

• Developed the multi-causality map using insights from stakeholder workshops.

• Led the quantification of the model. Coordinated the flow of information to build the platform and localize professionals. Worked closely with the Rotterdam municipality’s ‘proeftuin.’

• Conducted workshops with former T2DM patients to gather quantitative data for the model. Organized another workshop with 30 health professionals to refine and validate it.

• Provided guidance to a master’s student from TU Delft on exploring further development of the model.

Cliënt:

Partnership Overweight Netherlands (PON) | ErasmusMC | Ministry of VWS (Volksgezondheid, Welzijn & Sport)

Project duration:

1,5 years

Links and Papers:

Knooppuntenkaart

Netwerkaanpak Overgewicht en Obesitas Volwassenen