{"id":199389,"date":"2026-09-10T14:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T12:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/?p=199389"},"modified":"2026-09-10T14:15:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T12:15:03","slug":"van-vragenlijst-tot-mri-effect-van-preventieve-medische-onderzoeken-niet-bewezen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/2026\/09\/10\/van-vragenlijst-tot-mri-effect-van-preventieve-medische-onderzoeken-niet-bewezen\/","title":{"rendered":"From questionnaires to MRIs, the effectiveness of preventive medical check-ups remains unproven"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When is it worthwhile to have a preventive health check-up? Since the start of this year, staff at Erasmus University have been offered this option. Experts Iris Lansdorp-Vogelaar and Merel Schuring disagree on the merits and drawbacks of such preventive medical check-ups. On one point, however, they are in complete agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\n\n<\/svg>\n<\/span>\n\tImage by:<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFemke Legu\u00e9<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From a simple questionnaire, an interview and perhaps a blood test for cholesterol and iron levels, to full scans and fitness tests. Many employers offer a preventive medical check-up to their staff now. Erasmus University has been doing so since this year as well. Over the next three years, all faculties and departments will have their turn. 408 staff members already participated in the health screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The voluntary screening for university staff consists of a questionnaire covering topics such as mental health, eating habits and physical activity. If desired, a participant can then see a doctor for further examination. There, your BMI is calculated and a drop of blood is taken to check your blood sugar level. Staff from the first cohort were later able to have their cholesterol checked as well, this will be included as standard in subsequent rounds. Advice may then follow on areas where you could make further improvements, such as taking more exercise. If any concerns arise, you will be referred to your GP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long-term savings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Merel Schuring, a lecturer in Labour and Health at Erasmus MC, understands why employers offer this. Schuring researches sustainable labour participation and the role of employers. Although Schuring focuses more on physically demanding work, she understands why a university would also offer such a screening. \u201cAn employer has a vested interest in healthy employees. Health problems can lead to reduced productivity, sick leave or perhaps even long-term absence. And that is a significant cost. A preventive medical examination is therefore an affordable investment to prevent such a potentially major expense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offering a medical examination can make an employer very attractive to future employees, says Schuring. \u201cBut what I also consider a really important reason is that it gives the employer an insight, at a group level, into the health of their employees. Does everyone suffer from the effects of sitting too much? You can develop policies based on that. Switch to sit-stand desks, emphasise the importance of exercise, microbreaks and rest breaks, and offer a gym membership.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Een lijst met artikelen<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t
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