The research takes place at the Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care and the Medical Oncology department within the Cancer Research Center Groningen and the KNAW-recognized research school GUIDE. This research falls under our 'Quality of Life' section. Within this section we conduct clinical trials aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, both short and long term.

Project description
In 2021, cancer claimed the lives of 45,863 individuals in the Netherlands, highlighting a substantial population requiring palliative care. Patients in advanced stages of cancer often face complex care needs due to the prevalence of various symptoms throughout the disease. At the end of life, patients typically experience an average of six concurrent symptoms, four of which are clinically relevant. Among the most reported symptoms are pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dyspnea, anxiety, and depressed mood. Even at low intensity, these symptoms can significantly impact patients' quality of life and functional
abilities, leading to increased reliance on community support, emergency care, and hospital admissions.
When symptoms are not consistently assessed, health care providers may fail to recognize or underestimate their severity and impact, leading to suboptimal care. Furthermore, a common challenge in symptom assessment is that it is frequently performed retrospectively, relying on patient recall rather than real-time evaluation. This can lead to inaccuracies and gaps in symptom reporting, hindering the ability to provide timely and effective interventions.
Implementing symptom monitoring is a valuable solution to address the challenges of inadequate symptom management in palliative care.
The OPTIMISM project envisions creating a symptom monitoring system and a research data hub, followed by tailored clinical implementation and research regarding implementation strategies and re-use of the symptom data. The goal of the symptom monitoring system is to establish foundations for scalability while adhering to ethical and technological challenges. Clinical implementation will start in the seven Dutch academic hospitals and continue in 5-10 other organizations.

Your role in the project
Together with the other parties and researchers involved in the project you will work on the development and deployment of a symptom monitoring system. You will take part in the implementation of the symptom monitoring system in daily clinical oncology practice. Part of the process will be a proof-of-concept integration of the symptom monitoring system in the electronic patient records of two Dutch academic hospitals. Moreover, a goal architecture for a sustainable solution and nationwide scalability will be delivered.
During the course of the project you will take part in research to establish strategies for implementing the symptom monitoring system based on barriers identified in the implementation phase. You will study symptom management based on the obtained data. And you will support the development of a business case in order to continue the system monitoring system and the research data hub after the project period.

- You have successfully completed your PhD in a related field or hope to complete your degree soon.
- You have an affinity / interest in science, oncology and/or palliative care.
- You are enthusiastic, ambitious and eager to learn.
- You have excellent communication skills and a flexible work attitude.
- You must be able to work both in a team and independently.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. If required for the position, the UMCG can provide the vaccination. For certain professional groups, a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) is required upon commencement of employment.

You will receive an employment contract for 36 hours per week for one year with the prospect of an extension of 2 years if you perform well. The salary is a maximum of € 5.292,- gross per month (scale 10), depending on education and experience and based on full-time employment. In addition, the UMCG offers an 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC) .

Medische Oncologie

You will become part of the Centre of Expertise in Palliative Care and the Medical Oncology department of the UMCG. In this stimulating environment, clinicians, molecular biologists and pharmacists of different nationalities work in close collaboration with the common goal of improving the treatment of cancer patients. Research into treatment and quality of life of patients with cancer is performed. The Medical Oncology department participates in the “Graduate School of Medical Sciences” (GSMS) of the University of Groningen. The education and training of students and young scientists is one of the most important activities within our department.