Implementation of Goal-Oriented Care in Belgium: Experiences From 25 Primary Care Organisations.

[en] [en] INTRODUCTION: Goal oriented care (GOC) and its readiness for implementation has been described in scientific literature, but research on GOC implementation in primary care organisations is limited. This study aims to capture the experiences of primary care organisations in implementing GOC in their context. METHOD: A qualitative study, with data triangulation, was conducted. Primary care organisations that experimented with the implementation of GOC in their context were followed. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Seven themes supporting GOC implementation were identified. Project leaders from the primary care organisations experienced that related concepts can serve as a foundation for initiating the implementation of GOC. The implementation process is an iterative and reflective process, with resistance viewed as an integral part of the process, offering opportunities for reflection. Collaborating with partners, especially the active participation of patients, was seen as a facilitator. Furthermore, having a clear vision for GOC is necessary. Projects invested in adapting tools and processes to align with GOC and provided relevant training. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings led to recommendations that can guide the implementation of future GOC projects. Effective implementation extends beyond the development and adaptation of tools; it requires translating theoretical concepts into practical application and creating a shared vision on GOC.

Research Center/Unit :

Soins primaires et Santé - ULiège

Disciplines :

Human health sciences: Multidisciplinary, general & others

Author, co-author :

Vanneste, Lotte ; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Heymans, Isabelle ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Médecine générale

Belche, Jean Luc ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Médecine générale

Huybrechts, Ine ; Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium ; Department of Family Medicine and Chronic Care, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

Van de Velde, Dominique ; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

De Vriendt, Patricia ; Expertise Centre Health and Care, Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Ghent, Belgium ; Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Group, Mental health and wellbeing (MENT) research group, Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

Haverals, Reini ; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Boeykens, Dagje ; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium ; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Anthierens, Sibyl ; Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

Boeckxstaens, Pauline ; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Language :

English

Title :

Implementation of Goal-Oriented Care in Belgium: Experiences From 25 Primary Care Organisations.

Publication date :

25 May 2025

Journal title :

International Journal of Integrated Care

eISSN :

1568-4156

Publisher :

Ubiquity Press, England

Volume :

Issue :

Pages :

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Development Goals :

3. Good health and well-being
10. Reduced inequalities

Additional URL :

https://account.ijic.org/index.php/up-j-ijic/article/download/8983/10619

Funders :

Fondation Roi Baudouin. Fonds Dr. Daniël De Coninck

Funding text :

We would like to thank all the project leaders involved for their time and effort in implementing GOC. We would like to thank Tinne Vandensande and Bénédicte Gombault from the King Baudouin Foundation and Fund Dr. Daniel De Coninck for the opportunity they offered us to conduct research and for having an impact on the development of primary care in Belgium.

Available on ORBi :

since 14 October 2025

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