German Medical Association President Warns of Imminent Healthcare Supply Crisis
Medical association leader issues alarm over potential 'shortage' - President issues alert on impending "critical resource scarcity"
Klaus Reinhardt, the president of the German Medical Association, has issued a warning about potential impairments in the nation's medical network if reforms leading to increased efficiency are not implemented promptly. Speaking to the German Press Agency, Reinhardt expressed concern that the healthcare system is on a collision course with a supply crisis if decisive action is not taken.
Reinhardt advocates for better steering in care as a key approach, suggesting that it should become standard for patients to register with a general practitioner who would then coordinate further treatment. This proposal comes as the German Medical Assembly, convening in Leipzig this Tuesday, places efficient care at the forefront of its discussions. The gathering is expected to be attended by the new Federal Minister of Health, Nina Warken of the CDU.
The president of the medical association noted that, in Germany, patients are often left to organize and coordinate their own care, with the most vulnerable – elderly, chronically ill, and those with lower health literacy – disproportionately affected. Germany currently ranks among the countries with the highest rates of doctor contacts per capita worldwide, averaging 9.6 per year. In some regions, half of the population visits an average of two general practitioners.
Reinhardt believes that the current situation is not only inefficient but also unsustainable in view of staff shortages and limited financial resources. Measures outlined in the coalition agreement, which aim to introduce a system with patients primarily visiting general practitioners, align with his perspective.
Patient advocates, however, find the idea premature. The German Foundation for Patient Protection expresses concern that while the medical association and the federal government call for patient steering, they neglect to address issues like guaranteed weekly 25 hours of presence for insured patients and telephone accessibility. Instead, the foundation emphasizes the need for efficient outpatient practice management, as some doctors care for over 2,000 patients while others serve half that number. Urban areas are reportedly over-supplied, while there is a lack of medical offerings in rural regions where 60 percent of the population resides.
Reinhardt's model for avoiding a supply crisis emphasizes that referrals by general practitioners should not serve as gatekeeping, but rather only occur when further specialist treatment is necessary or foreseeable. In the long term, he suggests adopting a phase-wise approach to care, starting with digital assessment and consultation, followed by outpatient care, and, if needed, hospital treatment.
As the German healthcare system navigates potential supply challenges, various strategies may be explored. These include enhanced resource allocation, bolstering supply chain infrastructure, diversifying suppliers, forming public-private partnerships, and leveraging digitalization and data analytics to predict demand and manage supply more effectively. Additionally, patient advocates may voice the importance of transparency, patient-centric care, and equitable access to resources to ensure the sustainability and quality of the healthcare system.
EC countries could benefit from adopting Germany's vocational training programs in healthcare, as they aim to address staff shortages and increase the efficiency of the medical network. In light of chronic diseases and medical-conditions, promoting health-and-wellness initiatives, including preventive care and vocational training in healthcare, could play a crucial role in improving the overall efficiency and sustainability of health systems.
