News

 21.09.2021

Online survey of family practitioners on taboo topics

The Institute of General Practice at the University Hospital of Ulm is participating in a research project on psychosocial topics that are generally considered taboo. As part of the project, modular programs for specialist training and continuing medical education will be developed and evaluated to strengthen mindfulness and the capacity to act with respect to such topics. The experiences of general practitioners are particularly interesting in this regard. The project team would therefore like to ask specialists in general practice and physicians undergoing specialist training to participate in the online survey. [link]

 09.08.2021

Final concert of the choir for persons with dementia held at the Cologne Philharmonic Hall

A year ago, ageing researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt provided scientific support for the ZDF television documentary series entitled, "Unforgettable: Our choir for persons with dementia" and observed the positive effect of singing on patients with dementia. Although the Corona pandemic delayed the choir project, it came to a close at a concert held in the Cologne Philharmonic Hall in June 2021.

Press release (in German) [link]

 04.05.2021

Frankfurt Forum for Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy organizes citizen event to take place at 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm on June 8, 2021
The event will be held via zoom and provide the opportunity for discussion.

Around half of all persons above 65 years of age regularly take five or more medicines. In order to conduct research into the phenomenon of polypharmacy, the work area for Polypharmacy and Health Services Research was set up at Goethe University's Institute of General Practice in 2019. The epidemiologist Professor Marjan van den Akker heads the working group and contributes with her research to supporting and providing information for physician and non-physician health professionals, as well as affected and multimorbid patients.

All interested persons are cordially invited to participate in this year's citizen event, which has been organized as part of the Frankfurt Forum for Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy. You can look forward to two short informative presentations to be held by Mrs. Marjan van den Akker (Professor for Multimedication and Health Services Research) and Mr. Armin Wunder (Frankfurt-based Family Practitioner), as well as a stimulating discussion in which you are invited to take part. The event will take place via zoom and in cooperation with the People's University (Bürgeruniversität) of Goethe University Frankfurt. We are looking forward to your registration, following which you will receive the login information.

Registrations should be sent to: dieckelmann@allgemeinmedizin.uni-frankfurt.de with "Anmeldung FFMM" in the subject line.

 20.04.2021

2020 Evaluation Report on family practitioner-based health care

At the beginning of April 2021, the final evaluation report on family practitioner-based healthcare in Baden-Wuerttemberg was published. During the 2011-2018 period, healthcare was provided in accordance with § 73b of the German Social Code, Book V, and based on contracts with specialists in family medicine in accordance with § 140a of the same Book. The report can be accessed by clicking on the following link [PDF].

In individual work packages, the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University Frankfurt evaluated the healthcare provided to patients with cardiovascular diseases, the sustainability of the quality of healthcare, the development of complications in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as the healthcare provided to children and adolescents with mental disorders.

 24.03.2021

German Council of Experts: Digitalization in the service of health

The lives and health of the German population could be safeguarded more effectively if the available opportunities provided by digitalization in health care were finally to be used responsibly and scientifically. This is the conclusion reached by the seven-strong German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System in its latest report. The Council has given the report to the German Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn and presented it to a wider audience at a press conference on March 24.

Press release (in German) [PDF]

 18.03.3021

6th Austrian Congress on Primary Healthcare, 2021

Is Primary Care running smoothly?
Plan – Do – Check – Act

October 1 - 2, 2021, virtually and physically in Graz

www.pv-kongress.at

 27.12.2020

Institute of General Practice supports COVID 19 vaccination campaign for staff at the University Hospital

On December 27, vaccinations against Covid 19 began throughout Germany. Vulnerable staff at the Frankfurt University Hospital, which, as a coordinating COVID hospital, plays a key role in providing health care to affected patients in southern Hesse, had first priority.
After the University Hospital's Medical Director Dr. Graf and the Head of Occupational Medical Services Professor Wicker made an ad hoc call for support on Christmas Eve, seven doctors from the Frankfurt Institute of General Practice volunteered to actively support the vaccination campaign.

By Boxing Day, it was apparent that Svea Holtz, Dr. Angelina Müller, Dr. Lia Pauscher, Dr. Beate Müller, Pascal Nohl-Deryk, Prof. Johannes Pantel and Professor Ferdinand Gerlach would interrupt their holidays and spontaneously help out. As a result, hundreds of employees at the University Hospital could be speedily vaccinated and supported in their important work.

 09.12.2020

Dementia Choir Project receives health communication prize

The four-part ZDF series "Unforgettable: Our choir for persons with dementia" (presented by Annette Frier) has won the 2020 Health Media Award, also known as the "Health Communication Oscar". The series was supported by the working group for geriatric medicine as part of a study on the physiological and psychosocial consequences of singing in a choir for persons with dementia and their caregiving relatives.

Goethe University press release (in German) [link]

 23.11.2020

Webinar on chronic illness in Germany 25 millionen lost years?!
at 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 2.12.2020

The Robert Bosch foundation and Johann Goethe University Frankfurt have published a report on the subject of being "Chronically Ill in Germany". The content of the report was presented at this webinar. At the same time, we highlighted the current health care situation of the chronically ill in Germany.

The Robert Bosch foundation and the Institute of General Practice took participants on a journey into the daily life of chronically ill persons in Germany - how important is quality of life and what is concealed behind the idea of lost years of life? How can health care be improved and structured to ensure it meets future demands? We discussed these and other questions with participants at the online-event.

Einladung [PDF]

 23.11.2020

DESAM - Academy for Young Doctors: Apply now!

During a three-year period, the Support Program of the DESAM Academy for Young Doctors provides students with an interest in General Practice and Family Medicine with the opportunity to receive individual mentoring from experienced general practitioners, as well as support during their studies, their research work (in writing a doctorate, for example), and in planning their future careers.

Does this sound interesting to you? Would you like to apply?
Every year, 15 places are available. Here you can find comprehensive information on the DESAM-Nachwuchsakademie and the Application Documents.

 23.11.2020

Orientation paper on medium- and long-term lessons from Corona pandemic

Now the first wave of the Corona pandemic in Germany is over, it is time to evaluate the information that have been collected and to formulate the lessons we have learned, not just to assess the current situation but also with an eye to the future. Every crisis offers opportunities, and Germany's by and large positive track record in crisis management has generated further impulses for reform in the health care environment. This is especially true for objectives that were articulated before the Corona pandemic, and it is important not to forget them now. Quite the opposite is the case - they should be the focus of our attention so that we use the opportunity offered by the crisis to further develop the health care system.

That is the reason the authors and publishers of the present document refer to it as an "orientation paper". The current discussion - that is understandably and indeed should be focused on overcoming the current crisis - must also be guided onto a path that stretches beyond current concerns. Against the background of lessons learned from the first wave of the Corona crisis, selected reform perspectives for the further development of the health care system are presented here.

Orientation paper on medium- and long-term lessons (in German) [link]

The presentation took place as part of an expert discussion. The video (in German) can be found here [link].

 27.10.2020

Save the Date: Frankfurt General Practice Day 2021

The eighth Frankfurt General Practice Day will take place on January 30, 2021. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the event will be conducted virtually for the first time. You are cordially invited to use your smartphone, computer or tablet to take part. Further information on registration and the agenda, as well as a link to the event website, will be available shortly. The event is aimed at family physicians and their practice teams in (southern) Hesse, who are invited to network and to discuss highly topical subjects from the fields of practice and research in general practice with experts and colleagues. The eighth Frankfurt General Practice Day will offer a varied program that focuses on polypharmacy.

 02.10.2020

Christiane Muth appointed to the Ostwestfalen-Lippe Medical Faculty

Christiane Muth appointed to the Ostwestfalen-Lippe Medical Faculty In October, Bielefeld University appointed two new medical theory professors who will play a key role in the development of the research profile of the new Ostwestfalen-Lippe medical faculty. Professor Dr. med Christiane Muth will continue to conduct medical research into chronic multimorbidity, and will set up a working group in General Practice and Family Medicine, while Professor Dr. med Sebastian Kuhn will conduct research into digital medicine and set up a corresponding working group.

At Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Professor Dr. med. Christiane Muth has contributed significantly towards establishing the Institute of General Practice and its network of research practices. In her research, she has focused primarily on the provision of healthcare to patients with chronic illnesses and multimorbidity, as well as on polypharmacy and the development of new methodologies in evidence-based medicine.

Press release from Bielefeld University [link].

 30.09.2020

First comprehensive report on chronic diseases in Germany

The first easy-to-understand overview including numbers, facts and patient opinions has been published.

More than half the older German population is chronically ill. A report from the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University Frankfurt summarizes what chronic diseases mean for the health care system and society as a whole. The report processes what are often complex data on the spread, causes and consequences of chronic conditions and describes case histories. It also presents the results of a study of patients' views on their health care and describes both their positive and negative experiences. The report has been prepared and written in a way that is easy for lay persons to understand, and it is freely accessible as a pdf on the internet, or in paper form. The project was sponsored by the Robert Bosch Foundation.

Complete press release (in German) [link]

 17.09.2020

Stand up for patient safety!

The above is the motto of this year's World Day for Patient Safety on September 17th.

But only those that are well-informed can stand up for it, and contribute and work towards achieving it.

For this reason, the Institute of General Practice has helped 180 practices throughout the country to strengthen their safety culture and error management systems as part of the 3-year CIRSforte project. To achieve this aim, participating practices were offered, amongst other things, the chance to participate in various e-learning modules in order to raise their awareness of the importance of patient safety. These workshops in particular were considered by the participating practices to be very helpful.

We are therefore pleased to offer you the chance to take part in the easily accessible online workshops free of charge (in German).

Der Introductory workshop on error management presents the fundamentals and helps understand what is meant by error management [link].

The online module Error management in team meetings describes how error management can be included in team meetings in such a way that the whole team benefits and error management improves [link].

The third module entitled Development of suitable preventive measures shows how to identify possibilities for the development of effective measures, what you should consider when developing such measures and how to go about their practical implementation in the practice/clinic [link].

The online workshops and further interesting information can be found here (in German): www.cirsforte.de

 08.09.2020

"Rural outing 2.0" subject of a social commentary entitled "the country needs young physicians"

Under the auspices of the photographer Ralf Spiegel, a member of the charitable photography organization in the state of Hesse, Fototeam Hessen e.V., a comprehensive social commentary has been prepared on the topic of the shortage of doctors in rural areas [link in German].
Our rural outing 2.0 program is a successful strategy aimed at countering the ongoing shortage of young doctors outside metropolitan areas in Germany. In his commentary, Ralf Spiegel impressively demonstrates the current challenges facing family medicine in rural areas and provides committed teaching physicians and one of the participants in rural outing 2.0 with the opportunity to present their points of view. We would like to thank Mr. Spiegel for the excellent report!

Social photographic commentary today: The country needs young physicians. Goethe University takes a stand against the shortage of doctors in rural areas [PDF in German].

 01.09.2020

The Institute of General Practice strengthens its expertise in the fields of usability and user experience

Our staff members Dr. Beate Müller, Dr. Jennifer Engler and Dania Schütze have successfully obtained "UXQB® Certified Professional for Usability and User Experience (CPUX-F)" certification from the International Usability and UX Qualification Board.
The certification program undergoes continuous development by a group of international experts and conveys basic information from the fields of usability and user experience that make it possible to develop effective, user-oriented design solutions for interactive systems. The systems can involve, for example, information materials, websites and apps. As a result of digitalization and in view of the involvement of patients, doctors and other stakeholders, UX design knowledge and methods are extremely useful in our research.

Further information on the certification program and the curriculum can be found hier.

 27.08.2020

Graduation film on the project result of ELSAH available online!

In recent years and under the umbrella of the ELSAH project, we have conducted research involving palliative patients, caregiving relatives and providers of Specialized Palliative Care for Outpatients (SAPV) in order to understand what is required of outpatient palliative care services.

In addition to the Frankfurt Institute of General Practice, the project, which was sponsored by the Innovation Fund, also involved the specialist association SAPV Hessen e.V. and the Department of General Practice, Preventive and Rehabilitative Medicine in Marburg. The focus of the team at the Frankfurt Institute of General Practice was on the special SAPV needs of children and adolescents.

Due to the Corona virus, it was not possible to hold the planned final symposium. As an alternative, the caregivers, palliative service providers, researchers and the specialist SAPV association in Hesse met for a final discussion and moderated individual interviews, supported by a professional film company. The result is a film of almost 20 minutes in length on the results of the ELSAH project [link].

The results of the ELSAH project and recommendations of revisions that should be made to the SAPV guideline have also been summarized in a brochure [PDF in German]. Further information on the ELSAH project can be found [here].

 22.07.2020

Researchers into ageing at Goethe University support choir project for persons with dementia

No one would deny that singing and making music with others is a lot of fun. Furthermore, evidence continues to mount that music has a therapeutic effect on persons with dementia. Nevertheless, little research has been conducted into the individual effects of music therapy interventions, for example of persons with dementia regularly meeting up to sing in a choir.

