Zorgfocus

Zorgfocus is a Dutch-language term that can be translated as "care focus" and is used to describe an approach, priority or orientation within health and social care systems. It denotes deliberate emphasis on particular aspects of care delivery—such as patient-centeredness, continuity, prevention, or integration—depending on policy goals, organizational strategy, or clinical practice.

In practice, zorgfocus may guide how services are organized and delivered, influencing care plans, staffing, and use of resources. Common emphases include person-centered care (aligning services with patients' preferences and needs), integrated care (coordinating across providers and sectors), chronic disease management (long-term monitoring and self-management support), and population health (preventive measures and community outreach).

Principles associated with a zorgfocus typically include multidisciplinary collaboration, continuity of care, shared decision-making, and use of evidence-based interventions. Implementation tools often involve care pathways, case management, electronic health records, outcome measurement, and training for care teams.

Potential benefits attributed to a clear zorgfocus include improved health outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, reduced duplication of services, and more efficient use of resources. Challenges can include limited funding, workforce constraints, interoperability of information systems, and the complexity of measuring integrated outcomes.

Zorgfocus is used in policy documents, organizational plans, and clinical discussions in Dutch-speaking regions and may vary in meaning according to local context and priorities.