[Demands of private gastroenterologists for collaborative treatment concepts with clinics. Results of a Germany-wide survey].
BACKGROUND
New demands and possibilities of collaboration between hospitals and private practices in Germany have appeared, now that the way has been opened legally. A poll was conducted to analyse the current status of collaboration between outpatient gastroenterologists and hospital surgical departments and to identify possible future collaborations.


METHODS
One thousand twenty-six private practices specialising in endoscopy were found by contacting the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and additional internet research. Of these, 50% were randomly selected (513 private practices) and contacted by mail with anonymous questionnaires about cooperation with their clinical partners. Two hundred three (39.6%) practices responded, of which 200 could be analysed.


RESULTS
Of all practices reached, 75% considered the cooperation with clinics very valuable or even exceptional. Still, almost half (46%) suggested necessary improvements in these collaborations. Around a third of all contacted colleagues were already involved in projects following integrated care models. In about 80% of all participants, the main interest in integrated models was specified to be common therapy planning.


CONCLUSIONS
The data analysis of this study shows a substantial interest of private-practice gastroenterologists in close collaboration with hospitals. It is now up to the hospitals to open contracts with their medical outpatient partners.
Hartmann
J
J
Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäss- und Thoraxchirurgie, Universitäre Medizin Berlin - Charité Campus Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Deutschland. jens.hartmann@charite.de
Nocon
M
M
Hartmann
H
H
Kilian
M
M
Ordemann
J
J
Müller
J M
JM
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003284:Contract Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011331:Private Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013503:Surgery Department, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires