Regional monitoring of misunderstood behavior - Gaining insight into the target group for better care, support, and safety

This study involves setting up a regional monitor to gain a better understanding of two groups of vulnerable residents in the North Holland North region: people living at home with (suspected) dementia and severe unmet care needs, and homeless EU migrants. By using data from existing registries and conducting interviews with professionals, people with lived experience, and next of kin, we aim to gain insight into the characteristics and challenges of these target groups and the structure of the care pathway. This insight can lead to opportunities for improvement and ensure that health policy in North Holland North aligns as closely as possible with the needs of these target groups. This project follows a pilot previously conducted with the first-mentioned target group as part of the Integrated Health Monitor COVID-19. Objective: Developing a regional Public Mental Health Care (OGGZ) monitor will provide us with (structural) insight into the size and health status of these two target groups, as well as their care and support needs. The monitor aims to identify regional trends regarding the size of these groups, the issues they face, and their referral to care services in a timely manner. This allows for earlier detection of warning signs and enables appropriate support to be implemented or scaled up more quickly. Approach/Methodology: To gain the best possible insight into the two target groups, we are employing both quantitative and qualitative research methods during this project. Regional and national data sources-such as regional OGGZ registries (e.g., *Meldpunt Vangnet & Advies*) and figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and Vektis-are being used to build a profile of the two target groups. In addition, we are speaking with various individuals associated with each target group to gather further information and insights. To this end, interviews are being conducted with people with lived experience, representatives of clients and their loved ones, and professionals. Collaboration with the public mental health and social care (OGGZ) network in the North Holland North region is essential for this project. We therefore work together with people with lived experience, loved ones, and network partners from the healthcare, social, and public safety sectors-including municipalities, care organizations, shelters for the homeless, and the police. (Expected) project outcomes for each target group include: insight into the scale, health status, and pathways to care; recommendations for policymakers and professionals aimed at improving early identification, referral, and follow-up; and a transferable, repeatable monitoring methodology with recommendations for further development. All of this ensures that health policy in the North Holland North region aligns with the needs of these two target groups and strengthens the health of these vulnerable residents.