Status quo and perspectives of dermatology hospitals in Germany: spectra of health care and staff situation

• Published in: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft 2021-10, Vol.19 (S5), p.14-23
• Main Authors: Augustin, Matthias, Girbig, Gefion, Hertl, Michael, Elsner, Peter, Welzel, Julia, Honak, Laura, Hischke, Sandra, Biedermann, Tilo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dermatology; Health care; Hospitals
• ISSN: 1610-0379; 1610-0387
• DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14616

Summary Background Inpatient care in Germany has been subject to change since the introduction of the DRG‐based payment system. There have been no publications on important differentiating factors such as the spectrum of care and the staffing situation in dermatology. Methods Health care analysis of 115 dermatology hospitals in October 2019 using a structured survey questionnaire. Results On average, the spectrum of care included 31.0 % general dermatology, 33.6 % surgical dermatology, 15.6 % oncology, and 10.1 % allergology. The clinics had an average of 14 full‐time positions and 3 part‐time positions (university clinics: 23/5, non‐university clinics: 9/2). The mean nationwide proportion of women in the physician teams showed the following distribution: postgraduate physicians 73.3 %, senior physicians 53.0 %, directors 20.0 %. The applicant situation of senior physicians and specialists was assessed as predominantly poor, that of residents as predominantly good. Worse applicant situations were present in non‐university hospitals and in rural areas. The satisfaction of the medical directors with the current conditions of inpatient care showed a variable assessment independent of university hospital and non‐university hospital status. However, the threat to inpatient care was predominantly assessed as low (71.6 %). Conclusions The overall situation of inpatient dermatological care can be classified as predominantly good. In addition, the majority of dermatology clinics provide a wide range of care with regard to the variety of indications. The general conditions, which in some cases are rated as inadequate, require further measures.