Archive:
Background: One-third of the German population is affected by high blood pressure. Digital preventive interventions are particularly suitable for promoting a healthy lifestyle. The model project "AOK Heart Health Digital" was initiated to support patients with hypertension. Methods: The aim of the study (with three survey waves) was to identify factors from the participants' perspective that promote or inhibit the (long-term) use of such interventions. Results: Subjective self-management/disease management, general health status, and health literacy improved. Personal counseling, in particular, proved to be beneficial and motivating. Technical and motivational barriers were identified. Conclusion: The results show that personal components can significantly influence the success of digital interventions.
02.06.2025
Data on the use of drug migraine therapies in children in routine practice are limited. The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the prescribing patterns of acute migraine therapies in outpatient pediatric practices in Germany. This retrospective, cross-sectional study includes children aged 2–12 years with a migraine diagnosis diagnosed by one of the 250 participating pediatricians between January 2015 and December 2023. 10.9% of the children aged 2–5 years and 18.3% of the children aged 6–12 years received a prescription for migraine medication. The most frequently prescribed active ingredient was ibuprofen (75.4% and 75.9%, respectively), which is available in various dosage forms. Among children aged 2–5 years who received an ibuprofen prescription, 68.2% received ibuprofen as a suspension, 16.3% as rectal suppositories, and 15.5% as orodispersible tablets. In the 6–12 year age group, suspension (36.3%) was the most frequently prescribed dosage form, followed by orodispersible tablets (31.8%) and solid tablets (29.9%). The proportion of orodispersible tablets was significantly higher among privately insured patients than among publicly insured patients (53.7% vs. 31.0%) and higher in 2015 compared to 2024 (40.5% vs. 24.8%). Orodispersible tablets appear to be the preferred dosage form for children, but they cannot always be prescribed due to discount agreements.
02.06.2025
This study addresses the topic of comprehensive healthcare provision through digital health. Using a case study, it examines the use of video consultations for pediatric emergency care in North Rhine-Westphalia. It analyzes technology use and patient satisfaction. Recommendations for optimizing healthcare provision are derived from this.
02.06.2025
Given the increasing need for care and staff shortages in Germany, innovative digital solutions are needed to optimize collaboration. Current processes for exchanging vital data and medication plans are time-consuming and error-prone, compromising the safety and efficiency of care. The goal of the Docs & Care Network project was to develop standards for structured data exchange and promote seamless digital integration that enables the timely and secure transfer of vital data and medication plans. The change management strategy applied in the project ensures that technical, organizational, and interpersonal aspects of digitalization are specifically addressed and that employees are actively involved. The workshops conducted have enabled process improvements that increase both the quality of patient care and the efficiency of collaboration between nursing staff and general practice.
02.06.2025
Interview with Dr. Thomas Kaiser, Director of the IQWiG
02.04.2025
Interview with Prof. Dr. Oliver Gröne, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research at OptiMedis AG
02.04.2025
IGES Group continues internationalization and becomes part of the athagoras Group
02.04.2025
In the past, we in Germany only talked about over- and under-provision, but today the German healthcare system is threatened by a new phenomenon: under-provision. Missing specialist appointments, hospital closures, drug supply bottlenecks – and costs are rising rapidly. The statement by the "Autorengruppe Gesundheit" therefore aims to place this new issue at the center of public discussion. Raising awareness of under-provision seems all the more important given the considerable reluctance to address this topic in professional and scientific circles. While a few years ago the focus was on patient orientation and patient-reported outcomes, today, entirely in the vein of paternalistic concepts, the talk is about patient management and optimization. The paper is divided into seven sections: clarification of terms, the concept of under-provision based on the Expert Council's concept of needs, a systematic approach to the forms of under-provision with particular emphasis on access, and then a concrete presentation in five selected thematic areas.
02.04.2025
The health services research community strives for evidence to reduce the uncertainty surrounding our everyday decisions in economics, politics, treatment of illness, and health-promoting care (Soziale Welt Behrens 2015). Holger Pfaff and Jochen Schmitt presented an "EbM+Theory Approach" in 2023 and 2021. As their diagram (2023, p. 3, Figure 1) shows, they assume that there are two separable quality hierarchies of scientific studies: one for "theory-based knowledge" and one for "evidence-based knowledge." "Scientific knowledge" is the result of the combination of both independent knowledge hierarchies.
02.04.2025
Analysis of the competency profile from the perspective of quality and risk management