>> How important this initiative of integrated schizophrenia care actually is was highlighted by Dr. Jürgen Peter, CEO of AOK Lower Saxony, made it clear at the press conference to mark the start of the scientific evaluation: “AOK Lower Saxony alone has insured 13,000 people suffering from schizophrenia.” In addition to the individual suffering it causes, schizophrenia is one of the most expensive psychological diseases diseases. “The later proper therapy begins, the less favorable the course of the therapy is,” says Peter. With timely and continuous treatment, however, a good long-term prognosis for patients is possible, also with a view to maintaining their individual quality of life. But establishing a more closely-meshed supply “initially costs money”. That's why the AOK Lower Saxony decided to use a tender to look for a contractual partner who could bear this financial risk within the framework of so-called budget responsibility, Jürgen Peter explained the motivation and background for the IVS initiative. “Budget responsibility means that AOK Lower Saxony only pays what the standard supply costs,” the CEO continued. In this way it is ensured that possible increases in expenditure do not come at the expense of the solidarity community. According to Peter, of the offers submitted, the I3G GmbH concept was “the most convincing - from both a medical and an economic point of view”. Since criticism is repeatedly expressed in connection with this project, because the I3G management company is a subsidiary of Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Jürgen Peter highlighted some important components of the contract and stated: “On the one hand, the therapy decision lies entirely alone in the integrated care with the attending physician. On the other hand, AOK Lower Saxony does not have any discount agreements for neuroleptics and antidepressants with Janssen-Cilag.”
The extent to which expectations of improved care are actually realized will be determined in an accompanying scientific study. Prof. Dr. is responsible for the evaluation. Jürgen Wasem, University of Duisburg-Essen, is responsible. “The primary goal of the evaluation is to compare patients with schizophrenia who are enrolled in integrated care with patients who are treated in standard care.” The target parameters are primarily the number of hospital days, as well as the current severity of the illness, the quality of life and the patients - and doctor satisfaction. “We also carry out a cost-effectiveness and a cost-benefit analysis from the perspective of statutory health insurance,” explained Jürgen Wasem. Patients will be recruited for the evaluation in the summer, and the first results of the evaluation are expected in October 2012. <<
from
Jutta Mutschler
