Looking back at the International Forum 2025 – Learning together, improving together

Leadership and system change: Mirella Minkman shared insights

During her masterclass ‘Advancing population health: collective leadership and quality improvement in action’, CEO Mirella Minkman explored the deeper layers of healthcare transformation. She explained that sustainable transformation requires not only new workflows and policies but also changing underlying mindsets and power relations.

Three international case studies were analyzed using Peter Senge’s model ‘Six conditions of system change’, revealing new possibilities for system transformation.

Co-creation with communities: the perspective of Frans van Zoest

Frans van Zoest, together with Kirsten van Spronsen (NLZVE), facilitated a session on co-production with citizen initiatives. He observed that leaders often feel isolated in their role to take steps in this area, and that mutual support is essential to lead with courage.

A key theme was the need to get closer to residents. Many approaches remain too distant. True leadership means empathizing with people’s lived experiences – not just listening but standing alongside them. As Kirsten beautifully put it: 'Go to their parties and don’t just keep inviting them to yours.'

Frans stresses that this is easier said than done. Visiting a neighborhood helps, but also requires letting go of professional reflexes. The step from consulting to co-creating is not a matter of method but of attitude.

Frans summarizes his key takeaways: 'What I take away is that working with communities requires closeness, trust, and the willingness to change oneself. That is the key to resilient and equitable care. And that demands leadership.'

Excursion Kempenhaeghe: experiential learning and technology in an inclusive neighborhood

The excursions began with a ‘walk-in and reception’ where participants were welcomed with coffee and tea at Vilans, followed by an explanation and overview of the health system and Vilans’ mission. Then groups departed for the inclusive neighborhood Kloostervelden in Sterksel, where they gained an insightful impression of living with complex epilepsy and multiple disabilities. Resident Roland Lahaye shared his personal story, describing his life with complex epilepsy and the challenges involved. His openness gave participants a valuable insight into the importance of self-direction and finding meaning, even when life does not go as planned.

Through experiential learning – with sensory exercises led by Mandy Saes and Inge Botteram from Kempenhaeghe – participants felt what it means to be a patient. Flemish participant Koen D’hoore: 'Through the exercises, I felt what it means to be a patient. That changes your perspective.'

Technological innovations such as the Social Robot Ivy, NightWatch, and smart incontinence materials were presented – by Wouter Vos (Vilans) – as concrete examples of care that increases safety, comfort, and independence.

Liv inn and Oost voor Elkaar: living and caring together

During the forum, Vilans also organized visits to two other care initiatives: Liv inn Hilversum and Oost voor Elkaar Utrecht Oost.

Liv inn is a housing concept where elderly residents have control within a warm, lively community. Participants were impressed by the light, open atmosphere and asked questions about connection, meaning, and affordability.

Oost voor Elkaar in Utrecht Oost shows how neighborhood care grows through collaboration among residents, volunteers, and professionals. More than 100 activities foster connection and relieve formal care.

A participant from the United Kingdom said: 'In our country, it is often competition; here it is the natural willingness to help one another.'

Poster exhibition: dignity and pride on location (WOL)

There was also a poster exhibition at the conference, in which Vilans participated. Bellis van den Berg (Vilans) presented the results of the Dignity and Pride on Location (WOL) program. Using a quality scan, care quality and prerequisites were mapped at different moments. The involvement of coaches proved effective: outcomes at the final scan were significantly better, especially on prerequisite themes.

The analysis shows that these prerequisites are essential for good care. The results have been published in BMC Health Services Research (see the QR code on the poster, which you can download from this page).

Although nursing home care received little attention at the conference, there was interest in knowledge sharing. For example, a nursing home director from Aruba contacted Bellis van den Berg for more information and collaboration.

Moving forward together

The International Forum offered a valuable opportunity for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers worldwide to share knowledge and inspiration. Vilans’ contributions highlighted the power of collaboration and learning across borders. We look back on a successful week – and look forward to the next step.