Comprehensive supply

29.04.2013 10:20

Since the beginning of 2013, all AOK Niedersachsen insured persons who suffer from schizophrenia have been able to use the Integrated Schizophrenia Care (IVS) service in the area around their place of residence. This includes extended outpatient treatment options that are not offered in standard care or not to such an extent.

Currently, around 180 network partners (specialists, specialist nursing services, retreat facilities, psychiatric institute outpatient clinics and clinical nursing services) take part in integrated care. The aim of the care initiative by AOK Niedersachsen and the Institute for Innovation and Integration in Health Care (I3G) GmbH is to provide individual, needs-based care for patients. It is intended to increase both the quality and efficiency of care for patients.

In the IVS, the patient has direct access to the treatment team, at any time, around the clock. For Peter Roddau from the psychiatric nursing service in Springe, the IVS means: “Less bureaucracy and constant care. The patients have thee Opportunity to seek help when needed, whenever and however often you want. We were currently able to overcome a crisis in a patient’s usual environment.”

According to Dr. For Roseline Brinkman, a practicing psychiatrist in Lohne, it is important that patients with schizophrenia learn to deal with their illness in order to be able to stay in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible: “IVS can make an important contribution through intensive outpatient care and help “to reduce the frequency of hospitalizations.”

Dr. Klaus Suwelack, member of the management of I3G GmbH, emphasizes: “The expansion of the regional supply offering will continue this year. By integrating additional doctors, nursing services and facilities (outpatient clinics, clinics, etc.) in the regions, care close to home will become even closer.”