RESUMO
BACKGROUND: To promote quality improvement in Dutch mental health care, it is imperative to line up methods of quality improvement with daily care practice. In value-based healthcare the joint vision of medical professionals and patients is leading in the design and execution of care improvements. AIM: To demonstrate the value of value-based care. METHOD: Description of a practical example of the application of value based healthcare in mental healthcare, including a practical example of value-based improvement of patient care. RESULTS: A multidisciplinary improvement team was formed, consisting of patients and employees who were involved in the depression care pathway. The team determined important outcomes of care from the patient’s perspective, and successfully executed several improvement initiatives. CONCLUSION: The bottom-up approach of value-based healthcare is in line with day-to-day care practice and provides opportunities for effectively improving the quality of mental health care.