The BEACON project aims to make mental healthcare more accessible and effective by increasing the use of digital and blended treatments for anxiety and depression. By working closely with healthcare providers and patients, the project develops practical strategies to better integrate these therapies into everyday care.
To maintain accessible and affordable healthcare, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and various healthcare partners, including mental healthcare (GGZ), established policy agreements in the Integral Care Agreement (IZA). A key priority is the digitalization of GGZ services, guided by the principle “digital where possible,” aiming for at least 50% of eligible patients to receive hybrid care. Although several evidence-based digital treatments for anxiety and mood disorders, such as blended CBT (bCBT), which integrates online modules with face-to-face sessions, are available and effective, their uptake in routine practice remains limited.
The BEACON project focuses on increasing the implementation rate of evidence-based blended therapies for anxiety disorders and depression within the anxiety and depression care pathways of three large mental health care institutions. This is achieved by developing and applying tailored implementation strategies. The theoretical foundation for these strategies is based on models such as Implementation Mapping, RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance), CFIR (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research), and ERIC (Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change). Throughout the entire process, intensive collaboration with relevant stakeholders is maintained.
TEAM
- Dr. Claire van Genugten, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Janika Thielecke, Postdoctoral Researcher
