Buurtzorg: Nurse-Led Community Care

Abstract

Buurtzorg is a nurse-led, nurse-run organization of self-managed teams that provide home care to patients in their neighborhoods. Championing humanity over bureaucracy, autonomous teams work with primary care providers, community supports, and family resources to bring patients to optimal functioning as quickly as possible. The award-winning organization grew out of a common sense approach based on principles of trust, autonomy, creativity, simplicity, and collaboration. These organizational principles translate into highly effective and efficient care, satisfied patients, and enthusiastic nurses. The model is being replicated worldwide, with teams starting in Minnesota, Sweden, Japan, and other countries.