Zorgincluding

Zorgincluding is a neologism used in discussions of social care and public policy to describe an approach that foregrounds inclusion in the design, delivery, and evaluation of care services. The term blends the Dutch word zorg, meaning care or concern, with the English word including, signaling a cross-linguistic emphasis on making care accessible to all segments of the population.

Origin and usage: The term appeared in online policy debates and professional forums in the early 2020s, mainly in Dutch and multilingual contexts. It is typically used as an adjective or attribute, as in "zorgincluding practices" or "a zorgincluding policy framework."

Definition and scope: Zorgincluding encompasses universal design in service delivery, culturally competent communication, accessible facilities, and equitable referral and wait times. It stresses proactive inclusion of groups that are traditionally underserved, such as people with disabilities, migrants, low-income individuals, and older adults.

Applications: It is discussed in healthcare administration, social work, elder care, and community health program development. It advocates including patient voices in planning, using language access services, and building interoperable data systems to prevent exclusion.

Critiques: Some critics view zorgincluding as buzzword or umbrella term lacking precise criteria; others warn that without clear standards it can eclipse tangible outcomes.

Related concepts: inclusive design, universal access, equity in health care, care ethics, patient-centered care.