A recent study completed by the working area for gerontology (Director Prof. Dr. Johannes Pantel) at the Institute of General Practice of Goethe University in Frankfurt has filled this gap. The study was also covered in the four-part production by the second German TV channel ZDF entitled "Unforgettable: Our choir for persons with dementia". [more in German].

 04.04.2020

Primary care monitoring in family practices during the COVID-19 pandemic

In this cross-state cooperation project, information on the challenges faced by family practitioners during the pandemic and on how they deal with them are collected and analyzed. Following a baseline survey, data collection is now conducted by means of weekly short reports in the form of online surveys. In this way, the dynamic nature of developments can be taken into consideration.

If you are a family practitioner and interested in answering our questions, please write a short mail to: iamev@medunigraz.at, so that we can send you a link to the survey.

The project is being carried out in cooperation with the Institutes of General Practice in Graz and Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg.

The project is expected to continue until June 2020 and will be financed using resources from the participating scientific institutions.

Further information can be found here (in German) [link]

 06.03.2020

Save the Date: Frankfurt General Practice Day 2021

The 8th Frankfurt General Practice Day will take place on the campus of Frankfurt University Hospital on Januar 30, 2021. The event is primarily aimed at family physicians and their practice teams in (South) Hesse, who are invited to network and to discuss highly topical subjects from the fields of practice and research in general practice with experts and colleagues. In addition to a varied program, the 8th Frankfurt General Practice Day will focus on polypharmacy.

Further information on the registration procedure and the program will be released at a later date.

 28.01.2020

Remuneration committee for outpatient medical care presents recommendations

Both the Statutory Health Insurance system's outpatient remuneration scale and the fee scale of the private health insurance system need to be reformed. Today, the Scientific Advisory Committee for a modern remuneration system, whose Deputy Chairman is Professor Ferdinand Gerlach, presented a report on their findings to the Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn.

Press release issued by the German Ministry of Health [link]

 20.01.2020

Invitation to the Citizens' Forum: Goodbye pain, hello side effects! What we should know about painkillers.

On 15.2.2020, the first Citizens' Forum to take place under the umbrella of the Frankfurt Forum on Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy (FM2) will take place on the Frankfurt University Hospital Campus.

Saturday, February 15, 2020
2.30 pm - 4.30 pm
Frankfurt University Hospital | Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 | Haus 22

In line with the slogan "Goodbye pain, hello side effects! What we should know about painkillers", members of the public with an interest in the topic are cordially invited to listen to presentations on painkillers and their side effects, particularly with respect to interactions with other medications, and to enter into a discussion with experts from academic research and practice.

Program

Start 2.30 pm

  • Welcome speech and introduction (Prof. Marjan van den Akker, Professor of Multimedication and Health Services Research, Institute of General Practice)
  • Presentation I (Prof. Achim Schmidtko, Professor of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy)
  • Presentation II (Dr. med. Armin Wunder, Family Practitioner in Frankfurt)

Break

  • Presentation III (Robin Bruenn, Pharmacist in Frankfurt)
  • Moderated discussion session involving experts and the audience

End of the event 4.30 pm

You can find more information in the flyer (in German) [PDF].

 06.01.2020

Goethe University mourns the loss of benefactor Roland Lederer

Roland Lederer, Founder and Managing Director of the company Insight Health GmbH & Co KG, died at the end of 2019. With his substantial donations, Mr. Lederer supported research and teaching at Goethe University Frankfurt in numerous ways, including the endowed professorship in Multimedication and Health Services Research at our Institute. In this connection, he sponsored the "Frankfurt Forum on Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy". Mr. Lederer was also one of the longest-serving and most important benefactors of the "Germany Scholarship". Goethe University mourns the loss of a great friend of research, who intensively and creatively supported research with his imagination, farsightedness and interest in improving healthcare.

 26.11.2019

Learning from Errors with the help of CIRSforte

Leading public health representatives met up with practicing physicians and other practicing medical staff at a CIRSforte Symposium that took place in Berlin on 30.10.2019. Once again, the meeting demonstrated how important it is that medical professionals from different fields of work interact with one another. In her welcoming address, Professor Elisabeth Pott, a non-partisan member of the Federal Joint Committee, stressed how important patient safety is and that medical policies have room for improvement. Based on the working day of a gynecologic surgeon, Dr. Gregor Engelke clearly demonstrated that errors are inevitable (and that he doesn't believe anyone that says otherwise).

The CIRS project director Dr. Beate Müller (Institute of General Practice) presented the preliminary results of the project, whereby the medical practices that participated in CIRSforte had systematically learned to collect data on critical incidents and errors and to deal with them positively. Most practices chose the electronic version, but the analog error book was preferred by some. As the project advanced, the actions taken became increasingly professional. Whereas at the beginning advice was given to "be more careful", the chosen measures became more individual and were tailored depending on actual causes. [mehr]

The following video clip "Fehlermanagement in der Arztpraxis: Aus Fehlern lernen dank CIRSforte" provides a review of the CIRSforte Symposium with interesting comments from practices, policymakers and the project team (in German).

 07.11.2019

Austrian Congress on Primary Health Care 2020, to take place in Graz on April 24-25, 2020

 31.10.2019

"When I've eaten all my pills, I'm full up!"

"When I've eaten all my pills, I'm full up!" The comment by a former patient served Prof. Marjan van den Akker as the title of her inaugural lecture in Frankfurt last Wednesday. The lecture dealt with the use of strategies to deal with multimedication, a topic that has concerned her for a long time.

Prof. van den Akker holds the newly created Professorship in Multimedication and Health Services Research that has been established at the Institute of General Practice of Goethe University Frankfurt by the data services company INSIGHT Health GmbH.

Prof. van den Akker plans to contribute towards sustainably improving health care with the help of prescription data. She will use big data to develop and test measures that are aimed at assisting in the often highly complex management of patients that simultaneously take a large number of medications. "It is becoming increasingly important to actively involve patients and their relatives in research," she said.

Press release issued by the Frankfurt University Hospital (in German) [PDF]

 23.09.2019

DESAM - Academy for Young Doctors: Application period begins for next year's cohort

It's that time of the year again. The application period for the 2020 cohort of the Young Doctor's Academy has commenced. This is the third time it has taken place under the auspices of the German Foundation of General Practice and Family Medicine.

In the past eight years, around 110 students have been accompanied and supported during the final stage of their studies, until the beginning of specialist training. The idea of bringing highly motivated and interested students from throughout Germany together with experienced Family Practitioners has worked out well, and the interest of students in the Academy remains high.

Medical students in their fourth to eighth semesters can apply to participate with immediate effect. The application period ends January 15, 2020.

Further information and the application documents can be found on the Academy's website (in German) [link].

 12.09.2019

Workshop "Make a wish"
New format is used to find out more about the preferences of young medical students

The Institute of General Practice has cooperated with the Fulda Municipal Authorities for many years now, and well over 100 students have completed a block internship in family medicine in the district of Fulda. Some participants in the "Rural Outing 2.0" have even taken part several times.

It therefore seemed only natural that the First District Councillor Frederik Schmitt should approach the Institute and request its support in finding out more about the preferences of young doctors with respect to Medical Care Centers (MVZ) and Healthcare Centers.

On August 21, 2019, a workshop under the motto "Make a wish" took place. At a world-café, the students had the opportunity to express and discuss their preferences concerning three items: the workplace itself, working in a team and general working conditions.

Complete report (in German) [PDF]

 15.05.2019

2018 Evaluation Report on family practitioner-based health care

At the beginning of May 2019, the final evaluation report on family practitioner-based healthcare in Baden-Wuerttemberg was published. Care was provided in accordance with § 73b of the German Social Code, Book V, and based on contracts with specialists in family medicine in accordance with § 73c of the same Book. [PDF].

In individual work packages, the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University Frankfurt evaluated the sustainability of the quality of healthcare, healthcare for patients with cardiovascular diseases, the development of complications in patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as the relationship between family-practitioner based healthcare and contracts in orthopedics.

 08.05.2019

"Practice-Track" and "Rural Outing 2.0" go into the third round

This year, many students again applied to participate in one of the two longitudinal programs "Praxis-Track" and "Rural Outing 2.0". These programs run for the entire length of the clinical stage of medical studies. They were developed by the Education and Training team at the Institute of General Practice, with "Praxis-Track" being developed in cooperation with the Dean's Office. In their current form, they are unique in Germany.

The kick-off event for "Praxis-Track" took place in mid-March. Following the application process, 15 students in their first clinical semester qualified to take part in the program.

Complete report [PDF]

 27.02.2019

Minister Spahn presents certificate of appointment


Foto: BMG/Schinkel

The newly constituted German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System has begun work. German Minister of Health Jens Spahn presented the members of the advisory board with their certificates of appointment on February 27, 2019.

At the subsequent constituent meeting, Professor Dr. Ferdinand Gerlach was selected Chairman and Professor Dr. Wolfgang Greiner Deputy Chairman

The official mandate of the Council of Experts is to analyze health-care developments and their economic and medical consequences and to develop suggestions aimed at reducing the overuse, underuse and misuse of health care. In its next report, the Council will examine the exciting opportunities and foreseeable risks of the increasing digitalization of health care and deal with the question of the most suitable framework conditions for evidence-based digital health care.

You can find more information in the Council's press release (in German) [PDF]

 26.02.2019

Award for "Bridge Builder" Professor Ferdinand Gerlach

Professor Ferdinand Gerlach, Director of the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University, has received the Alfons and Gertrude Kassel Foundation's Public Service Fellowship Award for his outstanding work as long-standing Chair of the German Council of Health Advisors.

Every two years, the award, which includes a cash prize of €10,000, is presented to Goethe University professors that are also active members of influential scientific or political organizations. The award money is to be invested in realizing and facilitating projects and assignments that the special commitments of the award-winners prevent from finding the time to work on themselves.

You can find more information in the press release (in German) [link]

 25.02.2019

Medication in multimorbid patients: as much as necessary, as little as possible!

New endowed professorship in multimedication and health-services research at Goethe University

A third of all patients attending family practices have multiple illnesses. Such patients are generally treated by several specialists, and these specialists often fail to sufficiently coordinate their prescriptions. As well as leading to severe side effects, the resulting mixture of tablets can also be intimidating and stressful for patients. The appointment of Prof. Dr. Marjan van den Akker as the new 'Endowed Professor of Multimedication and Health Services Research' at the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University is expected to improve the situation (in German) [PDF]

 14.01.2019

Professor Gerlach re-appointed to German Board of Health Experts

As of February 1, German Federal Health Minster Jens Spahn has re-appointed Prof. Ferdinand M. Gerlach, Executive Director of the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University, to the German Board of Health Experts. The German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System is considered to be the most important committee of experts in German health care and is responsible for providing advice on German health policy. The Board is interdisciplinary and consists of seven professors, representing the fields of medicine, economics and nursing. Professor Gerlach has been a member since 2007 and Chairman since 2012.

The function of the Advisory Council is to analyze health-care developments and their economic and medical consequences. In order that patients can benefit from needs-based health care, it develops priorities aimed at reducing health care deficits and existing overprovision. For this purpose, the Council writes a report every two years, which it then presents to the upper and lower houses of the German parliament.

The focus of the most recent report, which has been discussed at several conferences involving the specialist community since summer 2018, is the needs-based management of the health care system. In addition to a widely debated plan to reorganize emergency care in Germany, it covers the further development of the clinical landscape, cross-sectoral cooperation between hospitals and practices and the coordinated care of patients with mental illness and back pain. The report also includes far-reaching recommendations on the further content- and structure-related development of the health care system.

Press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Health (in German) [link]

You can find further information on the members and responsibilities of the Advisory Council, as well as the reports, by clicking on the following link: www.svr-gesundheit.de

 18.10.2018

"DAVOS" Kick-off event takes place in Frankfurt on 05.11.2018

A kick-off event for the "DAVOS" research project (Depression in the Nursing Home: Using a staggered healthcare model to improve treatment) took place in the ceremonial hall of the casino building from 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm on November 5, 2018.

"DAVOS" is a research project (working group for geriatric medicine; supervisor - Professor Dr. Johannes Pantel) that is just beginning and is aimed at improving depression treatment in the residents of nursing homes in Frankfurt am Main. The project, which is unique in Germany, is to be sponsored by the GBA German Joint Federal Committee's Innovation Fund.

After a small standing reception, an introduction to the research project awaited the guests, along with fascinating talks by Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen (doctor, cabaret artist and founder of the Humor Helps Healing foundation), and the renowned expert for depression in the elderly Prof. Dr. Martin Hautzinger (Eberhard Karls University Tübingen).

Program booklet (in German) [PDF]

Contact: Dr. Valentina Tesky & Arthur Schall M.A, Institute of General Practice (working Group for geriatric medicine), Goethe University Frankfurt

 03.08.2018

Forgetfulness, delirium or incipient dementia?

