[Cost optimization of the outpatient management of depression].
Against the background of the important role of depressive disorders in health policy, outpatient management still seems to have some optimisation potential. In particular, improvement can be expected from a stricter adherence to diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines. The article discusses potential elements of a quality-orientated, guideline-based reimbursement system as a component of a comprehensive strategy for implementing available guidelines. This includes focussing on target areas typical of depression as well as improving outcome by controlling process elements during treatment.
Menke
Ralph
R
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, der Universität, Rheinische Kliniken Düsseldorf. ralph.menke@uni-duesseldorf.de
Schneider
Frank
F
Härter
Martin
M
Salize
Hans Joachim
HJ
Berger
Mathias
M
Gaebel
Wolfgang
W
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000191:economics* / Q000628:therapy; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D010045:Outpatients; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care