In recent weeks, Primary Care Caribbean (PCC) organized training sessions on the concept of Positive Health for general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses on Bonaire. The training was met with enthusiasm, according to Dr. Polonia, a GP at Bonaire Medical Center (CMC location):
“I’m glad we, as GPs, are learning to take a broader view of health. It’s not just about physical and mental health, but also about quality of life, what matters to you, and whether you can participate in society. It’s really about how you stand in life.”
Training on Positive Health
Six GP practices, including their practice nurses, attended the training on Positive Health. It was facilitated by Karolien van den Brekel, a GP and director of Positive Health International, and Evelien van Dort, a pediatric physiotherapist and author. Both are certified trainers at the Institute for Positive Health (iPH).
The Positive Health vision was developed by Machteld Huber, who questioned why there wasn’t more focus on self-management in health after her own experiences with illness. Her approach adopts a broad perspective on health, emphasizing not just illness but also resilience and what gives life meaning.
A key tool in this vision is the spider web model, which visualizes six domains that together constitute health. The model helps healthcare providers and patients engage in conversations about what truly matters to the patient and what they can contribute to their own health.
New Insights for GP Practices
Dr. Polonia highlights the value of this new approach:
“It’s encouraging to see more focus on the patient’s own role. Feeling healthy doesn’t just mean being free from illness; it’s also about being able to participate in society, feeling happy, having good friends, or being able to talk to someone about your problems. These are all essential aspects of health.”
She also emphasizes the importance of collaboration:
“We do this together: patients, GPs, and partners such as Social Care and Welfare services. Through this training, we can have more meaningful conversations with our patients. Hopefully, this will lead to actions that improve quality of life and help patients better understand and experience their own health.”
A Vision for Bonaire’s Future
The Positive Health vision is gaining traction on Bonaire, with other GP practices and partners expressing interest. Dr. Polonia sees this as a promising development:
“My wish is for all Bonaire residents to become more aware of their health and take an active role in it. A year from now, I hope we can look back and see tangible improvements in experienced health, with everyone proud of the results.”
Positive Health: Accessible to All
The principles of Positive Health are resonating worldwide, from neighborhoods and schools to healthcare systems. It fosters a shared language, enhances resilience, and strengthens connections between people.
Would you like to explore what Positive Health means for you? Try filling out the spider web model and discuss it with a loved one or your GP. The tool is available in multiple languages, including Papiamento, English, and Dutch. For more information, visit Positive Health International or Mijn Positieve Gezondheid.
Together, we can build a healthier future—not only on Bonaire but worldwide.
