title: [Cooperation between physicians and self-help groups in the system of ASHIP. Practical experience].
abstract: In recent years, there has been increased cooperation between doctors' associations and patient self-help groups. Much of this cooperation is dependent on the engagement and involvement of individuals. However, a far reaching, established type of cooperation is still lacking. Several studies show that there are many advantages to be gained from working with self-help organizations. In Germany, ambulatory medical care is managed by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (ASHIP). In order to develop the cooperation between patient self-help groups and ASHIP physicians, several information centers (KOSA) for these groups have been established. These information centers support direct communication between patient self-help groups and physicians by means of selective measures, specialist events and expert forums. A cooperation handbook is available for doctors and psychotherapists detailing case studies of the experiences of KOSA members. In addition to these information centers, cooperation is supported by patient advisory boards, round table discussions and symposia.
authors.affiliation: Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung, Berlin, BRD. ALitschel@KBV.de
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Litschel
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D010820:Physicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012648:Self Care / Q000639:trends*; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*