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- Title
Positionspapier der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie e.V. (DGRh) zur Situation der Weiterbildung im Fach Rheumatologie in Deutschland.
- Authors
Braun, J.; Specker, C.; Schulze-Koops, H.; Haase, I.; Kötter, I.; Hoyer, B.; Aringer, M.; Krusche, M.; Voormann, A.; Wagner, U.; Krause, A.
- Abstract
The position paper of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) deals with the situation of further education in the field of rheumatology in Germany. It emphasizes that inflammatory rheumatic diseases affect 1-2% of the German population and require careful diagnosis and therapy. Currently, there are a total of 1106 specialists in internal medicine and rheumatology in Germany, of whom only 70% work full-time. In inpatient care, only 2% of all internal medicine beds are in rheumatology departments. Outpatient specialized medical care (ASV) has developed as an important care model in rheumatology, in which both inpatient and outpatient rheumatologists participate. There have been 57 rheumatology ASV teams with 458 rheumatologists approved, who treated almost 64,000 adult rheumatology patients in the second quarter of 2021. The article addresses various aspects of rheumatology in Germany. It is noted that the representation of rheumatology in medical faculties is inadequate. The text also explains the impact of the DRG reimbursement system on rheumatology. The DRG system is used as a billing system between hospitals and health insurance companies and includes around 1300 flat rates. It is criticized that the DRG system creates enormous cost pressure and leads to unequal distribution. Rheumatological care is often not adequately reimbursed and assigned to other medical specialties. It is emphasized that the quality of care and further education in rheumatology need to be improved. The DGRh advocates for political initiatives and adequate financing to secure the future of rheumatological care. The German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) places great importance on the development of evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for its members and all those involved in patient care. This includes not only the treatment of rheumatic diseases but also comorbidities such as osteoporosis. The Model Continuing Education Regulations (MWBO) have a recommending character and must be implemented by the state medical associations. Some associations have already significantly changed the MWBO, which is rejected by the DGRh. The DGRh calls for adequate further education that includes both outpatient and inpatient patient care. Currently, there are unfilled further education positions in certain areas due to lack of funding. The rheumatological care of the population is at risk, and measures are called for to promote further education and close care gaps. The DGRh has a mission aimed at improving the quality of life of patients and treating them optimally. However, rheumatology is facing a significant personnel problem that needs to be addressed now. The DGRh calls for the establishment of independent rheumatology departments at German universities and financial support for outpatient and inpatient care.
- Subjects
GERMANY; HEALTH insurance companies; OUTPATIENT medical care; INPATIENT care; MEDICAL specialties &; specialists; MEDICAL societies; PRESSURE ulcers
- Publication
Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie, 2023, Vol 82, Issue 7, p615
- ISSN
0340-1855
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00393-023-01349-y