Das Gesundheitswesen
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Das Gesundheitswesen · Jan 2007
[Age-dependent prioritisation of health-care spending--perspectives for the German health-care system].
Expenditure on health care has been rising for years. Also, the ageing population is a matter of fact. Generally, ageing goes along with higher expenditure for health care. ⋯ This article examines the impact of all aspects of ageism with regard to the expenditure in health care. Besides, for the practical effects of rationing, a multidimensional approach is illustrated. The article discusses the concept of age-dependent prioritisation of health-care spending.
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Das Gesundheitswesen · Dec 2006
[Differences in small area prevalence of respiratory diseases in children: challenges of an investigation initiated by parents].
The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory diseases in children living in a rural area in Bavaria in a systematic and standardised way to clarify whether a disease cluster exists. Reports from a parents' initiative claiming an increase of diseased children and assuming an association with air pollution due to nearby industrial sources and heavy traffic were the reason for the study. ⋯ This study exemplifies the challenges of small area investigations initiated by the residential community to clarify an assumed disease cluster caused by environmental pollution. The prior comparison of small area prevalence data with results of other epidemiological studies aids the decision making as to whether a detailed study with comprehensive assessment of individual exposure is justifiable.
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Das Gesundheitswesen · Nov 2006
[Work, income, intimate relationships: social exclusion of the mentally ill].
There are no valid data on the social exclusion of mentally ill people in Germany. This study analyses the social exclusion of the mentally ill. ⋯ Scientifically sound instruments such as Supported Employment need to be implemented in Germany, too.
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Das Gesundheitswesen · Jul 2006
[Epidemiological Analysis of Injuries Among Children under 15 Years of Age in Germany--The Starting Point for Injury Prevention].
The epidemiological analysis of injury circumstances can play an important role in implementing targeted injury prevention measures. The data available in Germany are being compiled in order to define risk groups, risk factors and the main accident causes. ⋯ The epidemiological analysis of childrens' injuries should be the starting point for age- and environment-specific and product-related interventions. Intervention strategies should take into account parents' ethnic background as well as potential language barriers.
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Das Gesundheitswesen · Jun 2006
[Patient satisfaction with outpatient/short stay operations in a practice clinic].
In a pilot scheme for outpatient/short-stay surgery in a practice clinic in Magdeburg, Germany, as well as medical indicators patient satisfaction was evaluated as part of its research programme. Typically, the recovery phase is transferred to the home environment. For this reason the practice clinic has little opportunity to observe the patient's post-operative course. Patient satisfaction, therefore, is a particularly important indicator in evaluating the quality of patient care in outpatient, generally elective, surgery. This study assessed patient satisfaction with the services offered by the practice clinic. The analysis also identified which determinants had significant impact on patient satisfaction in order to obtain information about reasonable measures for improvement. ⋯ The very high satisfaction scores, however, include criticism of detail and indicate scope for improvement. Negative reaction to the particularly relevant attribute "participation in decision-making" can markedly impair overall satisfaction. Patients' participation in their care has a special place with regard to patient satisfaction. The practice clinic intends to repeat the study as a part of its quality assurance programme.