Ontzorgen in de VVT Zorg - Taking care of clients and careworkers in residential care and home care
Problem context
The increasing pressure on the Dutch healthcare sector, caused by the ageing of the population, is leading to a growing gap between demand for care and the available workforce. Policy measures encourage independent living at home, which aligns with clients’ preferences but simultaneously creates new logistical and organisational challenges. The transition from care institutions to home care requires small-scale deliveries of care resources and services to the home, resulting in more transport movements, higher costs and a heavier burden on care providers. There is a need for a system that balances both clients’ preferences and the workload of care providers.
Approach
Within the Ontzorgen project, a regional care system is developed in which care, goods and services are coordinated in an integrated manner. The approach involves mapping client preferences, experiences of care providers and opportunities for task redistribution. Focus lies especially on staff, who take over non-care-related tasks such as the delivery of medical aids. In addition, research is being conducted into how deliveries can be consolidated and routes optimised to reduce transport movements and CO₂ emissions.
Expected outcomes
The project will result in the development of a regional control centre that supports real-time, data-driven decision-making within the healthcare ecosystem. This centre will facilitate the joint management of healthcare, goods and services supply chains, taking into account supply chain constraints and the preferences of those involved.
Concrete expected outcomes are:
- Reduced workload for care providers through smart task allocation
- Better alignment of care moments with client preferences
- Reduction in transport movements and emissions
- A digital control centre for data-driven decision-making
The solutions will be tested in practice-oriented pilots with project partners, in preparation for wider implementation.
The consortium
The consortium comprises healthcare organisations, suppliers, research institutions and a network organisation. This combination brings together practical experience, data expertise and innovation capacity. Through this multidisciplinary collaboration, a bridge is built between research and implementation, which enhances the practical applicability and acceptance of the solutions developed.
Project partners: Care Invest Group, Carel Lurvink, Draaijer Group, Essity, Huuskes, Lucrum, Lyreco, Mediq, Pinkroccade, Renewi, TNO, Zorgcentrum de Posten, Zorgfederatie Oldenzaal, Zorgorganisatie Norschoten, Universiteit Twente, Windesheim
