Shortage of skilled workers: vdek calls for modernization of outpatient and inpatient care structures
24.05.2022 11:10
“In order to maintain comprehensive care despite an increasing shortage of skilled workers, we need new, modern care structures and a new cooperation between the medical professions in the health care system,” said Ulrike Elsner, Chairwoman of the Association of Replacement Insurance Funds. V. (vdek), on the occasion of the 126th German Doctors' Day. Elsner welcomed the statements by the Chairwoman of the Marburg Association, Dr. Susanne Johna, who in the run-up to the Doctors' Day vehemently spoke out in favor of an end to the “demarcation” between the outpatient and inpatient areas.
“We need intelligent solutions, especially in structurally weak regions,” says Elsner. “Our common interest is to continue to ensure high-quality medical care for the insured through modern structures and standardization of digital processes, while at the same time taking into account the changing lifestyles of the young generation of doctors and other healthcare professionals.”
The regional health center model
For regions with supply bottlenecks, the replacement funds have developed the Regional Health Centers (RGZ) model. As a special form of care in the collective agreement, the RGZ is intended to provide a networked treatment offer, says Elsner. In an RGZ, at least four family doctors work together with primary care specialists, for example from the fields of internal medicine, orthopedics and ophthalmology, or psychotherapists under one roof. This should happen wherever tasks can be delegated in a medically justifiable manner so that doctors can concentrate on their core tasks. This should be supported by expanding video consultation hours. In addition, specialists from the fields of physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc., as well as pharmacies or medical supply stores, can be located in the RGZ. In addition, simpler operations such as groin or ENT surgery can take place on an outpatient basis in the RGZ, with overnight accommodation if necessary. Hospitals that are not completely necessary today could be reallocated as RGZs. The minimum standards for the new care model should be set by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA).
“RGZ can be equally attractive for doctors and patients, namely as a modern place of employment and care. Now it is important to quickly make the legal adjustments to establish the RGZ,” said Elsner.