Operations without the required routine?

Many clinics lack the routine for the operations performed

09/03/2014

Some operations are such a complicated procedure that they should only be performed in specialized clinics. However, a recent study by researchers at the University of Witten / Herdecke (UW / H) shows that hospitals often lack the required routine for the performed interventions. According to the University, the scientists checked compliance with the so-called minimum volume requirements from 2004 to 2010 and found that these are disregarded by several clinics.

As part of the study, the researchers from the Department of Health Systems Research at UW / H evaluated the quality reports of nearly 2,000 hospitals from the years 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010. Her focus was on compliance with the volume requirements for complicated operations on the esophagus and pancreas, for the installation of full knee prostheses and for the transplantation of liver, kidney or stem cells. In doing so, they conclude that many hospitals, without the required routine, still carry out operations that, according to the will of the legislator, should only be performed in specialized clinics. The researchers of the University of Witten / Herdecke therefore have the minimum quantity requirements in total „found to be less effective.“

Hospitals do not adhere to the minimum quantity requirements
„In our study, we found that throughout the period from 2004 to 2010, that is, six years, the minimum quantity regulation violations remained the same“, stressed study author Dr. Werner de Cruppé. This suggests the conclusion, „that the quality of care of the patients was not positively influenced as hoped.“ Actually, it should be ensured with the minimum quantity requirements. „that only experienced clinics make certain complicated interventions“, the expert explained and added: „But we found out that many hospitals do not stick to it.“ Thus, a good half of all German hospitals perform at least one of the treatments mentioned, although „Depending on the mode of intervention, five to 45 percent of hospitals would not be allowed to do so.“ Accordingly, would „Depending on the operation, one to 15 percent of patients are treated in hospitals that do not comply with the guidelines.“ The study was published in „German Medical Journal“. (Fp)