behandelstadia

Behandelstadia is a concept used in Dutch healthcare to describe a patient’s care trajectory as a sequence of distinct stages. Each stage has specific goals, typical interventions, and progression criteria, allowing care teams to coordinate activities, allocate resources, and monitor outcomes.

Typical stages include intake and assessment, stabilization and risk management, active treatment, transitions and discharge planning, and maintenance and follow-up.

Progression from one stage to the next usually depends on predefined criteria such as stabilization of symptoms, functional improvement, adherence, and alignment with treatment goals. Patient involvement and shared decision-making are emphasized, with plans adapted to individual needs and comorbidities.

Behandelstadia are used across disciplines including mental health, addiction care, rehabilitation, and chronic disease management. They help standardize care pathways, improve communication, and facilitate evaluation of treatment effectiveness. Variation exists in how many stages are defined and the terminology used, depending on national guidelines, clinical discipline, and local resources.

Development and use of behandelstadia require multidisciplinary collaboration, documentation in care plans, and governance structures to ensure quality and accountability.