High number of hospital beds forces inpatient treatment with low GP density
A study by the Zentralinstitut für die kassenärztliche Versorgung (Zi) shows that a high number of hospital beds in combination with a low GP density and greater distances to GP practices increases the number of inpatient treatment cases. In regions with a well-developed hospital infrastructure but poor GP care, hospital cases are more frequent than in areas with more GPs or fewer clinics. The number of outpatient treatments, on the other hand, is less strongly influenced by the care structure.
According to the paper, a high number of hospital cases does not necessarily indicate a greater burden of disease. Many inpatient treatments could be avoided with better outpatient care. A lack of or difficult-to-reach GP practices makes preventative and early treatment more difficult, which can lead to patients only having to go to hospital when their health deteriorates.
The study underlines the importance of well-developed GP care in order to reduce unnecessary hospital stays. Dr. Dominik von Stillfried, Chairman of the Zi Board of Directors, emphasizes that the planned hospital reform should take these findings into account. Investments in outpatient care, particularly in GP practices, make more sense than the expansion of expensive hospital structures, where avoidable inpatient treatment could be reduced. Population-based demand planning and the principle of “outpatient before inpatient” should guide the financing of hospitals in order to ensure patient safety and resource efficiency.
Original Paper:
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Gender note. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple references and gendered designations are avoided in favor of better readability.
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