title: [Amendment of the structural quality for inpatient rheumatology. A forward-looking concept].
abstract: In 2010 a total of 9 guidelines on structural quality were endorsed by the Association of Rheumatology Clinics in Germany (VRA). These 9 structural criteria replace the regulations published in 2002 and were elaborated with the support of the German Rheumatology League. With guideline number 9 even the structural requirements for university hospitals are defined for the first time.Along with taking part in the quality project "Kobra" (continuous outcome benchmarking in rheumatology inpatient treatment) compliance with the new structural criteria constitutes a prerequisite for acquiring a quality certificate, which is awarded by an external institution.By this means the VRA sets the stage for its members to be prepared for future challenges and quality competition among hospitals. Furthermore, the provision of a high quality treatment for chronically diseased patients in rheumatology clinics will be effectively supported.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Rheumatologie und Physikalische Medizin, Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden, Hans-Nolte-Strasse 1, Minden, Germany. rheumatologie@klinikum-minden.de
authors.forename: H-J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Lakomek
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gromnica-Ihle
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fiehn
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Claus
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Specker
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krause
authors.forename: H-M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Lorenz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Robbers
mesh_terms: D019985:Benchmarking; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D005858:Germany; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006782:Hospitals, Special / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration*