Zorgcontact

Zorgcontact is a Dutch term describing the channels and processes by which patients, families and healthcare professionals communicate to arrange, coordinate and monitor care across settings. It covers formal mechanisms provided by organizations and the informal interactions that support ongoing care. Core components include centralized contact points such as telephone help desks and online portals, secure messaging, and arrangements for home visits; roles such as general practitioners, discharge coordinators, district nurses and care managers; and interoperable information systems that share patient data between providers. The aim is to provide timely access to services, ensure continuity of care, and support transitions between care settings, for example from hospital to home or from specialist care to primary care. Common functions include triage and initial assessment, appointment scheduling, information exchange about symptoms, medications and treatments, and the development and updating of personalized care plans. Zorgcontact also facilitates care coordination among multidisciplinary teams and triggers referrals or follow-ups when needed. Benefits of effective zorgcontact include improved access, better alignment of services with patient needs, reduced duplication of tests, and enhanced safety and satisfaction. Challenges include protecting privacy and data security, achieving interoperability between electronic health records, and ensuring equitable access for people with limited digital skills or resources. In practice, zorgcontact is a central element of modern Dutch healthcare, aimed at integrating primary, secondary and social care.