[Pareto optimal communication of the medical qualities of practicing ophthalmologists: a new option for patient information?].
BACKGROUND
This investigation analyzed the possibility to provide information about the medical qualities of ophthalmologists to make it easier for patients to find the right physician in a Pareto optimal way, i.e. to supply information so that nobody is harmed and at least one derives benefits.


METHODS
Extensive interviews with key deciders in the system for ophthalmological care were carried out and analyzed.


RESULTS
Pareto optimization is possible. However, implementation is not yet feasible mainly because of legal and economic restrictions and because of difficulties of the measuring system. In order to come to a result, a major medical, economic and legal effort would be required which is unlikely to come into place in the short-term.


CONCLUSIONS
At least in the near future there will be no new Pareto optimal information systems available for patients in order to find the appropriate ophthalmologist. In the mid-term the situation could change if the open questions can be resolved.
Thielscher
C
C
FOM Hochschule der Wirtschaft, Leimkugelstrasse 6, 45141 Essen. christian.thielscher@fom.de
Rödder
S
S
Schütte
M
M
D003142:Communication; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000379:methods*; D005858:Germany; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000379:methods*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations
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