toeleiding

Toeleiding is a Dutch term that refers to the process of guiding, connecting, or referring a person to the appropriate service, care, or support. The verb toeleiden means to lead towards or channel someone to a suitable destination, often through coordination and communication between providers.

In healthcare, toeleiding refers to the referral or steering of a patient to the right level of care or to a specialist, rehabilitation facility, or social services. In social work and welfare, it describes linking clients to relevant support such as housing, finances, youth care, or employment programs. In education and the labor market, toeleiding encompasses guidance and pathways to further study, vocational training, or work, including intake, assessment, and matching with opportunities.

Typically, toeleiding involves several steps: intake and screening to identify needs, assessment of appropriate services, referral or doorverwijzing to the target provider, and often ongoing coordination or follow-up to ensure timely access and continuity of care. Professionals such as general practitioners, case managers, social workers, or career coaches commonly perform or supervise toeleiding, sometimes within integrated care or multi-agency teams.

The concept emphasizes timely access, coherent care pathways, and reducing fragmentation in the system. It can be distinct from simple doorverwijzing by stressing ongoing coordination and tailor-made alignment of services to the individual’s goals and needs. See also: doorverwijzing, verwijzing, zorgcoördinatie, en zorgpaden.