The implementation of 'The Neighbourhood as Ecosystem' for appropriate social care has several intended effects, including improved quality of care, care that is more efficient, more affordable and more accessible. Another intended effect is that it has a positive impact on the (formal and informal) care providers involved. This means, among other things, that care providers do not experience their tasks or contribution as (too) burdensome, feel involved, feel supported, can learn and develop, and enjoy their work/contribution.
De Buurt als Ecosysteem will receive the first 40 million euros in IZA funds from health insurers Coöperatie VGZ and Zilveren Kruis. The alliance, consisting of 15 healthcare providers in district nursing and led by Jos De Blok of Buurtzorg Nederland, can use this to get to work in 20 neighbourhoods.
The district nursing alliance accounts for more than half of the turnover of district nursing in the Netherlands. Together with Buurtzorg Nederland, Amstelring Wijkzorg, Carintreggeland, ZorgAccent, Careyn, Espria, Sensire, ZZG zorggroep, Santé Partners, Thebe, Vierstroom, Zorggroep Meander, Icare Verpleging & Verzorging and ZuidZorg we will get to work.
Five pillars
The transition plan ‘the neighbourhood as an ecosystem’ consists of five pillars:
- Prevention as mindset - a renewed focus on prevention thinking - from getting healthy to being healthy;
- Integrated primary care - locally tailored care, including doctors and district nurses who are close to clients, working together and with a focus on prevention, health and behaviour;
- Treatment close by - we want to bring ‘distant’ care closer. To the home if possible. To the neighbourhood if that is not possible. As close as possible;
- Caring neighbourhood - we strengthen social connectedness and informal networks in the neighbourhood;
- Self-learning neighbourhood - we focus on empowering local initiatives and sharing knowledge and experiences between neighbourhoods.