# Thuisarts: Trusted Medical Advice Always Within Reach Through a High-Performance Minimum Lovable Product Thuisarts is the first destination for millions of Dutch citizens seeking information about health, illness and healthcare. In collaboration with the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG), Dawn Technology developed fully native iOS and Android applications. Rather than simply replicating the website, we created a fast, accessible and privacy-first solution that puts reliable medical information at users’ fingertips anytime and anywhere. - Zorg - Mobile [Discover our sector](https://dawn.tech/en/sector/healthcare-lifestyle) [Discover our specialism](https://dawn.tech/en/specialism/apps-mobile) **Discovery**## From website to daily tool “Have You Checked Thuisarts?” It is a question many patients hear from their general practitioner. For years, [Thuisarts](https://www.thuisarts.nl/) has been one of the most trusted sources of medical information in the Netherlands. To make access to that information even easier and more convenient, NHG decided to develop a dedicated mobile app. NHG launched a Request for Information (RFI) to find a partner that could do more than build an application. They were looking for a team that could also think strategically about the role of mobile technology within the patient journey. Dawn Technology was introduced through a recommendation and quickly became involved. The challenge was clear: How do we make trusted medical information more accessible while reducing dependency on search engines? Several key principles guided the project: - Information must be easy to find and save - The application must work offline - Accessibility must meet the highest standards - User privacy must be fully protected The goal was not to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), but a Minimum Lovable Product (MLP): an application that users actively prefer over accessing information through a browser. **Design & development**## Natively built for speed and accessibility We deliberately chose a fully native approach for both iOS and Android. Rather than using a hybrid framework, we opted for complete control over performance and user experience while implementing an efficient development strategy that avoided unnecessary duplication of effort and cost. **Accessibility by Design** Accessibility was a core requirement throughout the project. By integrating deeply with platform-specific functionality, we were able to fully leverage native accessibility features such as text-to-speech, screen readers and other assistive technologies. As a result, the application remains highly usable for people with visual impairments as well as users with limited digital skills. **Collaborative Design Process** Thuisarts provided its own designer, and together we translated the visual identity of the platform into experiences that felt native to both Apple and Google ecosystems. Strict adherence to platform guidelines ensured that the application aligns with user expectations on iOS and Android, creating an experience that feels immediately familiar and intuitive. **Lightweight and Scalable Architecture** The Thuisarts application was intentionally designed to be exceptionally lightweight, occupying only **8 MB** of storage space. This was achieved through a **Backend-for-Frontend (BFF)** architecture. Behind the scenes, the application is built from reusable components while content processing and business logic are handled in the backend. This approach provides several advantages: - Fast and lightweight performance - Real-time content optimisation - The ability to update content and functionality without requiring app store releases **From Browser Search to Direct Access** Previously, many users reached Thuisarts through Google searches. The app now provides direct access to trusted medical information without requiring a search engine. Through deep linking, users can be directed straight to relevant content within the app, even when arriving from external sources. Users can also save pages for future reference, making important information easy to revisit whenever needed. In addition, offline functionality ensures that saved content remains available even without an internet connection. **Privacy by Design** Privacy is critical within healthcare. For that reason, we deliberately avoided standard tracking tools such as Google Analytics. Instead, Thuisarts uses Matomo, a privacy-friendly analytics platform that keeps user data fully under NHG’s control and outside the reach of major technology companies. This approach ensures compliance with strict privacy requirements while still providing valuable insights into platform usage. **Conclusie**## A new standard for mobile healthcare information The new Thuisarts app launched during the week of 16 March 2026. Users now have direct access to reliable medical information that is fast, accessible and available even when offline. The application lowers the barrier to healthcare information, making it easier for users to find, save and revisit trusted content. At the same time, NHG maintains full control over privacy, analytics and data ownership. The project marks the beginning of a long-term partnership in which Dawn Technology continues to support the platform both strategically and technically. Today, Thuisarts is more than a website. It is a trusted digital companion that makes reliable healthcare information accessible to everyone, everywhere and at any time. Download the app in the [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.thuisarts.mobileapp&pcampaignid=web_share) or [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/thuisarts/id6759786804). [Back to overview](/en/success-stories) Link copied to clipboard ## View similar success stories Zorg Lifestyle Mobile Regulatory Services ## A personal app for rheumatism patients Nearly two million people in the Netherlands suffer from rheumatism. The disease encompasses more than a hundred chronic conditions that affect everyone differently. Together with Erasmus MC, we developed an app that is personalized for each patient. Health Lifestyle Mobile ## CRUSE Control app CRUSE Control is the reference self-evaluation app for chronic urticaria, built by Dawn Technology together with the Charité Institute of Allergology and the international UCARE network. Over 20,000 patients across 38 countries use the application daily to track symptoms and prepare for clinic visits. Dawn Technology integrated a reliable AI assistant into the app to safely and accurately answer patient questions based exclusively on approved medical sources. ### Work on an app that matters Would you also like a digital solution that is accessible, fast, and reliable? We are happy to think along with you. ## Curious about our latest updates? Stay up-to-date in the digital landscape with our newsletter. Enrol and get the latest updates in your mail