The history and future of healthcare in the Netherlands

In the 25-year history of this magazine, the sector in the Netherlands has changed significantly. In addition to the introduction of basic insurance, a new real estate funding system was introduced, as well as a separation of housing and care. The role of insurers is unimaginable, ICT has become an integral part of healthcare provision, investors made their appearance, and much has been achieved by professionals in the sector and beyond. Building is done for people, especially in healthcare, which must remain affordable and be designed ever more efficiently.

The title of this magazine was shortened in 2014 from Building Healthcare to Building Healthcare; one of many examples of the dynamic and innovative nature of publisher Louwers Media Group. We cover a healthcare-wide spectrum with the magazine, which continues to expand. The team of this magazine has kept its finger on the pulse for 25 years, with bimonthly print editions, a yearbook and an online platform that spans various social media. With an eye for current events and the long term: after all, care will always exist, in whatever form it takes. In recent years in the magazine a little more with topics in the context of healthcare processes and a little less with new construction, or transformation of healthcare real estate.

Not only stones

The title Building for Care refers not only to the construction of healthcare real estate, the "bricks. After all, caring for people and health is not just about buildings: care can and must always be improved and made more efficient. The length of stay in a hospital or residential care center is becoming increasingly shorter, which does not make concepts such as healing environment and hospitality, in which the English word for hospital is embedded, less important, for example. Environment and care are inseparable and the optimization of the healing environment, a concept that has taken root in the world of architecture, has become indispensable in all walks of life.

External parties

The number of external parties involved in the sector has also risen sharply, due to these and other factors. Whereas 25 years ago healthcare was still a relatively closed world, not least because of the high regulatory requirements, when it comes to matters such as procurement and service provision, people no longer work only with internal capabilities or specialist parties, but deal creatively with growing market options. Why bother when furniture for waiting rooms or offices can be supplied by a regular party and supermarket chains can take and deliver orders daily? And why drive miles to a blood draw location when it can be done at the physio around the corner, or measure your blood pressure yourself and transmit it digitally to the doctor? 

Comfort

The comfort for the organization, client or patient has therefore increased greatly over the last quarter century, and things can be done even better and more efficiently - for example, with the introduction of the electronic patient record. In the future, we want to focus even more on innovations in the context of care, and what it takes to improve it. On the growing influence of ICT parties, investors and insurers, the solutions they can offer and the challenges. Then, as you have come to expect from us, we let the specialists speak who can pass it on. Professionals who are proud of what they make for others: a building that lasts and is adaptable, a care concept that has a future, a product that can improve quality of life and comfort - in the hospital, a residential building or at home.

Challenges

Care for and by people, often working together for years to improve the quality of care delivery within and outside their region. Yes, healthcare costs are still rising and weigh increasingly heavily on the budgets of citizens and institutions, the aforementioned legislative changes have stood the test of time so far. Healthcare is having a tough time in terms of work and regulatory pressure, all healthcare sectors are facing staff shortages. ICT in particular should change this with remote care, making monitoring easier and by fewer people. The next quarter century will undoubtedly be the quarter century of digitization, allowing us to care and be cared for even faster and better.

Inspire, innovate and connect

Prevention - healthy and conscious living - will also play an increasingly important role, due to the challenges mentioned above and, of course, its importance for quality of life and life expectancy. Building Care is and will remain the platform - also in Flanders - that informs, inspires and connects the sector, with up-to-date professional information and a broad view of developments and innovations within cure and care. Together we build better care for everyone: accessible, efficient, affordable and with more quality and comfort for care workers, clients and patients. The challenges are great, the opportunities legion. On to 2050, closer than we all think.