Buurtzorg +

Buurtzorg collaborates with physiotherapists and occupational therapists in the neighborhood. Together, they look at what the best solution is for each client. Regular coordination takes place regarding the possibilities of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. This concerns, for example, reactivation, respiratory therapy, assistive devices and adaptations. The therapists involved focus on reactivation and help find adaptations for limitations. In doing so, they provide support to the client and their informal caregivers.

The idea for Buurtzorg+ came from a physiotherapist who joined Buurtzorg after working in the UK for some years. She was impressed and inspired by the nurses, physiotherapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) working together to re-able clients. After the initial implementation in the Netherlands (Zorggroep Almere), she proposed the idea to Buurtzorg and it was agreed to do a pilot in two of the Buurtzorg teams.

The teams found a PT and an OT to work closely with them in their team. Rather than set up a waiting list, therapists would respond directly and get involved around individual clients. When necessary they would organize multidisciplinary meetings but most collaboration would take place at the client’s home.

The common goal of the Buurtzorg+ team was early identification and intervention to jointly create the conditions for client independence and safety at home through prevention. The nurses and therapists created coordinated plans and clear working agreements to ensure optimal care and support for clients and care-givers living at home, with liaison and evaluation of the client care taking place on the job.

The pilot went well and the teams felt the collaboration model was simple, useful and very effective for client independence and safety at home. The team found its clients’ self-management skills improved and the care more efficient because of the good communication between the professionals. The teams saw benefits to their workload too as their clients became more able and mobile.

Buurtzorg+ demonstrated a successful approach to community integration. With nurses providing clinical leadership, professionalism and responsibility around the client, other teams wanted to try the approach.

An online multidisciplinary blended-learning course enables the PT, OT and one dedicated Buurtzorg nurse to implement this collaboration in their own team.