‘Zorg op maat’ en ‘Passende zorg’: hou ze fris

Inconsistent use of the Dutch terms ‘zorg op maat’ (customised care) and ‘passende zorg’ (appropriate care) in healthcare-, policy- and political discourse in the Netherlands makes them unclear umbrella terms and causes confusion and annoyance among many involved. 'Zorg op maat’ and ‘passende zorg', originally meant 'providing care according to the wishes and care-related possibilities of the individual patient', but now mainly concern the approaching financial limits of the healthcare-system. ‘Passende zorg' has also become a key concept in the marketing strategy of healthcare organizations as a management instrument. Many (bedside)healthcare providers now see ‘passende zorg’ as a euphemism for financial cutbacks. The authors aim to create awareness about the use of these terms to prevent incorrect expectations and irritation. Fresh names for new policies or financially feasible care ensure a transparent process and less complicated implementation.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.