Abstracts by keywords: quality improvement
The discussion about the structure of hospital care is characterized by two theses: On the one hand, there is an argument for concentrating hospital care on a smaller number of locations. This is justified not only with reference to a higher cost-effectiveness of hospital care and a more efficient use of scarce human resources, but also with a higher quality of care, especially in more complex procedures for which a positive volume-outcome relationship can be proven. From another perspective, however, it is argued, among other things, that greater concentration worsens the accessibility of hospital care, especially in rural regions, while additional quality gains from greater concentration can either no longer be expected or can be expected in another way - for example through increased concentration use of telemedicine – could be achieved. And from a competition theory perspective, too much concentration could have a negative impact on the intensity of competition between hospitals and thus reduce incentives for quality. What is striking in this discussion is that relatively little is known about the actual concentration of hospital care and its development. The aim of this article is therefore to examine at different levels and from different perspectives how highly concentrated hospital care in Germany is currently, how the concentration has changed in recent years, and where there is still potential for increasing the quality of care through a higher level of care Concentration of hospital care exist1.
22.09.2021
Drug contracts are the instrument of selective contracting in the area of outpatient drug care. They offer opportunities to reduce costs, open up new markets and improve the quality of care. The overall potential of discount contracts has not yet been leveraged. All those involved are asked to get involved, to develop new forms of contract or to adapt existing contracts to meet needs.