Nationwide care contract for epilepsy patients
28.06.2012 15:03
The first nationwide care contract for patients with epilepsy between the health insurer DAK-Gesundheit and the nationwide specialist network NeuroTransConcept (NTC) came into force this month. The initiator of the supply contract and exclusive cooperation partner of DAK-Gesundheit is Desitin Arzneimittel GmbH from Hamburg.
The aim of the contract is to provide those affected with care that is more consistent with guidelines and thus increase the quality of care. There is also the “EPI-Scout” software. for use, which was developed by Desitin in collaboration with the Clinic for Epileptology at the University of Bonn and a group of practicing neurologists.
The guideline “First epileptic seizure and epilepsy in adults” from the German Society for Neurology (DNG) provides essential information on the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. In order to make it easier to implement the guidelines in daily practice, which is not always easy, the “EPI-Scout” software is used. used. Based on the patient's own and third-party history, it gives the treating doctor information about the type of seizures and the underlying syndrome. Suggestions for possible pharmacotherapy are then made in accordance with the guidelines. The software also provides information on correct medical diagnosis coding and offers extensive documentation options.
As part of the contract, which was initially concluded until mid-2014, “EPI-Scout” Care data from everyday practice is collected and the degree of guideline-compliant treatment is determined. The care data is then merged with routine data from DAK-Gesundheit. A scientific evaluation should clarify whether the use of the software influences economic and qualitative parameters in the care of epilepsy patients.
Desitin initially provides the software free of charge as part of the outcome-based cooperation agreement. The drug manufacturer also takes on marketing tasks. The nationwide specialist network NeuroTransConcept (NTC), recognized by the German Medical Association, was won as a project partner. It currently has 76 neurological practices.
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disease. Around 800,000 people are affected in Germany. In total, the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) names around 30 different syndromes and types of epilepsy in its classification. There are over 20 different active ingredients available for therapy, but they often only have an anticonvulsant effect in certain syndromes. With drug therapy, around two-thirds of those affected become seizure-free without suffering any significant disruptive effects. Of the remaining patients, a small proportion can undergo epilepsy surgery. The diagnosis and the treatment concept based on it represent a complex challenge for the treating neurologist.