Dr. Valentina Tesky was invited to share her expertise on local television on August 2, 2018. In a program on health aired by the Hessian Broadcasting Association, she gave tips on how to prevent dementia in old age. In addition to staying mentally and physically active, she recommended regularly measuring blood pressure, as high blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for the development of dementias. Furthermore, she also addressed the issue of animal therapies for people with dementia.

To the program (in German) [link]

 03.08.2018

Rural Outing 2.0

A new explanatory video provides an overview of the special teaching program "Rural Outing 2.0" that has been provided to interested students by the Institute of General Practice in cooperation with the rural districts of Fulda, Bergstrasse and Hochtaunuskreis since 2016.

Rural Outing 2.0 - the opportunity to experience family medicine first hand during undergraduate studies!

If you would like further information, the Rural Outing 2.0 Team would be pleased to answer your questions.

 30.07.2018

Continuing medical education on suicide prevention for family doctors in Frankfurt

In Germany, more than 10,000 persons commit suicide every year. For people between the ages of 15 and 29, it is actually one of the most common causes of death. In the City of Frankfurt, suicide accounts for around 90 deaths per year, while the frequency of suicide attempts is estimated to be around 1800.

Family doctors often provide a first low-threshold port of call for patients with suicidal thoughts and must therefore act as gatekeepers for such patients. Around half of those who commit suicide have consulted a family doctor in the previous three months. From September 2018 onwards, the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main will provide CME on the topic of suicide prevention in Frankfurt, and on how to deal with suicidal tendencies in the family practice. This will occur as part of the FraPPE (Frankfurt Project on the Prevention of Suicides using Evidence-based Medicine) research project which is being conducted in cooperation with the Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, the Public Health Department in the City of Frankfurt and further cooperation partners. FraPPE will be sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Health for a period of three years (2017-2020). The CME will include improved networking as one of several intervention strategies aimed at reducing the suicide rate in the City of Frankfurt.

The first courses will held at the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main (Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Haus 10C, 60590 Frankfurt). You are kindly requested to register by 21.9.2018.

Contact: Felix Reinhardt, Tel.: 069-6301-84485, E-Mail: frappe@allgemeinmedizin.uni-frankfurt.de

 24.07.2018

Presentation of final report on cross-sectoral health care in Baden-Wuerttemberg

Welfare Minister Manne Lucha (Green Party) presented the results of the project "Cross-sectoral health care Baden-Wuerttemberg" at a press conference in Stuttgart on Monday, 16.07.18.

Against a backdrop of demographic change, cross-district approaches to the further development of outpatient and inpatient health care were formulated for a model region consisting of the districts of Reutlingen, Biberach and Ravensburg. Participants in the process included local citizens as well as representatives from the fields of regional politics and health care. The Institute of General Practice at Goethe University Frankfurt supported the project from a scientific perspective. The concept was developed on the basis of data on morbidity, the current situation in health care, patient flow and the need for health care in the future, which were collected by Heidelberg University. The Center for interdisciplinary Risk and Innovation Research at Stuttgart University also cooperated in the project and was responsible for involving citizens in a dialog on the topic. The project was financed by Baden-Wuerttemberg's Welfare Ministry.

For the project, the Institute of General Practice in Frankfurt, along with health care representatives and citizens, discussed the current state of health care, as well as seven chronic diseases and associated problems, in the three districts. They then developed approaches aimed at mitigating and solving the problems. Amongst other things, the project came to the conclusion that communication and cooperation between the various fields of health care, and care at the interface between the inpatient and outpatient sectors, should be significantly improved. It was specifically recommended that primary health care centers with multiprofessional treatment teams be set up, outpatient capacity for patients suffering from dementia and stroke be increased, and the integration of preventive medicine and the use of elements of E-Health be increased.

The entire report (in German) can be downloaded from the website of the Sozialministeriums. The Stuttgarter Zeitung and the Badische Zeitung reported on the press conference..

 05.07.2018

Promoting structured error management in the practice

Effective quality management can help to prevent problems in the practice before they even occur. That is the most important idea behind critical incident reporting systems (CIRS). The aim of such systems is to draw conclusions from errors that have been made, or critical incidents that have occurred, and thus to make work processes safer in the future. That is why it makes sense to integrate CIRS into existing quality management systems.

If you would like to have structured error management in your practice, but don't quite know how to go about it, then you should take part in CIRSforte!

Participating practices will be supported in the sustainable implementation of a reporting and learning system. Every practice decides itself what type of system it would like to use for internal practice error management (e.g. paper-based or electronic). Amongst other things, participants will benefit from workshops, information materials that are relevant to the practice, online training courses and newsletters. Support is provided to medical practices, healthcare centers, practice networks and other associations of doctors and psychotherapists. You can find more information on www.cirs-ambulant.de

CIRSforte Zentrale
Tel: 030 3642 81626
E-Mail: cirsforte@aps-ev.de

 08.06.2018

International symposium "Multimorbidity research at the cross-roads"

International researchers, physicians and health services and health policy decision makers met at the Alfred Nobel Forum in Stockholm, on 21st May, 2018. Outstanding keynote speakers from Europe and the U.S.A., such as Mary Tinetti, Martin Roland, Luigi Ferrucci, Stewart Mercer, Cynthia Boyd, Jose M. Valderas and Alessandra Marengoni and discussants set the scene for subsequent constructive panel discussions.
Additionally, the programme and the venue provided excellent opportunities for an exchange of ideas and networking among the ca. 120 participants. Key messages of the Symposium were formulated by participants in a series of subsequent workshops. Three working groups are currently collaborating in the preparation of reviews on clinical management and the public health aspects of multimorbidity, with the aim of publishing them by the end of the year.
The entire meeting was funded by the Journal of Internal Medicine (JIM), with further support from Karolinska Institutet, the University of Exeter, the KI Strategic Research Area in Epidemiology (SfoEpi), the Aging Research Centre (ARC), as well as the European Network on Multimorbidity 'Threads & Yarns' [more]

 07.05.2018

"Practice-Track" reloaded - New name, the same practical approach

The Education Working Group and the Institute of General Practice had the opportunity to welcome 15 selected students at a start-up event that took place on March 19. This year the number of applicants outnumbered the number of places 2 to 1. After an introduction by Institute Director Professor Gerlach, along with Mrs. Ravens-Taeuber, Mrs. Barthen and Mrs. Herkelmann, the agenda of the teaching program was presented to the students and they had the chance to get to know each other.

"Practice-Track" is a voluntary longitudinal teaching program that was developed by the Institute of General Practice and the Dean's office. It will enable students in the clinical stage of their studies to get to know the outpatient setting and to gain initial experience in the field, while receiving 1-to-1 mentoring. The project is being financed by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians. It seemed sensible to rename the program "practice track" rather than "family physician track" because it is aimed at strengthening the outpatient sector within studies of human medicine.

The block placements in surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics and gynecology will take place in small teaching hospitals that provide standard health care. Moreover, the students will have the opportunity to participate in a specially developed elective consisting of related seminars, a mentoring program and the communication of basic scientific principles. Voluntary placements will enable the students to gain first-hand experience of outpatient medical care in additional selected and trained practices that can provide 1-to-1 mentoring.

Further information on the program (in German) [link]

 02.05.2018

Press conference on May 2, 2018: the country needs new doctors - the state of Hesse is sponsoring four new projects for the promotion of young family doctors

The Hesse Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration (HMSI) and the Hesse Competence Center for Specialist Training in General Practice arranged a press conference to announce four new projects sponsored by the HMSI. The projects expand on current courses for doctors receiving specialist training in General Practice by evaluating them and providing additional support. The press release and the digital press portfolio (in German) can be found here [link]

 23.03.2018

"Rural Outing 2.0" enters the next phase

A start-up event on April 6 signaled that the voluntary new teaching program organized by the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University Frankfurt in cooperation with the rural districts of Fulda, Bergstraße and Hochtaunuskreis is entering its second phase.

Following the positive results of a first evaluation, the 14 participants now have the chance to take advantage of early contact with patients and regular work in practices, where trained teaching physicians provide 1-to-1 mentoring, to gain continuous and intensive insight into primary care in rural areas. The periods of practical training will be accompanied by teaching courses and seminars, so that the mandatory education in General Practice and the Clinical Elective is provided at the same time.

After an introduction provided by Institute Director Professor Gerlach and the Education Working Group, the three cooperating rural districts presented their regions from a medical and tourism perspective as part of a start-up event.

A student that had participated in "Rural Outing 2.0" from the start rounded off the talks and gave a vivid report of his first positive experiences in the program, developed in cooperation with other students and experienced teaching physicians. At the end of the event, the participants had the opportunity to interact with one another while enjoying snacks in a relaxed atmosphere.

More information on "Rural Outing 2.0" (in German).

 17.01.2018

Dr. Armin Wunder awarded visiting professorship at Medical University of Graz

On January 11, 2018, the Rector of the Medical University of Graz awarded Dr. Armin Wunder a visiting professorship at the Institute of General Practice and Evidence-Based Health Services Research for the second time. Armin Wunder has held a lectureship post at the Institute of General Practice and Evidence-Based Health Services Research at the Medical University of Graz since the 2016/2017 winter term.
We sincerely congratulate him!

 11.12.2017

CIRSforte symposium to take place at Hotel Aquino, Berlin, on January 24, 2018

The CIRSforte project supported by the Joint Federal Committee's Innovation Fund aims to further develop reporting and learning systems in such a way that family and specialist doctors can benefit from them. Various partners from health insurance funds, the scientific community and health networks are cooperating with one another to achieve this. Do you want to participate and to promote patient safety in your practice? Are you interested in this important topic?

At the CIRSforte symposium to take place in Berlin on January 24. 2018, you can find out how the project is progressing. Discuss the importance, the advantages, and the obstacles facing reporting systems with renowned health care experts.

Program (in German) [PDF]

Registration (in German) [link]

 22.11.2017

The Rural Outing 2.0's first day trip - new career prospects

The "Rural Outing 2.0" longitudinal priority program has been ongoing at the Institute of General Practice since the winter term 2016/17 (we wrote about it on 14.03.2016). The focus of the program is on gaining hands-on experience of family practice in rural areas. During the practical stages of their studies, a maximum of 15 motivated students a year can breathe some fresh country air by taking part in special seminars and in the annual rural outing. The aim is to generate an interest in working outside metropolitan areas, and to nip any prejudices against doing so in the bud. The rural districts of Fulda, Bergstrasse and Hochtaunuskreis are sponsoring the project.

The first rural outing took place on 18.11. It began with the district of Fulda, which has been cooperating with the Institute of General Practice since 2012 and provides places for mandatory internships [more in German].

 10.11.2017

Pilot project to increase patient safety in the medical practice: it's the mix that counts!

In Germany, general practitioners and medical specialists are consulted by patients seeking treatment around 580 million times a year. Normally everything proceeds according to plan. But people are not perfect and mistakes do occur - perhaps a test result gets mixed up, a diagnosis is documented wrongly, or a referral is forgotten. A databank that systematically gathers information on cases reported by employees and that develops suggestions on how things can be improved can help to prevent mistakes in the future and to learn from them. Such systems are widely used in German hospitals but are rare in the outpatient sector.

In a unique nationwide pilot project, the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance fund, the Institute of General Practice (IfA) at Goethe University Frankfurt and the Nuremberg Health Network for Quality and Efficiency (QuE) are testing an interdisciplinary digital reporting and learning system for everyday use with the support of 69 network practices. The scientific and practical project has already shown that if practices are to learn from one another in everyday working life, they will have to share the same understanding of errors and know-how when it comes to dealing with mistakes and avoiding them in the future. Only then is it possible to use an online reporting system sensibly. A mixture of accompanying measures such as training, workshops and an open exchange within practice teams are required to achieve this.

Press release (in German) [PDF]

 08.11.2017

€20,000 Wilhelm Woort research prize goes to Dr. Valentina Tesky

This year, the Wilhelm Woort Foundation research prize endowed with €20,000 has been awarded to Dr. Valentina Tesky. The graduate psychologist received the prize at the Annual Congress of the German Society of Geriatrics (DGG) in Frankfurt am Main. Ms. Tesky is a researcher in the field of geriatric medicine at the Institute of General Practice of Goethe University Frankfurt and specializes in psychogeriatrics and clinical gerontology. She was awarded the prize by Dr. Heinz-Walter Greuel of the Wilhelm Woort Foundation in Essen [more] (in German).

 23.10.2017

ARTEMIS geriatrics project implemented successfully and permanently at Städel Museum

Guided art tours and creative studio work for people with dementia and their relatives.

Following the successful implementation of the ARTEMIS project (ART Encounters: Museum Intervention Study), a low-threshold, interactive art interpretation course for people with dementia and their relatives is now to be provided permanently at the Städel Museum in Frankfurt am Main. Initiated and implemented by the geriatric medicine group at the Institute of General Practice of Goethe University Frankfurt, ARTEMIS was the first randomized trial with a waiting control group to study the influence of museum visits and artistic activity on emotional-communicative parameters in people with dementia to take place in a German-speaking environment. After the comprehensive research results confirmed the effectiveness of the methodology and practice, the ARTEMIS concept was included in the wide-ranging art interpretation program at the museum from 2017. The interpretation course includes a 1-hour guided thematic tour followed by creative work using a number of different art techniques in the studio. One person with mild or moderate dementia and a companion can register for ARTEMIS. A maximum of six pairs can take part in the course, which involves meeting up on three occasions once every two weeks.

