Zorgplannen

Zorgplannen are structured documents used in Dutch-speaking health and welfare care to organize and describe the care, support, and services a person needs. They are designed to reflect the individual’s health status, living situation, preferences, and goals, and to coordinate actions across different professionals and settings.

A zorgplan typically includes: personal and contact information; an assessment of needs and risks; defined goals or desired outcomes; the proposed interventions and services (medical, nursing, rehabilitation, social support, housing, and day-to-day assistance); who is responsible for each element; the planned timeline and review moments; and criteria for monitoring and evaluating progress. Privacy and informed consent are part of the planning process.

The development of a zorgplan is usually a collaborative process. Clients or their representatives, family or informal carers, and a multidisciplinary care team contribute to drafting the plan. After agreement, the plan guides implementation and is reviewed regularly, often every few months or sooner if the condition or circumstances change. Digital versions in electronic health records or care-management systems are common to support continuity across providers and settings.

Zorgplannen are used across various sectors, including hospital care, home care, elderly and disability care, and community social services. They support person-centered care by documenting preferences and ensuring that care is coordinated, consistent, and adaptable to changing needs, while respecting privacy and the client’s autonomy.