'De Mens Achter de Cijfers' – Speed-dating at the Rode Hoed
What does SHM do exactly? What happens with personal data? What research is carried out, is it relevant and what is the result? People with HIV and researchers met during ‘De mens achter de cijfers’ (translation: the person behind the numbers) on Saturday, 9 June 2012 at the Rode Hoed in Amsterdam to discuss these and a range of other topics. Organised by SHM, the HIV Vereniging and Poz and Proud, the event promoted face-to-face discussions through the speed-dating session.
The ‘crème de la crème’ of researchers volunteered their time to participate in the afternoon event. Researchers included Dr. Jan-Willem Mulder (Slotervaart Ziekenhuis), Prof. Jan Prins (AMC), Prof. Joep Lange (AIGHD, AMC), Dr. Ineke van der Ende (Erasmus MC), Dr. Jeannine Nellen (AMC), Dr. Suzanne Geerlings (AMC; NVHB), Dr. Maren Blonk (Universitair Medisch Centrum St Radboud), Dr. Marion Cornelissen (AMC), Prof. Peter Reiss (AMC), Dr. Judith Schouten (AMC), Dr. Maarten Schim van der Loeff (GGD), Dr. Sofie Mooij (GGD) and Prof. Henry de Vries (AMC). Researchers, data monitors and data collectors from SHM also took part in the speed-date.
Leo Schenk acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event and during his introduction explained the circumstances leading up to the event. This was then followed by interesting and informative presentations from Nic Wilson (Nederlands HIV Vereniging / Poz & Proud) and Frank de Wolf (SHM). The audience then dispersed for the speed-date session.
The meeting closed with a summary of the topics that were discussed during the speed-date. Leo Schenk called on various researchers and people with HIV to explain what they felt were the more important points discussed during the afternoon. One topic that was of interest to many was PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Other topics of interest included data quality and collection, quality of care and social care (the impact of HIV on life, work, family and friends), HIV infection in women and related data, and HCV co-infections.
The relaxed, open atmosphere and freedom to ask questions from both sides of the table was much appreciated. Many people felt that the afternoon was very worthwhile and should be carried out again at a later date.