Flyer [PDF]

Kontakt
Dipl.-Psych., M.A. Arthur Schall
Dr., Dipl.-Psych. Valentina Tesky-Ibeli
Arbeitsbereich Altersmedizin mit Schwerpunkt Psychogeriatrie und
klinische Gerontologie (Prof. J. Pantel)

Tel: +49 (0)69-6301-7657 /-83621

 12.09.2017

Competence Center celebrates fifth anniversary

On Friday, September 1, the Competence Center for Specialist Training in General Practice in the German state of Hesse celebrated its fifth anniversary by holding a summer party at the Congress Hall in Gießen. Former and current participants in the Specialist Training College, as well as those who actively support structured specialist training in Hesse were invited. In addition to Prof. Ferdinand Gerlach and Susanne Sommer from the Competence Center, Deputy Chairman of the Hesse Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Dr. Eckhard Starke, and fledgling Specialist in General Practice, and long-time participant in the Specialist Training College Dr. Stefanie Keimling offered a few words of welcome. Moreover, tribute was paid to the graduates of the Specialist Training College in General Practice.

 09.09.2017

5th Event Day of the Rural Outing in Fulda in August 2017
Golf, a Tour of the City and Future Prospects

This year, the "Fulda Rural Outing" once again concluded with the popular one-day excursion in the District of Fulda. Overall, five students, who participated in the general practice internship in the region, and employees from the Institute of General Practice, travelled full of expectations to the impressive baroque town of Fulda on the morning of August 26. Once there, they were welcomed not only by District representatives but also by the by First District Councilor Mr. Frederik Schmitt. Together, they took minibuses to the nature reserve and then to Fulda Rhön Golf Club, where they were joined by the long-time and popular teaching physician Michael Ziegler and his family. The students thus had the opportunity to profit first hand from his extensive experience of family practice in a rural region.

At the Golf Club, they were met by the former member of the Islandic national football team Jón Halldór Gardarsson, who is now enjoying his second career as an experienced golf trainer. Mr. Gardarsson took charge of the group and introduced them to the basics of golf. During a short walk along the fairways of the 17th and 18th holes, the participants enjoyed the view of the Lange Rhön Plateau. Afterwards, everyone had the chance to demonstrate hidden golfing talents while driving and putting. It was a new and fun experience for everyone.

After the two-hour introductory course, the group went to the nearby "Panorama" restaurant. While fortifying themselves in the sunshine, an open discussion developed on the professional prospects and possibilities for young general practitioners working in a rural area.

Towards afternoon, the group returned to the Old City of Fulda where they undertook a fascinating and informative City Tour on which Dr. Dorothea Wild, a Specialist in General Practice and Teaching Physician from Fulda, accompanied them.

At around 4 p.m., the excursionists arrived at one of the best-known and most popular traditional Cafés in the City, where they ended the day with coffee and freshly made cake.

The eventful day and the enjoyable experiences in a beautiful area will undoubtedly remain in the memories of the participants.

We would like to thank the District of Fulda for organizing and financing the event.

 01.08.2017

1st Patient Safety Symposium to take place at Frankfurt University Hospital on September 20, 2017

Since 2015, the German Coalition for Patient Safety and its international partners have invited all stakeholders in the health care system to participate in an International Patient Safety Day on September 17 of each year, with the aim of providing fresh impetus to efforts to raise patient safety and to spread good ideas on the subject.

The main topic of this year's day is "if silence is dangerous". It is aimed at highlighting the importance of communication between health care professionals and is relevant for all parties involved in the care process. It will also be a prelude to the first Patient Safety Symposium to take place at Frankfurt University Hospital.

SAVE THE DATE: September 20, 2017, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Frankfurt University Hospital

Further information: Dr. Kyra Schneider
Fon (069) 6301-83095
kyra.schneider@kgu.de

Ausschreibung in Klinikallianz Plus [PDF]

 29.06.2017

Applications invited for Professorship (W2) in Multimedication and Health Services Research at Institute of General Practice

The call for applications published on June 29, 2017, states: The successful candidate's responsibilities will include representation of the subject area Multimedication and Health Services Research in research and teaching. Applicants must be outstandingly qualified and have experience of research and teaching in the subject area. Additional health qualifications would be an advantage (e.g. Public Health, Health Sciences). The applicant's past research and publications are expected to be internationally recognized.

The applicant's research activities will have focused on the epidemiology of polypharmacy and multimorbidity, as well as the evidence-based development and trial of new polypharmacy health care concepts in outpatient medical care. The professorship will concentrate on conducting high-quality health services research projects in general practice. A willingness to play a constructive role through participation in funded projects in health services research that are already in progress, and the evaluation of new models of health care, as well as extending the current focus of research, are mandatory.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate particular commitment to teaching and to engage in interdisciplinary and cross-faculty teaching events for the education of students of human medicine, as well as in "Clinical Pharmacy".

The position will entail taking charge of the work group "Multimedication and Health Services Research" at the Institute of General Practice.

Research scientists whose excellent work has been recognized and substantiated through international visibility are invited to apply within 4 weeks of the publication of the advertisement.

The call for applications has been published in German in the "ZEIT" weekly newspaper and on the "academics.de" website [link]

 19.05.2017

Goethe University's student polyclinic awarded Germany's top teaching prize

The "Hesse University Award for Teaching Excellence 2017", Germany's most highly endowed teaching award, was presented to the winners in Wiesbaden on May 18.

In recognition of "outstanding achievements in university teaching", the first prize, which is endowed with € 60,000, went to the "Student polyclinic of Goethe University". From the outset, our Institute has participated in the project. The winners of the award were Dr. Luks Benedikt Seifert, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gerlach, Dr. Petra Tiarks-Jungk, Prof. Dr. Dr. Robert Sader and the student polyclinic's teaching and organization team. From the Institute itself, Dr. Hans-Michael Schäfer was particularly involved, along with several academic teaching physicians who worked as supervisors.


(Fotos: Jungk)

The Hessian Minister for Science and the Arts Boris Rhein presented the award. The decision marked the conclusion of a long selection process (involving on-site visits, practical teaching demonstrations etc.) in which all 13 Universities in Hesse participated.
At the self-managed student polyclinic, students of medicine at Goethe University, under the supervision of experienced doctors, provide health care to persons that have no insurance coverage. The whole of the prize money will be used to support the work of the student polyclinic.

Goethe University press release [link in German]

 11.05.2017

Dr. Valentina Tesky-Ibeli wins Wilhelm Woort Founder's Award for Ageing Research

Dr. Valentina Tesky-Ibeli has won the €20,000 Wilhelm Woort Founder's Award that is given to scientists that are working on an excellent research project or a model initiative in the field of application-oriented ageing research.

The money will help sponsor work on the guideline project "Consent to medical treatment" (S2k-Guideline).

 08.05.2017

National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physician Congress 2017 in Berlin on June 27-28

The service guarantee is one of the constitutive elements of the health insurance system. The challenges that must be overcome to ensure the continued existence of outpatient medical care throughout the country have given rise to fresh new ideas and approaches.

More (in German) [link]

 08.05.2017

ZEIT Doctor's Consultation Hours on May 17, 2017

Why is it so important that patients are well-informed and share decision making concerning their treatment with their doctors? How can one find reliable information and dependable sources? In the first Doctor consultation hour, organized by the ZEIT weekly newspaper and entitled "The well-informed patient", experts will discuss the process of getting hold of information and the involvement of patients in diagnostic procedures and treatment options. The participants will include Secretary of State Karl-Josef Laumann, who represents the interests of patients for the government and is the official representative for the nursing profession, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gerlach, Chairman of the German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System and Deputy Chairman of the Foundation Council of the Health Knowledge Foundation, Prof. Dr. Ina B. Kopp, Director of the AWMF Institute of Medical Knowledge Management, and Dr. Martin Danner, Federal Chairman of BAG self-help, as well as Claudia Wüstenhagen, Editor in Chief of ZEIT Doctor.

More (in German) [PDF]

 25.04.2017

Complementary medicine for cancer patients: more information and better advice
German Cancer Aid supports development and evaluation of the information services and advice on complementary medicine that are available to cancer patients

A considerable number of cancer patients in Germany make use of so-called complementary and alternative therapies, often without the knowledge of the doctors treating them. The procedures that fall under the umbrella of complementary medicine range from exhaustively investigated treatments such as acupuncture to methods that are only available at one location in Germany, marketed solely through the media, and that have not been adequately investigated. The individual (family) doctor who is asked by his patients for advice can therefore quickly lose track of what is on offer and often knows little or nothing about relevant studies.

This uncertainty is reflected in surveys of family doctors. Although 70% of them regard it as very important to be well informed with regard to complementary medicine, only 30% feel completely at ease discussing such matters with their patients.

Specific training courses would ensure family doctors were well prepared to discuss complementary medicine with their cancer patients. The aim of a 2 ½ year research project being undertaken by the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University Frankfurt aims to develop and evaluate such a training program. The project begins in May 2017.

Press release (in German) [PDF]

Further information is available on our project page (in German)

 10.04.2017

More practical experience for students of medicine: "Rural Outing 2.0" is launched

Many medical students wish to have regular contact with patients and to receive 1:1 support early on in their studies. These are the distinctive features of the "Rural Outing 2.0", a new teaching program initiated by the Institute of General Practice of Goethe University Frankfurt in cooperation with the municipal councils in Fulda, Bergstraße and Hochtaunuskreis. The program was officially launched at a kick-off event that took place on April 7.

The aim of "Rural Outing 2.0" is to provide intense and continuous insight into family medicine in rural areas. Over a period of five semesters during the clinical stage of their studies, participants will regularly spend time in selected family practices where they will receive support on a 1:1 basis and experience close practical contact with patients early on in their studies. The practice phases will be accompanied by lectures and seminars so that the mandatory courses in General Practice as well as the clinical option are simultaneously provided.

To launch the program, the first 12 selected participants were invited to a kick-off event on April 7. In addition to an overview of the program, the three municipal council partners introduced themselves and explained the distinctive features of their regions - both from the point of view of a doctor and a tourist. Furthermore, one of the teaching physicians gave a colorful insight into day-to-day life in a rural family practice. Subsequently, participants had the chance informally to become acquainted with one another and to exchange information.

The "Rural Outing 2.0" was developed by the Institute of General Practice in cooperation with students and experienced teaching physicians and the key points of the voluntary program are based on surveys conducted among students. "The aim of the program is to satisfy students' interest in gaining more practical experience and more contact with patients during their studies," said Institute Director Professor Ferdinand Gerlach, "involving as many as three municipal councils, we also want this unique form of cooperation in Germany to contribute towards safeguarding the provision of medical care in rural regions."

More information on "Rural Outing 2.0" (in German) [link]

Ärzte Zeitung medical journal "Uni Frankfurt bietet mehr Praxis im Studium" [link]

 31.03.2017

An important step towards modern medical studies: "Master plan medical studies 2020"

After more than six years of work and numerous detours, the "Master plan medical studies 2020" has finally been officially adopted and presented to the public. It includes many important and sustainable measures aimed at strengthening General Practice.

Offical resolution (in German) [PDF]

Press release (in German) [PDF]

 27.03.2017

First summit meeting of academic general practice

The first summit meeting of all 38 representatives of university institutions specialized in general practice took place for the first time on March 23-24, 2017. The closed meeting, which was held at the tradition-steeped Rauischholzhausen castle, was not only a historic event for that reason: the focus of the meeting was on the implementation of the competence centers for specialist training in general practice, as well as teaching in view of the 2020 medical studies master plan, both of which have been prescribed by German legislators. The event was organized by the German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DEGAM), the German Foundation of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DESAM), as well as the Association of University Teachers in General Practice (GHA).

 22.03.2017

Doctorate for mentoring in specialist general practice training

Educational science graduate Marischa Broermann, an employee at the Competence Center for Specialist Training in General Practice in Frankfurt, has, at Philipps University Marburg, successfully completed her doctorate on the conception, design and assessment of a mentoring program for doctors undergoing specialist training in general practice in the German state of Hesse.

The mentoring program has been carried out at the Competence Center for Specialist Training in General Practice in Frankfurt am Main since 2013 and is a forerunner for further mentoring projects across Germany. The project was distinguished as a "(Research) project of substantial relevance to education and specialist training in general practice" at the 50th Congress of DEGAM. Doctorate advisors were Prof. Schnoor (Marburg) and Prof. Gerlach (Frankfurt) who awarded the program the "magna cum laude" distinction.

 10.02.2017

German health minister re-appoints Professor Gerlach Chairman of board of health experts

German Minister of Health Hermann Gröhe has re-appointed Professor Dr. Ferdinand Gerlach Chairman of the German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System. At the same time, he appointed Professor Dr. Eberhard Wille Vice Chairman.

German Ministry of Health press release (in German), Ministry of Health [link]

 09.02.2017

Next train-the-trainer seminar for trainers of specialists in general practice to take place on March 24/25, 2017

Competence Centers for specialist training in general practice in the state of Hesse regularly organize seminars for new and experienced trainers. During the seminar, you will have the opportunity to expand your expertise in specialist training, and to discuss and become acquainted with attractive new high-quality structured training programs. The next train-the-trainer seminar will take place at the Jakobsberg Seminar Hotel in Grünberg on March 24/25, 2017. Participation, accommodation and catering are free of charge for you, and training credits have been applied for. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Please register with Regina Kinczler, Telephone: +49 69-6301-84225
E-Mail: weiterbildung@allgemeinmedizin.uni-frankfurt.de
Further information is available on our website: www.weiterbildung-allgemeinmedizin-hessen.de

 08.12.2016

Prof. Gerlach honored for work as "Frankfurter Congress Ambassador"

On December 7, the three medical experts Prof. Dr. med. Rudolf Weiner, Prof. Dr. med. Ferdinand M. Gerlach and Prof. Dr. med. Stefan Rehart were credited with the distinction of being Frankfurt Congress Ambassadors. The award recognizes voluntary work. Prof. Gerlach was President of the 50th Congress of General Practice and Family Medicine in Frankfurt.

The aim of the "Frankfurt Congress Ambassador" initiative, established by Tourismus+Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main with their Frankfurt Convention Bureau, Congress Frankfurt/Messe Frankfurt Venue GmbH and the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce is to strengthen the role of the Main metropolis as a chosen location for scientific congresses. The commercial importance of the conference and congress business for the city of Frankfurt am Main is considerable: More than 70,000 conferences and congresses attract more than 4 million participants a year, leading to more than 1.5 million overnight stays and generating a gross turnover of almost €800 million.

Press release (in German) [PDF]

 05.12.2016

Health Services Research: Institute of General Practice receives sponsorship for six innovative projects

The Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee provides the Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main with funding for research projects in health services research and into innovative health models. This confirms the importance of project ideas and the excellent quality of the research being conducted at the Institute.

The Innovation Fund of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) promotes health care research projects and innovative structures and models for health care, with the aim of further developing the quality of health care for persons covered by statutory health insurance in Germany. In two current calls for proposals that were evaluated according to a two-step assessment procedure, 91 of a total of 416 project applications were approved. Six of those were from the Institute of General Practice.

  • EVITA: Evidence-based multimedication program including implementation in general practice
  • AdAM: Implementation of a digitally supported drug therapy management system
  • PROPERmed: Meta analysis of individual patient data on the basis of primary data from 5 cluster-RCTs (PRIMUM, OPTIMED, PIL, ISCOPE, RIME)
  • ELSAH: Evaluation of specialized palliative care for outpatients based on the example of Hesse
  • CIRSforte: Further development of error reporting and learning system (CIRS) for outpatient care to create a system that is ready for implementation
  • Evaluation des Vertrags zur Versorgung that exists in the medical discipline of cardiology in Baden-Wuerttemberg in accordance with § 73 c SGB Social Security Code V

The projects will we conducted by the Institute of General Practice in close cooperation with national and international partners, including universities and scientific institutions, as well as statutory health insurers and associations. The total volume of funding will be shared among the different project sites.

Three of the sponsored projects (EVITA, AdAM, PROPERmed) will deal with questions relating to the subject of multimedication. The simultaneous prescription and intake of several medications especially concerns elderly people and, amongst other things, bears the risk of side effects and drug interactions, as well as avoidable hospital stays and the need for additional care. The aim of research into multimedication is to provide the best possible treatment for these patients and to protect them from too much or the wrong kind of treatment. The Institute of General Practice is already extremely active in the field of multimedication research and funding for the new projects supports plans to expand research in this area.

Further information on the Innovation fund of the Federal Joint Committee is available in German here: www.innovationsfonds.g-ba.de

 09.11.2016

How to encourage doctors to stay in rural areas?

In its latest article on encouraging doctors to stay in rural areas that appeared in German on the treffpunkt-kommune.de website on November 9, Dr. Antje Erler summarizes what municipal governments can do in view of the existing and future challenges facing rural areas in the provision of health care (e.g. against the background of demographic change) [link].

Treffpunkt Kommune (Meeting point for Municipalities) is a service portal provided by the specialist magazine 'Gemeinderat'.

 14.10.2016

DEGAM-Anniversary Congress in Frankfurt was a Great Success

The Institute of General Practice in Frankfurt hosted the extremely successful 50th Congress of the German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians: an ambitious and diverse scientific program (DEGAM), lively discussions on the podium and the sidelines and a record 835 registrations, including 150 students and more than 100 doctors currently undergoing specialist training.

In accordance with the motto "Preserve Tradition - Shape New Developments - Inspire Family Doctors", the Congress presented the wide range of subjects represented by the science of family medicine and demonstrated the numerous practical and creative possibilities to reorganize it. The scientific exchange focused on evidence-based and patient-centered health care for the chronically ill, innovative forms of health care provision and the promotion of young doctors in education and specialist training. At the same time, top-class keynote lectures were greeted with enthusiasm: Prof. James McCormack (Canada) discussed problems and solutions surrounding the topic of polypharmacy, while Prof. Paul Glasziou (Australia) focused on the problem of overdiagnosis and the overprovision of health care, and Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen reminded the doctors that humor can sometimes be more effective than the latest high-tech medicine.

The large number of young Congress participants highlighted the successful work carried out by both DEGAM and university-based family medicine in education and specialist training, underlining once again how important the role to be played by family medicine will be in the future and helping participants face the challenges of the future with confidence. One of the principal goals of Prof. Ferdinand M. Gerlach, Director of the Institute of General Practice in Frankfurt, during his period in office as DEGAM-President, which ended at the Congress, was the promotion of young doctors. His successor is Prof. Erika Baum.

Quite apart from the scientific success of the anniversary congress, a number of features of the supporting program also contributed to the success of the event, such as the formal opening in St. Paul's church, the lunch break on the boats which lay at anchor in front of the gates of the University Hospital, and the atmosphere of the festive evening with song recitals and dancing into the early morning.

The Frankfurt Institute of General Practice also received two scientific awards at the Congress - institute employees won third place in the Dr. Lothar Beyer Awards (German family medicine research prize), as well as the poster prize in the category "(Research) Project of great importance for education and specialist training in general practice".

Further information: DEGAM press release - "DEGAM anniversary congress - a worthy showcase for general practice research" [link]

 13.10.2016

Nationwide recognition for the Hesse mentoring program for doctors undergoing specialist training in general practice

 

The Hesse mentoring program currently being undertaken at the competence centers for specialist training in general practice received the poster prize in the category "(Research) Project of great importance for education and specialist training in general practice" at this year's DEGAM Congress in Frankfurt am Main.

Since 2013, the mentoring program for doctors undergoing specialist training in the field of general practice has provided support during the period of specialist training and is offered in parallel to a seminar program. In the mentoring groups, topics that are important to doctors undergoing specialist training from an organizational and personal perspective are discussed. These include preparation for the specialist examinations and the reconciliation of work and family life. The mentoring program is sponsored by the Hesse Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration and the Adolf-Messer Foundation. The Hesse-based competence centers for specialist training in general practice are very grateful for the support and would like to thank all contributors to the program.

Poster: "Mentoring for doctors undergoing specialist training in general practice" [PDF]

 12.10.2016

Ruhr Political Forum - Wait and see is not an option ...

We are becoming older, fewer and more colorful. Everyone is talking about demographic change, a decline in the population and migration. And the clock is ticking - Slowly but surely technological progress and an expansion in supply are stretching the limits of the financial basis of our health system.

The analyses of the German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System show that these developments are a cause for concern and that resolute action is necessary: waiting to see what happens is not an option. Professor Ferdinand M. Gerlach will be a guest at the Ruhr political forum on November 21, 2016.

 06.10.2016

The last of the series of lectures on "What promotes healing?"

"Choosing Wisely - Less is more, more or less"
Prof. James McCormack, Kanada

Frankfurt, 06.10.2016. Less is sometimes more - in medicine that is especially true for the prescription of drugs. In a lively and entertaining lecture that was the last in the series of lectures on "What promotes healing?" the Canadian Professor of Pharmaceutics James McCormack showed how doctors can make progress towards achieving this aim. The Institute of General Practice's five-part Series of Lectures by prominent personalities enabled students, teachers and other interested participants to take a fresh look at a range of topics surrounding health and healing.

James McCormack, Professor of Pharmaceutics at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, is one of the leading experts in the field of polypharmacy. His mission is to promote the sensible and well-considered use of drugs. Polypharmacy often means too many drugs that are often unsuitable and taken in excessive doses. To counteract this, McCormack recommends an unconventional approach: Scrutinize all available information and ask which medical treatments have actually been proven to be successful.

To illustrate his demands, McCormack debunks many of the everyday medical myths that surround us such as "carrots are good for the eyes", and "it's healthy to drink eight glasses of water a day". It has never been proven that it is harmful to go swimming after eating, but such pearls of medical wisdom are tenacious.

Medical knowledge is in continuous flux, according to the Professor. His motto is therefore to focus on evidence-based data and to use one's common sense, "a superpower that has become rare", for the benefit of patients. This means taking a critical look at guidelines and recommendations and checking to see that data supports claims of usefulness.

In his lecture, McCormack demonstrated that it is often possible to gradually reduce the dose of necessary medications by a significant margin. It is of the utmost importance that the drug is prioritized according to usefulness and side effects in order to determine the lowest effective dose. This is because many drugs are effective at doses that are well below those recommended by producers, McCormack said. Summarizing, he added that individual usefulness to the patient is key. The patient must be actively involved in the decision making process in order to jointly develop a sensible and practicable treatment plan. Various tools that are available on the internet can also provide practical support, such as calculators of individual risk of illness or the "MedStopper" platform [link].

James McCormack has worked hard to disseminate his message to the world and makes use of his passion for music to do so. He has since become something of a "YouTube-Star" for his entertaining covers of classic songs such as:
"Choosing Wisely" [link]
"Bohemian Polypharmacy Video" [link]

Further information on the lecture series can be found here [link]

 04.10.2016

Shaping the future - Health care is provided locally

Within the framework of its regional health platform (Gesundheitskonferenz), the district of Reutlingen has taken an innovative route to providing local health care services in recent years. The best example is the Health Center in Hohenstein, and the involvement of the district council in regional health care planning.

You are cordially invited to discuss the further development of outpatient health care structures with renowned national and international speakers, particularly with regard to the example of patient orientation and multi-professionalism in Canada. Students of medicine and nursing will present their ideas in a discussion with Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe.

Thursday, October 13, 2016
from 13:30 Uhr
in Hohenstein-Oberstetten

Flyer [PDF]

 26.09.2016

German HR2-Culture Radio Program: Speaking to Ferdinand M. Gerlach, "Family Doctor Lobbyist"

The DEGAM German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians is celebrating its 50th Anniversary at a major Congress in Frankfurt at the end of September. For Ferdinand Gerlach, the most important task facing family doctors is to protect patients from too many diagnostic investigations and too much therapy and thus to avert harm. He speaks to Regina Oehler about how to set about achieving this task, as well as the substantial changes that are necessary if our illness system is to become a health system.

Long version (46 Minutes) [link]

Short version (24 Minutes) [link]

 16.08.2016

Fourth event day of the rural outing in Fulda takes place in July 2016
City tour, adventure hike and a chance to exchange experiences

On Saturday, July 16, it was once again time for the Fulda event day, the high spot of the Fulda rural outing.

A total of 10 students, who had previously participated in the general practice internship in the country region, met up with Professor Ferdinand Gerlach and two employees from the Institute of General Practice in the beautiful baroque town of Fulda. They were welcomed by Mr. Waber, an employee of the Fulda district council, who accompanied them throughout the day.

The day began with an entertaining, exciting and interesting city tour. For many of the participants it was the first but definitely not the last time they would visit this impressive baroque Episcopal city.

After visiting Fulda cathedral and the historical center, they took the pre-arranged minibuses to the foot of the Milseburg. At this point, the group was joined by the teaching physicians Dr. Dorothee Wild and Dr. Ralph-Michael Hönscher, who is also member and spokesman of the Health Network of Eastern Hesse. Furthermore, Mr. Stephan Eydt (Administration Director) and Professor Gabriele Köhler (Director of the Institute of Pathology) from the Fulda Hospital arrived to join the group. Altogether, the party took advantage of the sunshine to enjoy an excellent lunch at the "Fuldaer Haus" restaurant overlooking the Rhön. During the lunch, the aspiring and seasoned doctors took the opportunity to enjoy an animated and thought-provoking conversation.

