Interview with the IPS Principal Investigators: Liesbeth van Vliet

 

Who are you and how did you become involved with IPS?

I am Liesbeth van Vliet, and have been involved with IPS from the start as a staff member of the Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Department from Leiden University.

 

What is the focus of your current research, and why is this important?

My research is on the placebo and nocebo-effects of communication. I am particularly interested in how communication can help and harm when patients are confronted with a serious illness. This is important, as when patients are diagnosed with a (serious) illness, they don’t need only excellent medical care, but also excellent communication to ensure they experience the best care experiences possible.

 

What inspired you to pursue this research topic?

Ever since I conducted my research thesis on pediatric palliative care – in which I observed the effect clinicians’ words had on patients and their families -  I knew this was the area I wanted to work in.

 

How does your research align with the mission and goals of IPS?

Conducting rigorous research to advance our understanding and application of placebo-effects of communication in clinical practice is at the heart of both IPS and my research.

 

What impact do you hope your research will have, both in science and in society?

My ultimate aim is to improve communication with and care for seriously ill patients via creating evidence-based insights. By studying the placebo and nocebo effects of communication rigorously, I hope communication will increasingly be seen and treated as an evidence-based intervention instead of a fluffy construct.  

 

What are the next steps or future ambitions for your research?

I think there are three urgent areas to focus our research on the placebo and nocebo effects of communication on.  We are entering a digital serious illness era. However, the role, effects and boundaries of digital-mediated communication (such as empathy) is unknown. Moreover, the group of seriously ill patients is rapidly growing and becoming more diverse in terms of ethnical and cultural diversity. However, what constitutes helpful and harmful communication might differ between patient groups. Lastly, how we translate outcomes from fundamental research into clinical practice remains a challenge. I’m excited for research into these areas – if you would like to collaborate on these topics with IPS, please do reach out!