probleemgericht

Probleemgericht is a problem-oriented approach used in various professional fields to identify, analyze, and address concrete issues as the starting point for action. It emphasizes understanding problems in their real-world context, involves stakeholders in the problem definition, and aims for practical, measurable improvements rather than abstract knowledge.

Core elements include articulating a precise problem statement, analyzing underlying causes and contributing factors, defining concrete goals, selecting and implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes. The method is typically iterative and collaborative, often using data collection, reflection, and adjustment to refine the actions taken.

Applications are widespread. In social work and mental health, it guides assessment and treatment planning. In healthcare and education, it supports targeted improvements in care, learning outcomes, and student support. In organizational development and policing, it helps address recurring problems by tackling root causes rather than symptoms. In education, related approaches such as probleemgericht leren (problem-based learning) use real problems to drive knowledge and skill development.

Relation to other approaches: compared with goal- or solution-focused methods, probleemgericht work prioritizes a clear understanding of the problem and its context before seeking remedies. Benefits include relevance, accountability, and adaptability; limitations can include time demands, need for skilled facilitation, and potential to overlook broader systemic issues if the scope is too narrow.