The Dutch National Prevalence Survey of Care Problems (LPZ) is an annual prevalence survey on care problems in Dutch healthcare.

Since 1998, the Dutch annual measurement of care problems measures different health care problems (pressure ulcers, incontinence, malnutrition, intertrigo, fall incidents and physical restraints) across all health care settings in the Netherlands. The prevalence of malnutrition has been measured annually since 2004.The surveys have shown that the incidence of malnutrition is high and the way in which health care providers deal with them (both preventatively and curatively) can be improved. The surveys also show gradually decreasing prevalence rates in all health care settings (FIGURE)

In a relatively simple manner, the survey provides participating institutions with insight into the incidence, prevention and treatment of malnutrition. Insight into the extent of the problem can stimulate institutions and policymakers to take necessary measures to reduce it, while insight into prevention and treatment means that specific measures can be taken to improve the care required to tackle these problems. Moreover, given their number, the participating institutions can compare themselves with similar institutions and departments by using the data as a benchmarking instrument.
What does the survey show?

• Quantitative data on the prevalence, prevention and treatment of care problems (pressure ulcers, incontinence, malnutrition, intertrigo, fall incidents and physical restraints) at departmental and institutional level.
• Quantitative national data on the incidence of care problems, allowing you to compare your own institution with others.
• Quantitative data on the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, malnutrition, incontinence, fall incidents and/or intertrigo at departmental and institutional level.

Data that, in addition to allowing comparisons within and between institutions, you can use to implement a quality policy aimed at reducing the incidence of the care problems.

LPZ is now expanding its field of activity to other European countries, and even to New Zealand. For more information, see http://www.lpz-um.eu/eng/home/