Do we really still need psychiatric case registers

SUMMARY: A question frequently raised in the Netherlands is whether regional case registers have added value compared to national information systems. Research in regional case registers, however, has shown that they have added value based on longitudinal data-gathering, specialised knowledge of the region concerned and data-processing. Regional case registers reflect developments in the total range of services available (cure and care, including clinics to treat alcoholism and drug addiction). Case register research can also aim at developing outcome measures and creating links between mental health care and other health care areas.