Rotterdam's New Data-Driven Plan Boosts Healthcare Access
Rotterdam, Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
A data-driven regional capacity plan enhances acute care in Rotterdam, optimizing delivery during peak seasons and improving patient outcomes through integrated cross-sectoral data.
Integrating Regional Care Management
The Regional Integrated Care Management (R-ICM) plan in Rotterdam, supported by Zilveren Kruis and Coöperatie VGZ, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at organizing comprehensive healthcare delivery across various sectors during high-demand periods. The primary goal is to facilitate the right care at the right time and place, particularly benefiting regions like Rotterdam, Capelle, and Krimpen [1]. This transformative model focuses on integrating data across hospital care, mental healthcare, youth care, welfare, general practitioner care, and home care, ensuring that healthcare services remain sustainable and accessible [1].
Data-Driven Approach and Infrastructure
The R-ICM plan leverages a data-driven approach, utilizing a regionally developed data infrastructure to align healthcare supply with demand effectively. This approach not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances patient outcomes by ensuring timely access to necessary services [1]. According to Sasha van Beijsterveld, R-ICM program manager, the success of this initiative hinges on trust, courage, and continuous coordination among stakeholders [1].
Long-Term Vision for Healthcare
The overarching vision of the R-ICM plan is to create a future-proof healthcare infrastructure that adapts to the evolving needs of the population. With a focus on collaboration among healthcare and welfare organizations, the plan aspires to maintain an accessible and affordable healthcare system for the region’s 770,000 residents [1]. Ronald Buijs of Laurens emphasizes that the collective efforts in this transformation are crucial for achieving a sustainable and efficient healthcare delivery model both now and in the future [1].
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the promising framework of the R-ICM plan, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring digital inclusion and redesigning care processes to prevent creating an outdated digital healthcare system. The initiative highlights the importance of using technology as a guide rather than a gatekeeper, thereby fostering a more human-centered approach to care [5]. The ongoing implementation of the R-ICM plan is necessary to adapt healthcare systems to current needs, requiring a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved [5].