In order to assess the development and current status of partial hospitalization in The Netherlands, a survey was conducted among the 85 Dutch institutions active in this field. The response to a carefully formulated questionnaire was 100%.

The authors present data on quantity and organization, historical development, patient population, reasons for initiating treatment, selection procedures, duration of treatment, staffing and costs.

The Dutch version of the partial hospitalization program has two main functions: (1) it serves as an alternative to ambulant treatment, and (2) as a continuation of the inpatient treatment. The functions of day care and partial hospitalization as an alternative to inpatient treatment have not yet been fully developed.