Zorgvelden

Zorgvelden is a term used in Dutch-language policy and academic discourse to refer to the set of sectors and activities that provide care and welfare services, including healthcare, long-term care, mental health services, social work, and related support systems. Etymology: the word combines zorg (care) with velden (fields), highlighting the interconnected nature of these service domains and the need for cross-sector coordination.

Scope and definitions vary by context, but zorgvelden generally covers providers such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home-care agencies, and social services; workers including nurses, carers, aides, social workers, and other care professionals; and financing mechanisms like public insurance, subsidies, and private payments. Governance is typically distributed among national ministries of health or social affairs, insurers, and local authorities, with responsibilities that may cross administrative boundaries.

Policy relevance and use: The concept is used to analyze labor market dynamics, funding levels, workforce planning, and the integration of care pathways across sectors. In aging populations, zorgvelden is central to discussions about sustainability, quality of care, and equitable access. It also appears in research on caregiver burden, interprofessional collaboration, and the deployment of digital health tools that span multiple care domains.

Criticism and alternatives: Some commentators argue that the term is too broad and can obscure sector-specific challenges. Others advocate for more explicit integration efforts, standardized care pathways, and strengthened governance to improve coordination within zorgvelden.

See also: Care economy, Integrated care, Public health, Long-term care, Welfare state.