The Bertelsmann Foundation in Germany is committed to improving the quality of health care. Its projects in the area of quality management develop and document methods and standards that give rise to higher-quality treatment.

In its latest study, the Bertelsmann Foundation has realeased a report in conjunction with its 5 year study Quality Management in Care and Treatment for Back Patients. The study evaluated the current treatment of patients with back pain in Germany and, finding many shortcomings, is suggestind practical solutions for developing, implementing and disseminating preventative approaches and for a comprehensive, coordinated healthcare path.

Particularly with chronic illnesses, a coordinated treatment process is a crucial basis for effective treatment and efficient use of funds. On account of financial, budgetary and various medical considerations, the processes are not sufficiently interconnected throughout the treatment process. Preventative potential, both primary and secondary, is rarely realized. A working group with representatives from different healthcare fields will analyze the most significant quality shortcomings and then compile, implement and disseminate exemplary innovative concepts.

Objectives:
    * to improve the efficacy and efficiency of caring for patients with back pain;
    * to develop, implement and disseminate primary and
      secondary preventative approaches;
    * to develop, implement and disseminate integrated
      care concepts;
    * to support guidelines, quality standards and competence regulations;
    * to develop a comprehensive, coordinated healthcare "path."

Selected partners analyze how problems arise in the process of providing back patients' with care. Further joint steps are taken to discuss the reasons for insufficient implementation in everyday life. Best-practice models for core flaws are developed, implemented, and disseminated. A main focus is placed on how process participants interface and on aspects of prevention and follow-up care.

Project modules:
    * analysis of the main problems and their causes,
    * development of practical remedies,
    * incentive systems; chronification; cooperation between family doctors and specialists, manual medicine,
    * synopsis of relevant guidelines and disease management programs,
    * development of a coordinated treatment plan,
    * implementation of selected approaches,
    * publication and final conference

Results:
A differentiated evaluation of shortcomings was carried out. At present, practical solutions are being sought for those areas where quality shortcomings persist.

Downloadable file