Instead of new paths, new fences – BMC criticizes working draft for hospital reform

26.09.2023 12:45

“The current draft for hospital reform does not meet the requirements of future healthcare. Instead of enabling new paths for integrated, digital and regional care that combines outpatient, inpatient and nursing care, the fences between the sectors are being pulled even higher," said BMC board chairman Prof. Dr. Lutz Hager.

Hager particularly criticizes the one-sided focus on the hospital perspective, which ignores both the contracted doctors and the nursing staff. “Leaving services in the hospital and relabeling them as cross-sectoral is not outpatient care.” He also criticizes the fact that doctors and health insurance representatives should decide on the medical and nursing care needs of insured persons without the involvement of the care organizations (Section 115h SGB V): “Many regulations show how much the design remains trapped in its stationary box. Special nursing needs should only be met in hospitals; coordination should be reserved for large hospitals. This is neither patient-oriented nor practical.”

Instead of sealing off the hospital sector from the outside world, the law must offer long-term development and investment prospects towards integrated and patient-centered care. “There needs to be scope for regional, integrated care with case-related coordination on site, digital networking, opening up outpatient care to hospitals and, conversely, the opportunity for contracted doctors and nursing specialists to operate integrated primary care centers for cross-sector services,” says Hager. Above all, things have to happen faster and without new bureaucracy. “New negotiation, testing and approval channels delay the necessary restructuring, demonstrate mistrust of the local actors and will not improve the cost-effectiveness of hospital care. The BMG and the states now urgently need to make improvements so that the sensible conversion of hospital planning to service groups does not fizzle out ineffectively,” explains Hager in conclusion.