Abstracts by key term: quality of care
Practice networks can be defined as regional associations of medical service providers that aim to improve the care of a group of patients receiving shared care. The aim of this survey was to obtain and systematically present information on the organization of practice networks, their cooperation and communication, as well as established initiatives to improve the quality of care.
03.12.2024
Since 2003, hospital services have been reimbursed through the case-volume-dependent, flat-rate reimbursement system of the G-DRG (German Diagnosis Related Groups) (Section 17b (1) Sentence 1 KHG/Reimbursement Institute 2023). Diagnosis, severity of the illness, and the operations and procedures performed, along with other parameters if applicable, are entered into the patient classification system for grouping (Reimbursement Institute 2023). Although other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Finland, and the Netherlands, also use DRG systems, Germany has a strong performance and volume incentive compared to other countries1. Despite the additional refinancing of nursing care through the nursing budget introduced in 2020 (Reimbursement Institute 2023), there is no case-volume-independent refinancing of necessary provision (Federal Ministry of Health 2023).
04.12.2023
Against the background of current social changes such as demographic change and the phenomenon of new morbidity (Thyen 2009: 14), the healthcare system in Germany is faced with new tasks. The term new morbidity describes a development from a focus on simple somatic diseases in the German population to an increase in complex chronic health disorders in the last decades. The development is always multifactorial. Due to the complex and long-term course of the disease, which usually includes somatic and psychological components, the therapy is demanding and can only be managed by cooperating care structures (Schlack 2009: 450). Both institutional framework conditions and therapeutic treatment programs must be tailored to the current care needs and needs of the population. Faced with this challenge, not only service providers (Schlack 2009: 450, German Medical Association 2010: 27, Ungewitter 2010: 112 ff.), but also science (Expert Council 2009: 430) and politics (BMG 2012:66) are calling for a more closely integrated care structure. Services should be provided at a low threshold and, if necessary, in an interdisciplinary manner (BMG 2011:10, 22, 32, 35).
03.04.2017
Outpatient Surgeries: The Patient is the Focus. A large proportion of the most frequently performed inpatient surgeries in Germany can be performed on an outpatient basis without any disadvantages for the patient. This would result in advantages for the patient, the physician, and the payers. The patient would benefit from a complete course of treatment with the same trusted physician, shorter downtimes, [...]
23.09.2012
There are a variety of treatment options available to treat psoriasis vulgaris. The S3 guideline of the AWMF defines the current standard of treatment. As early as 2005, a Germany-wide study pointed to an undersupply of psoriasis vulgaris. A variety of treatment options are available to treat psoriasis vulgaris. The S3 guideline of the AWMF defines the current standard of treatment. As early as 2005, a Germany-wide study pointed to an undersupply. In the present Germany-wide cross-sectional study, the care situation of patients with psoriasis in Germany was examined in 2007. The following characteristics, among others, were recorded in 142 dermatological practices and clinics: a) Doctor questionnaire: previous therapies and illnesses, clinical characteristics, severity level (PASI), b) Patient questionnaire: quality of life, patient-relevant therapy benefits, satisfaction with care. Eight indicators of the quality of care were developed in an expert consensus. 11.6 % of the 2,009 patients had severe (PASI>20) and 27.4 % had moderate psoriasis (PASI 10-20). The mean PASI was 10.1. 32.2 % of the patients indicated a severely impaired quality of life (DLQI>10), the mean DLQI was 7.5. Almost half (47.3 %) of the patients had already received systemic therapy, among those with severe psoriasis 62.1 %. 20.1 % of the patients had been treated as inpatients in the previous year. On average, the patients were unable to work for 3.4 days per year due to their psoriasis. An improvement in the quality of care compared to 2005 could be seen in all eight indicators. In the present Germany-wide cross-sectional study, the care situation of patients with psoriasis in Germany was examined in 2007. The following characteristics, among others, were recorded in 142 dermatological practices and clinics: a) Doctor questionnaire: previous therapies and illnesses, clinical characteristics, severity level (PASI), b) Patient questionnaire: quality of life, patient-relevant therapy benefits, satisfaction with care. Eight indicators of the quality of care were developed in an expert consensus. 11.6 % of the 2,009 patients had severe (PASI>20) and 27.4 % had moderate psoriasis (PASI 10-20). The mean PASI was 10.1. 32.2 % of the patients reported a severely impaired quality of life (DLQI>10), the mean DLQI was 7.5. Almost half (47.3 %) of the patients had already received systemic therapy, among those with severe psoriasis 62.1 %. 20.1 % of the patients had been treated as inpatients in the previous year. On average, the patients were unable to work for 3.4 days per year due to their psoriasis. An improvement in the quality of care compared to 2005 could be seen in all eight indicators.
19.08.2008
Disease management programs are an important part of healthcare in Germany and the Netherlands. In Germany, the results are partially satisfactory. Some relevant disease parameters (surrogate parameters) were improved, but the medical outcomes were only slightly affected. Even the savings promised with the introduction of the DMPs have not yet been realized. In the Netherlands, special software support was used to make DMPs really effective across sectoral supply boundaries. The software-based DMP introduction was accompanied by the parallel deployment of nurses, doctor's assistants and other medical professionals in order to effectively relieve the doctors' workload. This dual approach was key to the programs' success. In addition, multi-disease programs that focus on individual indications will replace DMPs in the future; because they more accurately reflect the given multimorbidity of larger sections of the population. Under the conditions of the new Morbi-RSA in Germany, the new and “old” DMPs will be aimed at the diseases depicted here. Providers and developers of DMPs are called upon to develop solutions for these new indications and to integrate innovative technologies available today. Funds and private health insurance companies should catalyze these developments through accompanying new compensation mechanisms such as quality-oriented compensation (pay for performance) or risk sharing.
01.06.2008
Psychological aspects of a hospital stay are crucial components of the choice of hospital. The qualitative psychological study by psychonomics AG examines this topic from the patient's perspective. As a result, six dimensions of experience form parts of a complex and sometimes contradictory motif structure. The holistic nature of the motif structure means that a one-sided approach to the motif can lead to unexpected side effects. The results are not only the key to successful hospital marketing, which is becoming increasingly important in times of increasing financial challenges and increasing patient responsibility. In connection with this, their use ensures optimized care for patients.