Leiden University Scholarly Publications

Persistent URL of this record https://hdl.handle.net/1887/4285866

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Dijk- Hengelaar, A.H. van (2026)

Unveiling inequity: diversity and power in collaborative care networks

Doctoral Thesis
This dissertation aims to critically understand how intersecting aspects of diversity shape the collaboration between professionals and carers in care networks surrounding care recipients with acquired brain injury and a migration background. A disconnection in collaborative care becomes visible, highlighting a persistent mismatch between stakeholder perspectives on what constitutes for adequate collaboration. Othering and epistemic injustice are explicitly recognized by care recipients and carers when dealing with assumptions and (un)conscious bias from professionals. Carers explicitly emphasized having to deal with discriminatory practices, based on their cultural and religious backgrounds. At the same time, professionals often attribute problems in collaboration to carers, while they do not always acknowledge their own role in that difficult collaboration. By embracing intersectionality, professionals and policymakers can challenge (un)conscious assumptions and recognize both...Show moreThis dissertation aims to critically understand how intersecting aspects of diversity shape the collaboration between professionals and carers in care networks surrounding care recipients with acquired brain injury and a migration background. A disconnection in collaborative care becomes visible, highlighting a persistent mismatch between stakeholder perspectives on what constitutes for adequate collaboration. Othering and epistemic injustice are explicitly recognized by care recipients and carers when dealing with assumptions and (un)conscious bias from professionals. Carers explicitly emphasized having to deal with discriminatory practices, based on their cultural and religious backgrounds. At the same time, professionals often attribute problems in collaboration to carers, while they do not always acknowledge their own role in that difficult collaboration. By embracing intersectionality, professionals and policymakers can challenge (un)conscious assumptions and recognize both difference and sameness amongst care recipients and carers. Critical reflexivity and ongoing dialogue are required to enable an inclusive way of collaboration. This is an ongoing process of reciprocal learning between care recipients, carers, and professionals. Sustainable change in healthcare requires commitment from policymakers, educators, and professionals to embed diversity-responsive practices throughout all levels of care and educational programs of healthcare and social work professionals.
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Intersectionality
Participatory Health Research
Acquired brain injury
Diversity-responsive care
Informal care
Collaborative care networks
All authors
Dijk- Hengelaar, A.H. van
Supervisor
Abma, T.A.
Co-supervisor
Verdonk, P.; Hartingsveldt, M.J. van
Committee
Achterberg, W.P.; Vos, H.M.M.; Reis, R.; Graff, M.; Saharso, S.
Qualification
Doctor (dr.)
Awarding Institution
Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
Date
2026-01-21

Funding

Sponsorship
This PhD thesis was made possible with financial support from: 1) a doctoral grant for lecturers from the Dutch Research Council (nwo promotiebeurs voor leraren), project number 023.011.009, and 2) a grant from the Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.