Dieter Melchart1, Anne Wessel, Stefanie Wunderlich. 1. Zentrum für naturheilkundliche Forschung, II. Med. Klinik und Poliklinik, TU Munich, Kaiserstrasse 9, Munich, Germany. Dieter.Melchart@lrz.tu-muenchen.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To present a patient care evaluation program exemplified by a rehabilitation clinic for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with focus on aspects of structure quality, steps of quality assurance and interventions administered. METHODS: Assessment of previously defined criteria of structure (general characteristics of the facility, staff, medical equipment and constructional features, medical concept, continuing care, internal communication) and measures of quality assurance with the aid of a questionnaire filled in by the management of the hospital. Development of internal guidelines for diagnostics and therapy with respect to relevant diseases. RESULTS: The clinic's structure profile describes the indications and contraindications in effect, the quantity and qualification structure of staff, and the constructional and medical equipment details. Based on a multidimensional bio-psycho-social concept the general objectives of rehabilitation are derived. According to the medical concept the corresponding diagnostic and therapeutic methods are presented. Guidelines for treatment were exemplified by patients with migraine. CONCLUSION: The structural features do not fully meet the preconditions valid for the various indications in rehabilitation. As CAM hospitals define themselves by the methods of intervention they apply rather than by the indications to be treated they demand for an exceptional position.
OBJECTIVE: To present a patient care evaluation program exemplified by a rehabilitation clinic for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with focus on aspects of structure quality, steps of quality assurance and interventions administered. METHODS: Assessment of previously defined criteria of structure (general characteristics of the facility, staff, medical equipment and constructional features, medical concept, continuing care, internal communication) and measures of quality assurance with the aid of a questionnaire filled in by the management of the hospital. Development of internal guidelines for diagnostics and therapy with respect to relevant diseases. RESULTS: The clinic's structure profile describes the indications and contraindications in effect, the quantity and qualification structure of staff, and the constructional and medical equipment details. Based on a multidimensional bio-psycho-social concept the general objectives of rehabilitation are derived. According to the medical concept the corresponding diagnostic and therapeutic methods are presented. Guidelines for treatment were exemplified by patients with migraine. CONCLUSION: The structural features do not fully meet the preconditions valid for the various indications in rehabilitation. As CAM hospitals define themselves by the methods of intervention they apply rather than by the indications to be treated they demand for an exceptional position.