Irish Delegation Visits Vilans To Explore Dutch Integrated Care
Published on: 28-10-2024
On October 24th, Vilans had the pleasure of hosting the Irish delegation from OECD Ireland, accompanied by policymakers from Ireland's Department of the Ministry of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The visit was focused on learning about Dutch approaches to the design and implementation of integrated care. The interactive sessions provided a unique opportunity to exchange ideas on the organization, funding, and challenges of long-term and integrated care in both countries.
Prof. Mirella Minkman, Chairman of the board of Vilans, welcomed the delegation and opened with a presentation on Vilans' role as a knowledge institute in care and support.
She highlighted the organization's involvement in large-scale programs like Dignity and Pride, and general medical care (MGZ) and others which contribute to transforming care and societies in the Netherlands.
Following this, Ephrem Tesfay, researcher at Vilans, provided an overview of the Dutch healthcare system, with a particular focus on long-term care. Ephrem discussed how care in the Netherlands is organized and financed, and the key challenges it faces today. He highlighted the major historical reforms that have shaped the Dutch long-term care system into its current situation today.
Mirella then delivered a more detailed presentation on integrated care in the Netherlands, focusing on governance and leadership. She explained the efforts that have gone into implementing integrated care at different levels—from national to community settings—and emphasized the lessons learned along the way. Her presentation set the stage for an engaging exchange, as Breda Rafter and her colleagues from the Irish delegation gave an overview of the Irish healthcare system, particularly its approach to integrated care, which has been evolving significantly since 2016.
The shared insights from this visit are expected to serve as a basis for future learning exchanges between Ireland and the Netherlands, particularly in areas of integrated care and workforce resilience.