Fortified by the meal, the students and teachers set off to climb the Milseburg. They were accompanied by one of the rangers from the Rhön nature reserve, who was able to explain the special characteristics of the flora and fauna, as well as the geological features, of this marvelous area. After climbing to the summit, a group photo was taken. Directly below the summit, the Fulda district council invited everyone for coffee and cake in a rustic café before it was time to descend the mountain to rejoin the buses and conclude a wonderful day.

Without doubt, the day was an incentive for the young medical students to consider combining their future medical careers with the fantastic leisure opportunities to be found in the Rhön.

The eventful day and the array of enjoyable experiences in a beautiful area will undoubtedly remain in the memories of the participants.

We would like to thank the District of Fulda for organizing and financing the event.

 22.07.2016

Series of lectures "What promotes healing?"
"Less is sometimes more - quaternary prevention to protect against too much and wrong medicine"
Prof. Dr. Ferdinand M. Gerlach, MPH

"A lot helps a lot" - nagging doubts as to the truth of that statement have made the rounds in the past. But following the lecture on quaternary prevention, we know for sure that less can often mean more.

Professor Ferdinand M. Gerlach is not only Director of the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main. He is also, as the Chairman of the German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System, Germany's foremost health expert. Furthermore, he is also the current President of the German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DEGAM).

Based on this extensive expertise, Professor Gerlach was able to convincingly demonstrate which megatrends and factors influence the German health care system and which resulting challenges must be faced in the future.

Gerlach strikingly illustrated that in day-to-day medical care, overuse, underuse and misuse of the system all exist at the same time and lead to many absurdities. But it is overuse that plays the central role, and one that is extremely obvious to many doctors. Overuse at one point in the system leads not to a curtailment in health, or at least no benefit, but also means that the limited resources in the health care system are lacking elsewhere. But what are the causes of such misallocations? Amongst other things, Gerlach spoke of the "organized irresponsibility" that results from a combination of misplaced systemic incentives and capacity, as well as sectoral divides and poor coordination.

But when is treatment appropriate? In the opinion of the Chairman of the Advisory Council, it is important when providing medical care, not only to take evidence-based medicine into consideration, but also the doctor's assessment of each individual case and the preferences of the patient.

At the end of the talk, Professor Gerlach was able to make specific suggestions that would enable the doctors and students in the audience to avoid overuse, underuse and misuse, at least to some extent.

The topicality of the subject and the great interest it elicited were confirmed during a stimulating discussion between the lecturer and audience following the talk.

The last of the series of lectures organized by the Institute of General Practice will take place on October 5. The topic will be "Choosing Wisely - Less is more, more or less" and the lecture will be held by Professor James McCormack (Canada).

Further information on the series of lectures can be found on the Institute of General Practice homepage [link]

 30.06.2016

Head of Gerontology department on the FOCUS 2016 list of doctors

The Juli/August 2016 special issue of FOCUS Health has just hit the newsstands and is entitled "Germany's top doctors". It includes the well known and highly regarded list of doctors that the magazine has published regularly since 1993. The compilation of the doctors that Focus considers to be the best includes 29 representatives from the Frankfurt University Hospital. One of these is the head of the gerontology department at the Institute of General Practice, Johannes Pantel. Professor Pantel has now received this nomination in the category "Alzheimer/Dementia" for the second year running. The nomination is based on the evaluation of specialist journals and recommendations from patient associations and professional colleagues.

Press release [link]

 30.06.2016

Series of lectures - "What promotes healing?"
"To be healthy is paramount? Life, no thanks - the human being is more than medical findings"
Prof. Dr. Annelie Keil

Professor Keil has long enjoyed cult status among students in Bremen. In addition to many TV and radio appearances on the subject of health and sickness throughout Germany, she also captivated her audience at a lecture in Frankfurt.
During her talk, she provided a simple answer to the question "What promotes healing?", namely "Life itself!"

From 1971-2004, Annelie Keil was a professor at Bremen University working in the fields of social work theory, sickness research, applied biography and living environment research and was for a long time Dean of the Faculty of Human and Health Sciences. In 1992, she was awarded the Berninghausen Prize for excellent teaching and in 2004 the Federal Cross of Merit.

During her lecture, Professor Keil asked provocative questions such as what it is that makes a life worth living, or to what extent a doctor can really influence the healing process. She was quick to point out that medical knowledge is certainly immensely important, but at the same time support provided to the patient by the doctor throughout the illness and in the decision-making process also plays a central role. Patient-physician interaction, as well as the atmosphere at the doctor's practice and at the hospital, are powerful stimuli that the patient associates with the therapy. An important aspect of medical and nursing treatment is the demonstration of what patients can do to influence their illness and the provision of support to enable them to make the most of their capabilities and to participate actively in the healing process.

Keil, who was born in 1939, draws from extensive real-life experience, having, as a young woman, had a heart attack and survived several cancerous diseases. "Life hasn't promised us anything but it offers a great deal", Keil said. Health is worth nothing without a good illness.
"We are on slippery ground and illness and calamity can always strike. When they do, the important thing is "to keep cool and make progress". Healing means awakening the will to live and a passion for life. By doing so, it is possible to produce the urge to be healthy. These are extremely important steps and ones to which doctors and nurses can contribute through their medical care. Healing is a process and a question of attitude. There are many interpretations of when a patient has truly been cured.
The audience was so captivated by the lecture that you could have heard a needle drop.
In summary, those present at the lecture learned that health is an all-encompassing life skill that needs to be constantly renewed through intuition, experience of illness, heart and mind.

"We are born with a brain but we have to learn to use it", which basically means that we must identify and influence factors that can promote the healing process! The audience used the remaining 30 minutes to ask questions. The Institute of General Practice's lecture series continues:

- on July 13, when Professor Ferdinand Gerlach will give a talk on "Less is sometimes more - quaternary prevention to protect against too much and wrong medicine"
- on October 5, when Professor James McCormack, BSc (Pharm), PharmD will come to Frankfurt's Institute of General Practice from Canada and hold a lecture entitled "Choosing Wisely - Less is more, more or less".

All information on the series of lectures can be found on the Institute of General Practice homepage [link]

 22.06.2016

Series of lectures "What promotes healing?"
Happiness is potentially healthy
Professor Tobias Esch

The second lecture of the Institute of General Practice's series of lectures entitled "What promotes healing?" was held by Professor Tobias Esch. He is professor of Integrated Health Care and Promotion in Witten-Herdecke , and carries out research in the U.S. (Harvard, New York). The author of the book "The Neurobiology of Happiness" made the most of a one-hour lecture to explain in an accessible way "The Neurobiology of Well-Being - What is happiness?". He explained scientifically but nevertheless clearly that the usual suspects, money, genes, health and community are only partially responsible for increasing happiness. Professor Esch has developed a model that demonstrates that over an entire lifespan different types of happiness such as pleasure/lust, relief/reducing tension, as well as bliss/happiness replace one another as the person ages and becomes more mature. At the same time, Professor Esch never forgot the neurobiological influence of the reward system and was able to demonstrate convincingly that happiness is potentially healthy! The lecture motivated the students that were present to ask numerous questions and to continue the discussion with the lecturer for a further hour.

The Institute of General Practice's lecture series continues:
- on June 29, when Professor Annelie Keil will give a lecture entitled "To be healthy is paramount? Life, no thanks - the human being is more than medical findings"
- on July 13, when Professor Ferdinand Gerlach will give a talk on "Less is sometimes more - quaternary prevention to protect against too much and wrong medicine"
- on October 5, when Professor James McCormack, BSc (Pharm), PharmD will come to Frankfurt's Institute of General Practice from Canada and hold a lecture entitled "Choosing Wisely - Less is more, more or less".

All information on the series of lectures can be found on the Institute of General Practice homepage [link]

 03.06.2016

Series of lectures "What promotes healing?"
Wishes for tomorrow's physicians.
Memo on the lecture by Eckart von Hirschhausen

At the opening event, Eckart von Hirschhausen described his medical studies and his time as an assistant doctor, sometimes seriously, sometimes in a lighter vein but always with an eye on his main objective, namely that everyone should go home having recognized one thing for certain: humor plays a vital role for patients and physicians, even in hospitals. But it is also important to take the time to pause for a moment of reflection and treat each patient as an individual and even to slip into the role of the patient from time to time. All these things are important, but are rarely considered during medical studies. In his everyday work, the doctor should never forget to look people in the eye, take patients by the hand from time to time, and be aware how significant such small gestures can be. All these things are very important to Hirschhausen.

To ensure that his key messages reach students that were not fortunate enough to be present, Eckart von Hirschhausen has prepared a comprehensive summary of his lecture.

Wishes for tomorrow's physicians. Memo on the lecture by Eckart von Hirschhausen is available in German [link].

 01.06.2016

Series of lectures "What promotes healing?"
A series of events organized by the Institute of General Practice

Kick-off lecture held by Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen on June 1st.

The high-caliber lecturers came from throughout Germany - with the exception of Professor McCormack who came all the way from Canada - because it was important to them to join the students of medicine and dentistry and their teachers at the opening of this special event.

...and then it began!

Every seat in the lecture hall was taken. For those who were unable to find a seat, there was still some room on the steps. There was a buzz in the air and red foam noses were everywhere to be seen on the folding tables.

When the series of lectures was opened by Professor Ferdinand M. Gerlach, Director of the Institute of General Practice, the murmuring ceased and everyone paid attention to the incisive but humorous introduction.

Professor Gerlach and Professor Tobias Esch (Witten-Herdecke/Harvard) jointly described how the idea for the exceptional series of lectures came into being. They introduced the lecturers and gave an overview of their contributions, thus whetting the appetite of the listeners. Even now, it is clear that those present were not planning to miss any of the later talks.

Professor Annelie Keil (Bremen), who will hold her lecture on June 29, addressed the audience with a few personal words. Keil, who was born in 1939, presented herself as one of a generation that "...is rolling dementedly towards the listeners with a rolling frame...".

It was obvious that the series of events was not going to be marked by any lack of humor. As Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen began his talk, he was met by thunderous applause. After he had begun his lecture with a few witty comments, it was immediately clear to everyone that the next couple of hours were going to be special!

Hirschhausen described his medical studies and his time as an assistant physician, sometimes seriously, sometimes in a lighter vein, but always with an eye on the main objective, namely that everyone should go home having recognized one thing for certain: humor plays a vital role for patients and physicians, even in hospitals. "Laughter is simply the best medicine!" ...

Taking the time to pause for a moment of reflection, and treating each patient as an individual, and even occasionally slipping into the role of the patient, all these things are important, but rarely considered during medical studies. In his everyday work, the doctor should never forget to look people in the eye, take patients by the hand from time to time and be aware how significant such small gestures can be. All these things are very important to Hirschhausen.

His words clearly made a deep impression on the listeners, something that the many enthusiastic voices after the lecture unanimously confirmed.

The 2 ½ hours passed by in a flash, and the following events promise to be equally outstanding. Great anticipation is already noticeable among the lecturers, listeners and the Institute of General Practice that organized the series.

The series continues ... on June 22 when Professor Tobias Esch will give a talk entitled: The neurobiology of well-being - What is happiness?",
on June 29, Professor Annelie Keil with "To be healthy is paramount? Life, no thanks - the human being is more than medical findings" and
on July 13, Professor Ferdinand Gerlach will captivate his audience with a talk on "Less is sometimes more - quaternary prevention to protect against too much and wrong medicine" until after the summer break when
on October 5, Professor James McCormack, BSc (Pharm), PharmD will come to Frankfurt's Institute of General Practice from Canada and hold an unusual and entertaining lecture on "Choosing Wisely - Less is more, more or less" for all students and their teachers in the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry.

All information on the series of lectures can be found on the Institute of General Practice homepage [link]

 31.05.2016

Exhibition of works of art from the ARTEMIS project to take place in town hall for the elderly

Selected works of art created by persons with dementia and their relatives as part of the ARTEMIS project will be exhibited in the Frankfurt town hall for the elderly from 04.07.2016 until probably the end of September. ARTEMIS is a research project being conducted by the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Goethe University Frankfurt and Staedel Museum, and sponsored by the Schambach family foundation. The aim of the project is to investigate how interactive museum visits and occupation with art can contribute towards improving emotional well-being and quality of life of people with dementia.

The pieces of art that were created as part of the project cover various topics and techniques and clearly illustrate the creative potential and artistic freedom of the participants.

At 1:00 pm on Monday, July 4th, the opening of the exhibition will be celebrated as part of a kick-off event for the "Growing older in Frankfurt" Action Week to be opened by the Frankfurt mayor Peter Feldmann. We would like to cordially invite you to join us there.

You can find further details of the kick-off event and information on how to get there [link].

