vilans

Vilans is the Netherlands’ national knowledge centre for long-term care. It functions as a hub for research, knowledge dissemination, and practical guidance aimed at improving care for older people and others who require long-term support. The organization coordinates with care providers, researchers, policymakers, and patient and caregiver representatives to translate evidence into policy and practice.

Structure and activities: Vilans operates as a non-profit organization that collaborates with government ministries, healthcare and social care institutions, universities, and professional associations. Its activities include systematic reviews, development of care standards and indicators, creation of digital resources and toolkits, training and implementation support, and the organization of conferences and professional networks. The organization maintains a knowledge portal and publishes materials intended to standardize best practices and promote continuous quality improvement in both home-based and institutional care settings.

Impact and context: As a leading source of knowledge in Dutch long-term care, Vilans informs policy decisions, care delivery models, and workforce development. It supports innovation in areas such as integrated care, palliative care, and dementia care, and provides resources that help care organizations implement evidence-based practices. Because its focus is primarily national, Vilans’ influence is strongest within the Netherlands and may be less visible outside the country.