The cumulative needs for care monitor: a unique monitoring system in the south of the Netherlands

Introduction Patients diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI) have a complex combination of psychiatric, somatic and social needs for care, requiring an integrated, multidisciplinary health care approach. The present paper describes the methods of the cumulative needs for care monitor (CNCM), a monitoring system in operation in a geographically defined area. Methods The CNCM provides information on need for care, functioning and other outcomes in SMI patients in the area. This information can be used not only to plan treatment at the individual level, but also to conduct health services research at the group level.