 21.03.2016

Research project nominated for the Felix Burda Award

Professor Andrea Siebenhofer-Kroitzsch, deputy director of the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University Frankfurt and Director of the Institute of General Practice and Evidence-based Health Services Research at the Medical University of Graz, and the team working on the FRIDA.Frankfurt study (Positive family history of colorectal cancer in a general practice setting) have been nominated for the Felix Burda Award 2016 in the category Medicine & Science. The prize, which is endowed with €5000, is awarded annually for outstanding projects in the field of cancer prevention.

A sub-project of the FRIDA.Frankfurt study entitled "Validation of the Network against Colorectal Cancer's questionnaire on the familial and hereditary risk of developing bowel cancer" has been nominated. The project investigates for the first time whether the questionnaire is a suitable tool for detecting a familial predisposition for the development of colorectal cancer in a general practice setting.

The prize was awarded in Munich on April 17.

 14.03.2016

Rural Outing 2.0 - Innovative teaching project initiated by three rural districts and the Institute of General Practice

The rural districts of Fulda, Bergstrasse, Hochtaunuskreis and the Institute of General Practice are cooperating on a program to establish a teaching project to encourage young doctors to set up their practices in rural regions. The Rural Outing 2.0 program that has been developed for this purpose is scheduled to begin during the Winter Term 2016/2017 and is directed at students who have begun the clinical stage of their studies. The program is embedded in the curriculum and will provide participants with the opportunity to gain practical experience in family practices in a rural setting during their studies. [mehr]

 03.02.2016

Qualitative Studies in Health Care Research
DNVF working group publishes 3rd discussion paper

Assisted by Dr. Corina Guethlin, the working group of the German Network of Health Services Research (DNVF e.V.) published its third discussion paper on methods for realizing and evaluating quality in qualitative health care research. The third paper focuses on the quality of qualitative health care research and follows the first and second parts on respectively defining the subjects for study, and the state of qualitative health care research in Germany. In the third part, approaches to evaluating the quality of qualitative research in the literature are discussed. This is followed by an intensive discussion of the various process-oriented evaluation criteria. In the discussion paper, questions on the individual criteria are then formulated that researchers, as well as other readers and reviewers responsible for implementing and evaluating qualitative research, should ask themselves. In this way, the working group, that was initiated by Professor Thorsten Meyer (Hanover), hopes to contribute to furthering the transparent presentation of, rationale for and reflection on the methodological procedures used in the course of qualitative studies in health care research.

Stamer M., Güthlin C., Holmberg C, Karbach U., Patzelt C., Meyer T., für die Arbeitsgruppe Qualitative Methoden des Deutschen Netzwerks Versorgungsforschung (DNVF) e.V.: Qualitative Studien in der Versorgungsforschung – Diskussionspapier, Teil 3: Qualität qualitativer Studien. Gesundheitswesen 2015: 77: 966-975. [link]

Karbach U, Stamer M, Holmberg C, Güthlin C, Patzelt C, Meyer T (2012) Qualitative Studien in der Versorgungsforschung - Diskus­sionspapier, Teil 2: Stand qualitativer Versorgungsforschung in Deutschland - ein exemplarischer Überblick. Gesundheitswesen 74(08/09):516-525 [link]

Meyer T, Karbach U, Holmberg C, Güthlin C, Patzelt C, Stamer M (2012) Qualitative Studien in der Versorgungsforschung - Diskussionspapier, Teil 1: Gegenstandsbestimmung. Gesundheitswesen 74(08/09):510-515 [doi]

 06.11.2015

General Practice: A discipline gains momentum

Not all medical faculties have a Professorship of General Practice. But general practice is no longer considered a niche subject. That is the result of a survey with a high response rate that was carried out by "Deutsches Ärzteblatt", a German Medical Journal.

Professor Ferdinand Gerlach, President of DEGAM, the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine, has long been fighting for greater recognition of the discipline. "At the beginning of the 90s, there was only one professor, and seven research scientists, in the whole of Germany," he recalled on the occasion of last year's International Family Practitioner Day. Now 27 of a total of 37 medical faculties have independent Institutes or Departments of General Practice where high quality research work is carried out that is recognized internationally.

Do General Practice staff at other medical faculties share Gerlach's positive appraisal? What is the state of affairs at other universities?

You can read the entire Deutsches Ärzteblatt article here (in German) [link].

 02.11.2015

Workshops for the future in Rhineland-Palatinate: Start-up meeting on Oct 28

The start-up meeting for the "Local workshops for the future aimed at safeguarding medical care" project took place in Mainz on October 28. The project is part of the future-oriented "Health and Care" program that is being implemented by the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor, Health and Demographics. In cooperation with Quaestio Research and Consultancy, the Institute of General Practice at Frankfurt University is coordinating the provision of consultancy services to project regions and the moderation of the workshops for the future. The aim of the workshops is to develop solutions that will safeguard health care and ensure there are enough new practitioners in the region in the future.

The press release issued by the Ministry is available (in German) [link], Ärztezeitung [link].

 15.09.2015

Frankfurt Ageing Researcher awarded Innovation Prize

Dr. Valentina Tesky, who works in the Geriatric Medicine department (Director Prof. Johannes Pantel) of the Institute of General Practice at the Frankfurt-based Goethe University, will be awarded the 2015 Caecilia Schwarz prize for innovation in elderly care by the German Association for Public and Private Welfare e.V. She will receive the prize for her project entitled "Development, Implementation and Evaluation of an Intervention Program for Active Cognitive Stimulation in the Elderly" at a Ceremony to take place in Berlin on September 24, 2015.

The Caecilia Schwarz prize, which is endowed with up to €10,000, aims to support young researchers that, amongst other things, present innovative developments in their scientific work that will enable elderly persons to achieve a high degree of independence in their living situation. The dissertation based on the AKTIVA project was distinguished with the grade "summa cum laude" by the Faculty of Medicine at Goethe University.

Ms. Tesky’s dissertation describes innovative, behavior-based group training that was developed as part of the AKTIVA project (Active Cognitive Stimulation – Prevention in the Elderly). The project focused on increasing cognitively stimulating leisure and day-to-day activities among the elderly and showed that participation in the training leads to an improvement in mental capabilities. In consequence, it is hoped that the cognitive deterioration in mental performance that occurs as a result of dementia can be prevented on a lasting basis. The AKTIVA manual, which was written mainly for team leaders working with senior citizens, has been available in book shops since 2013. The detailed manual provides a step-by-step explanation on the independent implementation of AKTIVA training, thus enabling the training program to be widely used.

  23.06.2015

International Patient Safety Day

The Alliance for Patient Safety (APS) and its international partners are declaring an International Patient Safety Day for the first time.

A worldwide day of action is to take place on September 17, 2015.

All motivated health care professionals are invited to play an active role. All kinds of activities will be presented with the aim of increasing patient safety.

This year's focus will be on hygiene and avoiding infections.

Patient Safety Day [link]

  10.06.2015

Pilot project for more patient safety launched

Mistakes happen wherever people work - this is also true of the doctor at your local practice: perhaps laboratory results get mixed up, or diagnoses are recorded wrongly. Cross-practice error reporting and learning systems help to avoid medical errors. Contrary to the situation in hospitals, such systems are relatively rare in the German outpatient sector. This is about to change.

On June 9, a scientifically supported pilot project for more patient safety in the physician's practice was launched. The two-year prototype phase will commence at 70 family and specialist practices belonging to the Health Care Network for Quality and Efficiency (QuE) in Nuremberg. It is also being supported by the Techniker Krankenkasse health insurance fund's scientific institute (WINEG) and the Institute of General Practice at the Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main.

Press release (in German) [PDF]

  03.06.2015

Mentoring program for future GPs in German state of Hesse

The mentoring program at the General Practice Specialist Training Academy supports prospective family physicians throughout the whole of their specialist training, both personally and from an organizational perspective. An experienced specialist physician and an educational scientist support the groups of around 10 doctors in specialist training by promoting the exchange of information on the course among participants. The doctors can also turn to them if they have any personal questions. The program aims to provide prospective General Practitioners with a sense of belonging and has received official certification from the German Mentoring Association.

  23.04.2015

Take on greater responsibility
A therapy proposal to improve healthcare in rural areas

Wouldn't it be better, particularly in rural areas, if occupational- and physio-therapists, as well as nursing staff, were permitted to take on more responsibility and were thus allowed to take some of the pressure off doctors?

At the very least, healthcare professionals should cooperate more with one another. This is something that the Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Healthcare System has been demanding since 2007.

In other countries, the provision of healthcare has long profited from the competence, experience and greater involvement of healthcare professionals and nursing staff. Politicians need to take on more responsibility in order that this can happen in Germany too.

Experts from the fields of politics, research and heathcare will be discussing this topic at Bestwig City Hall on May 13, 2015.

Programm (in German) [PDF]

Further information: Gesundheitsakademie SMMP, Schwestern der heiligen Maria Magdalena Postel [link]

  17.04.2015

SALUT! Health Congress in Saarbrücken

6. und 7. Mai 2015
congress centrum saar

The perspective is a new one: Salut! will be focusing the discussion on people in their social, living and working environments. Healthcare will be seen as part of a whole that takes into account the ways of life of individuals and the community services that are required to support them.

Salut! is seeking a dialog with all healthcare professionals that see people and patients within the context of the reality of their everyday lives rather than as the objects of healthcare.

Further information and the program can be found on the salut-gesundheit.de website [link]

 26.03.2015

Hesse Health Pact 2.0
Promotion of Education and Training in General Practice

The Hesse Health Pact 2.0 was signed in Wiesbaden on March 23, 2015. The Universities of Frankfurt am Main and Marburg made up one of the 15 partners that have contributed so importantly to ensuring the continued provision of quality health care in the German State of Hesse.

Competence Centers for Specialist Training had already been established at the Universities' General Practice Institutes as part of the First Hesse Health Pact (2012 - 2014). Since then, they have provided doctors with comprehensive specialist training in general practice: Accompanying seminars are provided, along with mentoring and consulting services and further information concerning the training.

The State of Hesse will provide a further €4 million from 2015 - 2018 in order to safeguard the provision of quality health care, particularly in rural areas. To inspire students of medicine and doctors to take an interest in general practice, special incentives and education and training programs are being offered:

  • The State will pay medical students that complete their clinical traineeship at a rural practice a grant of €600 a month.
  • Health insurers are offering a grant of €600 a month (up to a maximum of €2,400) to students that complete an elective in general practice, pediatrics, or undergo specialist general practice training, during their one-year practical internships.
  • The competence centers for specialist training in general practice will receive annual financial support amounting to €250,000, or €100,000 more than in the previous years.

As a result of education and training support, work at general practice institutes at universities can be continued and developed - additional places for final-year medical students, the expansion of the Specialist Training Academy, a Train the Trainer program for specialist trainers and further evaluation of specialist training are all in the pipeline.

Press release (in German) [PDF]

 26.03.2015

Versorgungsstärkungsgesetz (Health Care Reinforcement Law) is heard by Health Committee of German Parliament

Health and social experts attested to positive elements in the Health Care Reinforcement Law but also saw the need for certain parts to be revised.

The increase in the number of specialist training positions to 7,500 from 5,000 was viewed positively. At the hearing, the German Association of General Practitioners demanded that a change take place in the current trend to be seen in family practice-based health care. They added that it would be sensible to increase the number of competence centers and promote joint specialist training.

Professor Ferdinand Gerlach, who was the individual expert appointed and invited by the CDU/CSU and SPD parties, pointed out that currently only one in every two retiring family physicians are able to find a successor for his or her practice. At the same time, one third of students are interested in family medicine. The problem is therefore not lack of interest but the inadequacy of specialist training. It is therefore absolutely essential that the quality and appeal of specialist training in general practice be improved, Professor Gerlach remarked.

Professor Gerlach had to answer a number of questions concerning various topics. He - with the support of Uli Weigeldt of the Association of General Practitioners and Regina Feldmann of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians - strongly urged that competence centers to support specialist training in general practice be supported. The topic is covered from 0 h 54 m to 1 h 08 m on the German parliamentary TV channel. [link]

 27.02.2015

13th Baden-Wuerttemberg Family Doctor Day

The Baden-Wuerttemberg Association of General Practitioners would like to invite you to its Family Doctor Day, which takes place in Stuttgart on March 6-7, 2015. This year's motto for the day will be "The Family Doctor of the Future".

In addition to numerous seminars on medical contract-related topics, there will be a discussion on health policy on Saturday entitled "The Family Doctor of the Future - Perspectives in rural areas".

Further information and program (in German) [link]

 23.02.2015

Two 3-year doctoral scholarships to be awarded

The Frankfurt Forum for Interdisciplinary Ageing Research (FFIA), Goethe University, Frankfurt, is seeking to award two 3-year doctoral scholarships to young researchers by May 1, 2015.
The grant will amount to €1,300 a month.

Application (in German) [PDF]

 27.01.2015

Frankfurt medical scientist once again appointed chairman of board of health experts


(Copyright: BMG/Schinkel)

On January 26th, the German Federal Health Minister Hermann Gröhe once again appointed Prof. Ferdinand M. Gerlach, Executive Director of the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University, Chairman of the German Board of Health Experts.

