J Hartmann1, M Nocon, H Hartmann, M Kilian, J Ordemann, J M Müller. 1. Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäss- und Thoraxchirurgie, Universitäre Medizin Berlin - Charité Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Deutschland. jens.hartmann@charite.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: New demands and possibilities of collaboration between hospitals and private practices in Germany have appeared, now that the way has been opened legally. A poll was conducted to analyse the current status of collaboration between outpatient gastroenterologists and hospital surgical departments and to identify possible future collaborations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand twenty-six private practices specialising in endoscopy were found by contacting the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and additional internet research. Of these, 50% were randomly selected (513 private practices) and contacted by mail with anonymous questionnaires about cooperation with their clinical partners. Two hundred three (39.6%) practices responded, of which 200 could be analysed. RESULTS: Of all practices reached, 75% considered the cooperation with clinics very valuable or even exceptional. Still, almost half (46%) suggested necessary improvements in these collaborations. Around a third of all contacted colleagues were already involved in projects following integrated care models. In about 80% of all participants, the main interest in integrated models was specified to be common therapy planning. CONCLUSION: The data analysis of this study shows a substantial interest of private-practice gastroenterologists in close collaboration with hospitals. It is now up to the hospitals to open contracts with their medical outpatient partners.
BACKGROUND: New demands and possibilities of collaboration between hospitals and private practices in Germany have appeared, now that the way has been opened legally. A poll was conducted to analyse the current status of collaboration between outpatient gastroenterologists and hospital surgical departments and to identify possible future collaborations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand twenty-six private practices specialising in endoscopy were found by contacting the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and additional internet research. Of these, 50% were randomly selected (513 private practices) and contacted by mail with anonymous questionnaires about cooperation with their clinical partners. Two hundred three (39.6%) practices responded, of which 200 could be analysed. RESULTS: Of all practices reached, 75% considered the cooperation with clinics very valuable or even exceptional. Still, almost half (46%) suggested necessary improvements in these collaborations. Around a third of all contacted colleagues were already involved in projects following integrated care models. In about 80% of all participants, the main interest in integrated models was specified to be common therapy planning. CONCLUSION: The data analysis of this study shows a substantial interest of private-practice gastroenterologists in close collaboration with hospitals. It is now up to the hospitals to open contracts with their medical outpatient partners.