Beter Verwijs makes support for healthier living accessible to everyone
The Netherlands is grappling with growing health issues often linked to lifestyle choices. While billions are spent on treating diseases, we invest comparatively little in prevention. What if we shifted this balance? That is what CEO Rogier Verstralen aims to achieve with Beter Verwijs: his innovative approach makes lifestyle support accessible to both healthcare providers and patients.
Rogier began his career as a financial expert but soon realised his true passion lays in improving health and quality of life. While working as a business controller at Radboudumc, he recognised opportunities to focus on prevention. “We often try to manage diseases, but the root causes remain unaddressed”, says Rogier.
This realisation was the start of Radboudumc’s Beter Gezond programme, where Rogier collaborates with Professor Bart Kiemeney and other key figures in healthcare to develop training and a referral platform. “Healthcare providers are open to improving their patients’ lifestyle, but are often constrained by lack of time, lack of specialised knowledge or access to the right tools”, explains Rogier. The initiative’s platform became a success and led to the establishment of Beter Verwijs, a social enterprise with a societal mission.
Tailored lifestyle interventions
Beter Verwijs is a SaaS platform that helps healthcare providers refer patients to tailored lifestyle interventions, such as programmes to help you quit smoking, sleep therapy, or nutritional support. The platform’s strength lies in its offer and accessibility. Rogier explains: “We have a catalogue of locally, regionally and nationally available interventions in the paramedical and social domains, ensuring patients can easily access the lifestyle support they need. Either close to home or online.”
Beyond lifestyle interventions, the platform also provides social support. “You can’t build a sustainable healthy lifestyle when you’re stressed about finances or lack a safety net”, emphasises Rogier. This holistic approach makes Beter Verwijs unique: it connects medical and social domains.
Current developments
As of this summer, Beter Verwijs operates as an independent company. The platform is already being used by 11 hospitals, with ambitious plans to expand to 42. In cooperation with Radboudumc, Maastricht UMC+, Physician and Lifestyle Association, The Simulation Crew and AFAS Foundation, Beter Verwijs also offers training for healthcare professionals, including innovative VR sessions and e-learnings. The trainings support effective integration of lifestyle care into daily practice.
The company is in the midst of a transformation. The team is working on recruiting software developers and refining the company’s identity. “We are growing rapidly to have the intended impact, and that comes with challenges. But with passion and dedication, we tackle them all”, says Rogier.
Looking towards the future
Beter Verwijs’ ambition extends beyond hospitals and GP practices. Rogiers envisions international opportunities in the corporate and educational sectors. “We want to normalise lifestyle support, including in workplaces and schools. That starts by making it an integral part of conversations.”
“I firmly believe that everyone deserves the best possible care”, Rogier asserts. “I hope Beter Verwijs becomes a definitive platform that provides the right help at the right time to improve people’s lifestyles. I also believe the intervention programmes can be integrated. For example, if you’re referred to a programme that helps you quit smoking, but they identify dietary concerns, it would be great if you could be directed to a dietitian straight away.” For complex issues, the GP should of course play an important role. But GP care does not have the capacity to see the more than 10 million Dutch people who should actually be addressing their lifestyle. Direct referral through a platform such as Beter Verwijs offers a solution.
Rogier believes Beter Verwijs will become a quality mark for interventions, ensuring both healthcare providers and patients can trust its standards. Collaborations with organisations like the RIVM and the use of user data further enhance the platform’s effectiveness. And with that, the support to patients.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Rogier highlights the valuable support Beter Verwijs has received from partners like Briskr. “Through Briskr, we gained access to the Business Angel Network Nijmegen (BANN), which allowed us to refine our pitch and connect with investors who understand our mission.”
Briskr assisted Beter Verwijs with funding opportunities and provided knowledge and network. “They spoke our language and helped us to speak the language of investors, too. I’ve since spoken to many socially oriented business angels, and their fresh perspectives on positioning or market strategies have been invaluable.”
Working together for a healthier Netherlands
Beter Verwijs is taking significant steps to promote lifestyle care in the Netherlands. The platform offers hope for a future where prevention is no longer an afterthought but an integral part of healthcare and beyond.
“It’s not just about treating diseases but truly helping people lead healthier lives”, concludes Rogier. “It’s never too late to change, and with Beter Verwijs, we aim to make that change easier and more accessible for everyone.”
