Patient understanding is enhanced with the use of a clinic atlas.
The German healthcare system has its fair share of clinics that provide various treatments, although they may not have the necessary specialist staff to back it up. This can lead to severe consequences, sometimes even fatal ones. To combat this issue, a new tool called the Federal Hospital Atlas is being launched on Friday. This platform will offer transparency regarding which hospitals provide specific treatments and their quality.
Here's a breakdown of what the Federal Hospital Atlas can and cannot do:
What does the Clinic Atlas provide to patients?
The Federal Hospital Atlas will provide information on approximately 1700 German hospitals, making it accessible to the public online. Patients can check which hospitals offer particular treatments, how frequently they perform them, and the number of doctors and nurses present at these facilities. Additionally, complication rates for specific procedures will be disclosed. This information is intended to assist patients in choosing a clinic. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach stated, "Patients will finally find out where they are best treated."
Why is Lauterbach advocating for greater transparency?
The launch of the Federal Hospital Atlas is part of Lauterbach's hospital reform, which was approved by the Federal Cabinet earlier this week. Lauterbach's ultimate goal is to encourage hospitals to focus on specializing in procedures that they are particularly skilled at. He firmly believes that this will enhance the quality of treatment. As a matter of fact, he claims that 5000 deaths could be prevented annually through proper stroke treatment, and mortality from breast cancer would decrease by 25% in cases where patients seek medical care at specialized clinics.
Where does the data for the portal originate?
Hospitals need to collect and share the required data. Other sources include state associations of health insurance funds and substitute health insurance funds, as well as specialist associations and certification bodies. The data is then compiled and visualized by the Institute for Quality and Transparency in Healthcare (IQTIG).
Why was the project met with controversy?
The draft bill for the portal received approval from the Federal Cabinet in September and the Bundestag in October, but it encountered opposition from the Bundesrat at the end of November. State governments objected to potential bureaucratic burdens and federal overreach, while hospital operators feared that some clinics might be avoided by patients and others might experience unwanted attention. However, Lauterbach championed the cause, warning that a blockade could result in hospital insolvencies due to the bill being intertwined with six billion euros of federal aid for hospitals this year. In March, the Bundesrat eventually consented, allowing the hospital atlas to proceed.
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The International community has shown interest in learning about Germany's new Federal Hospital Atlas, as it could potentially serve as a model for improving transparency in healthcare systems worldwide. Many foreign doctors and health professionals have expressed interest in understanding how the atlas works and how it can improve patient care.
Some international health insurance companies have even expressed interest in partnering with German hospitals that are highly rated on the Federal Hospital Atlas. This collaboration could allow patients from other countries to access top-tier medical care in Germany and potentially reduce healthcare costs.
Doctors from other countries visiting German hospitals can also benefit from the use of the Federal Hospital Atlas. By understanding the quality of care provided at different hospitals, these doctors can learn best practices and improve the healthcare systems in their own countries. Karl Lauterbach, the German Federal Health Minister, has expressed his openness to sharing the Atlas's data and expertise with international partners.
Source: www.ntv.de
