Transforming primary health care during the pandemic. EXPANDING ACCESS FOR OLDER PEOPLE THROUGH OUT-OF-HOURS PRIMARY CARE: country vignette – Netherlands

Across the WHO European Region, demographic change has required most countries to adapt primary health care to address the needs of an ageing population. Comprehensive and available out-of-hours primary care is one of the
most important tools in the health system toolbox for older people. It supports older people in avoiding after-hours hospitalization, reducing the risk of their long-term dependence on institutionalized services by keeping them in their homes with an increased quality of life. Reducing avoidable hospitalizations also
avoids costly interventions for the health system.
In 2017, about 20% of the population of the Netherlands was 65 years or older (3.2 million people). These out-ofhours services have been less integrated with social care services than daytime services and therefore risk not fully addressing the needs of older people. The pandemic changed this and accelerated the process of integrating social care services with out-of-hours services.