Marleen Goumans

Dr. Marleen Goumans is Professor of Coherence in Elderly Care and Director of the Knowledge Center for Healthcare Innovation at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Since 2009, she has led research initiatives focused on creating integrated, person-centered elderly care systems that prioritize individual autonomy over organizational boundaries. Her innovative approach bridges academic research with practical implementation in healthcare innovation.

Dr. Goumans earned her PhD in 1998 with a thesis entitled 'Organizational Concepts of Health in Large Cities.' Her extensive career includes significant roles at the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), where she helped introduce health policy frameworks within Dutch municipalities, and the World Health Organization's European Office as an advisor and researcher on cities and health. Prior to her academic position, she worked at NIZW and Vilans, focusing on knowledge development for people with long-term care needs.

Her research emphasizes meaning in life as a fundamental component of quality elderly care. She advocates for disruptive innovation in traditional care models, arguing that nursing homes should be more integrated into communities and healthcare/social services should collaborate more effectively. Her flagship projects include 'Linking Meaning,' 'Dual Management in Community Nursing,' and 'Even Buurten' (an integrated neighborhood approach to elderly care).

Dr. Goumans has published extensively on meaning-centered care, dementia care for migrant populations, community nursing models, and integrated care approaches. Her work consistently employs qualitative methodologies to deeply understand the lived experiences of elderly individuals and care professionals, revealing how meaning in life significantly impacts quality of care.

• Strategic Research Advisor for Executive Board (September 2023)
• Director of Knowledge Center for Healthcare Innovation
• Professor of Coherence in Elderly Care since 2009

She actively connects research with education through minors like 'Smarter, Better Care' and 'Resilient Rotterdam,' and develops practical educational resources including knowledge modules, simulation games, and e-learning tools. In media appearances and public lectures, she champions the principle that 'in elderly care it is all about seeing the whole person,' challenging fragmented care approaches and advocating for systemic coherence.