The interdisciplinary German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System has seven members and is considered to be the most important committee of experts with responsibility for German health policy. Ferdinand Gerlach has been a member of the Council since 2007 and Chairman since 2012.

The Advisory Council defines priorities with regard to healthcare deficits and overcapacity and makes recommendations with respect to the further development of the healthcare system. In this regard, the Council writes a report every two years which it then presents to the upper and lower houses of German parliament. In 2015, the Council plans to write a special report on the development of sickness benefits. In the past years, it has also attracted substantial attention with reports on "Needs-based Health Care: Opportunities for Rural Regions and Selected Health Care Sectors" and "Competition at the Interfaces between inpatient and outpatient Healthcare" They contain far-reaching recommendations on the further development of the healthcare system with regard to both content and structure.

Press release (in German) [link]

You can find further information on the members and responsibilities of the Advisory Council, as well as the reports, by clicking the following link: www.svr-gesundheit.de.

 20.01.2015

Promoting the clinical internship year

From January 1, 2015, the promotion of the clinical internship year for medical students at recognized teaching practices will go into effect in the state of Hesse.

The General Assembly of the Association of SHI-accredited physicians in Hesse (KV Hessen) passed the resolution for medical students in accredited teaching practices in the state in accordance with the Medical Licensure Act for Physicians of June 27, 2002 (ÄApprO 2002).

The promotion is based on a new guideline on the financial sponsorship of the clinical internship year for the clinical elective general practice and associated specialist fields of study (the groups of physicians that are considered to be associated with general practice are pediatricians, ophthalmologists, surgeons, gynecologists, ENT physicians, dermatologists, neurologists, orthopedists, urologists and psychotherapists).

The guideline went into effect on January 1, 2015.

Students will receive €600 per month of full-time training, or a total of €2,400 for the four month period the elective lasts. Further information and all necessary forms can be found on the KV Hessen website [link].

 21.11.2014

Doctoral student awarded poster prize

The chemist Fiona v. Büdingen is working on a cross-disciplinary doctorate on the subject of multimedication. While in the process of evaluating PRIMUM (Priorization of multimedication in multimorbidity) data, she noticed a correlation that has hitherto received little attention: drug prescriptions of elderly multimorbid patients taking multiple medications that have been issued in family practices are changed surprisingly often. This circumstance is important for drug therapy safety, as frequent therapy changes raise the risk of medication errors.

Furthermore, frequent changes in prescriptions raise the complexity of the medication and therefore make it more difficult for patients to adhere to their therapies. In this connection (falling therapy adherence and rising complexity), available data stems almost exclusively from cross-sectional observations of patients' medication regimens, while longitudinal data is hardly available at all. This innovative approach convinced participants in the poster session at the 21st Annual Congress of the Association for Drug Use Research and Drug Epidemiology (GAA), as well as those that took part in the 9th Pharmocovigilance Day in Bonn on November 21/22. Fiona von Büdingen was awarded the 3rd poster prize for her work.

F. von Büdingen (1), M. Beyer (1), M. van den Akker (2), L. Uhlmann (3), F.M. Gerlach (1), C. Muth (1) "Absetzen, hinzufügen oder ändern? Dynamik medikamentöser Verordnungen bei älteren multimorbiden Patienten mit Multimedikation in der Hausarztpraxis." 1 Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt/Main; 2 School CAPHRI, Department of Family Medicine, Maastricht University, NL; 3 Institut für Medizinische Biometrie und Informatik (IMBI), Universität Heidelberg

 06.10.2014

Symposium of the Council of Experts:
The future of General Practice and Health Care in rural districts

On September 30, 2014, the German Council of Health Experts presented its most recent report at a Symposium of 500 health professionals in Berlin.
The principal issue covered in the report is the question how to ensure that health care in rural districts meets medical needs.

The welcome address given by Federal Minster of Health Hermann Groehe [link] and introductory remarks by the Council's Chairman Prof. Ferdinand Gerlach [link] are available online.

For those who are interested, all the presentations and video recordings are available here [link].

 25.09.2014

Seminar on patient safety and physician liability

What medical physicians should know and the expertise they require in order to avoid adverse events and react appropriately when medical errors occur.

The course will start with an introduction to the topic by means of an e-learning module that will teach participants the basics of patient safety in their own time in the weeks before the face-to-face modules begin. The face-to-face modules will take place at the Berlin Medical Association on 21 - 22.11.2014, 16 - 17.01.2015, and 27 - 28.02.2015. They will commence at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays and end at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

More information (in German) [PDF]

Flyer [PDF]

 25.09.2014

German patient safety prize 2014/2015

The German Coalition for Patient Safety in cooperation with Aesculap Akademie, Ecclesia Versicherungsdienst, MSD SHARP & DOHME GMBH and the Thieme publishing house will be awarding the German prize for patient safety for the second time in 2014/2015.

Sustainable examples of best practice and outstanding practice-relevant research work on the subject of patient safety and risk management are being sought!

The prize is worth a total of €19,500 and will be awarded at the German Coalition for Patient Safety's annual meeting in Berlin in April 2015.

Applications must be submitted by October 31, 2014.

Announcement (in German) [PDF]

 17.09.2014

Nordic embassies Berlin conference to take place on October 20, 2014

Long distances to the next hospital, a lack of doctors in rural regions: the Nordic states have plenty of experience with such challenges to public health. Innovative solutions for health care policy will be presented at the conference; solutions that are becoming more and more necessary in Germany.

The Nordic embassies in Berlin and the Herbert Quandt-Foundation are jointly organizing the conference.

You can use the following [link], to register. Registrations must be submitted by October 1, 2014.

Further information can be found in the invitation [PDF].

 05.09.2014

Better and cheaper - A way to cure our health system

A panel discussion with Stefan Grüttner, welfare minister of the German state of Hesse

How do you change a "sickness system" into a health system. This is going to be the question that is discussed at the closing event of a course of radio lectures on health to be broadcast by the public radio station Hessische Runkfunk on Monday, September 15. The final panel discussion will include the Hesse Minister for Welfare and Integration Stefan Grüttner, Germany's principal health expert Ferdinand Gerlach and Bad Homburg neurologist and doctor of Chinese medicine Michael Hammes. The discussion will moderated by Regina Oehler, the radio editor of the event. Admission is free.

After the radio discussion, there will be an opportunity to exchange ideas with the organizers of the event. The evening will be musically accompanied by Thomas Heidepriem, one of the best German jazz bassists and a member of the Hessische Rundfunk big band. At 8:30 pm on September 16, excerpts from the discussion will be broadcast on the hr-iNFO radio program "Fit und Gesund" (fit and healthy).

The 26 contributions that make up the series of radio lectures on health can be downloaded as podcasts from www.funkkolleg-gesundheit.de

Panel discussion to conclude the series of radio lectures on health: 6:30 pm on Monday, September 15, Hessische Rundfunk, Bertramstraße 8, Frankfurt. Admission free.

 27.06.2014

Health experts demand family medicine be strengthened

On June 23, 2014, the German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System, which is made up of seven professors of medicine, presented its latest report entitled "Needs-based healthcare - perspectives for rural areas and selected services" to the German Federal Minister of Health Hermann Groehe. At the Federal Press Conference, Professor Ferdinand Gerlach, the chairman of the Advisory Council, pointed out that the report includes numerous far-reaching recommendations on how to promote general practice and strengthen the role of family medicine [more in German].

 22.05.2014

A successful 6th Frankfurt General Practice Day took place on May 10, 2014

On Saturday, May 10, 2014, what was already the sixth Frankfurt General Practice Day took place.

The General Practice Day is a well-established forum provided under the guidance of Professor Ferdinand Gerlach by the Frankfurt-based Institute of General Practice. It is independent of sponsors and very popular among highly motivated family practice teams. More than 250 general practitioners and their health care assistants, as well as physicians currently undergoing specialist training, attended a total of 29 practical and hands-on interactive workshops.

Rather than have a specialist lecturing from the front of a classroom, the focus at the General Practice Day is on interactive seminars during which participants can find out about new developments that are useful for their day-to-day work. In addition to a repeat of ever-popular topics such as ECGs, emergency health care, nutritional advice and multimedication, this year's event had a distinctive feature: In cooperation with the University Cancer Center, the focus was on the role of the family practice in providing health care for cancer patients.

Around a quarter of the workshops dealt with topics linked to cancer, such as "Children and adolescents with cancer - cured and then? Long-term effects and second cancers", "Supportive cancer care - sport- and supportive therapy", "An unusual blood count and enlarged lymph nodes: What is to be done?" Furthermore, there was a workshop that provided advice on cancer screening in family medicine, as well as several workshops dealing with palliative care.

Instead of the plenary session that generally takes place after the lunch break, this year's event included a special highlight: the ceremonial unveiling of the anniversary stele for general practice. More than 100 participants braved the onset of rain in anticipation of the unveiling of the mirrored "monument" for general practice and the incisive statements made by Prof. Dr. Ferdinand M. Gerlach, Prof. Dr. Thomas Klingebiel and Dr. Armin Wunder.

As in past years, a meeting of lecturers and doctors at academic teaching practices also took place. This year "evidence-based guidelines and general practice teaching" were discussed.

To summarize the 6th Frankfurt General Practice Day: It was made up of extremely content participants and highly motivated teachers and lecturers who will certainly wish to take part in the 7th General Practice Day.

Save the date!
Despite the great success of the event, the Frankfurt General Practice Day will only take place every two years in the future. This is because of difficulties finding the space at the university hospital and the enormous amount of organization such an event requires. The "7th Frankfurt General Practice Day" will therefore not take place until Saturday, April 23, 2016.

 23.04.2014

Anniversary-Stele General Practice
With the support of the Association for the Promotion of General Practice in Frankfurt am Main

The Association for the Promotion of General Practice in Frankfurt am Main (Verein zur Förderung der Allgemeinmedizin in Frankfurt am Main e.V.) was founded in 2013 and, amongst other things, aims to encourage young family doctors, to strengthen the sharing of professional experience and to support specific projects, such as the "Anniversary Stele General Practice".
The aim of this project is to establish a visible sign and to attract attention to the General Practice profession.

By purchasing one or several steles, you can contribute towards the realization of our first project. If you wish, your name can also be engraved on the stele. [link]

The ceremonial unveiling of the Anniversary-Stele will take place during the "6th Frankfurt General Practice Day" on May 10.
We would be pleased to welcome you as a member or sponsor of our association! Association for the Promotion of General Practice in Frankfurt am Main.

Contact: Dr. med. Armin Wunder

 02.04.2014

Operation Interface
Events and errors at the interface between family practice and hospital

Overcoming "interfaces" in our fragmented health care system is almost a subject of daily concern. Interfaces also represent possible risks in terms of patient safety.

The interface between family practice and hospital is far from being stress-free. Not only is there competition between the various health care providers, but different styles of work, perceptions, routines and ways of dealing with patients come into conflict with one another. It is rare that participants really understand how those on the other side (re-) act and, particularly when something goes wrong, the frustration often takes the form of mutual recriminations.

With this operation and in the interests of a positive error culture, it is our aim to look beyond the interface. We are therefore inviting hospital doctors and nurses to report on events that have occurred from the point of view of "the other side" and to discuss them with us. By working together, we hope to identify causes and avoidance strategies.

We are looking forward to finding about new aspects of problems at the interface that are highlighted by the reports. Why not join us!

www.jeder-fehler-zaehlt.de

Operation interface will run from the beginning of April to the end of May 2014.

 26.02.2014

A group of Kazakhstani doctors visits the Institute of General Practice

A group of women doctors from Kazakhstan visited our Institute on February 26, 2014. Eight doctors and an interpreter are currently travelling through Germany and taking a look at various health care facilities on behalf of the Health Ministry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and with the support of the German-Kazakhstani Association. During their visit, they are learning about the structure of the health care system and how health care is practiced in Germany, with the aim of identifying elements that can be transferred to Kazakhstan as part of the planned restructuring of the Kazakhstani health care system. The system is currently controlled by the state and medical care is mostly provided via health care centers, similar to the system in the former East Germany.

The Director of the Institute of General Practice Professor Ferdinand M. Gerlach gave the visitors a short introduction to the German health care system, and explained to his audience the importance of the role played by General Practitioners in German health care. He also spoke about the problems currently facing the system, such as a shortage of young doctors wishing to take up the profession of General Practitioner. The group of doctors from Kazakhstan was obviously impressed by the extensive work being carried out by the Institute, not least because up to now General Practice in Kazakhstan has played neither a role in university education and research, nor in specialist training. Concluding his talk, Professor Gerlach stressed the necessity of having the support of family doctors to create a strong primary health care system, if the health care system as a whole is to function well, independently of the country involved and existing structures there. The delegation thanked the Institute for a highly informative visit with a parting gift.

 12.12.2013

Presentation of innovative health care concepts in Berlin

On November 6-7, 2013, examples of innovative health care concepts and the initial results of the scientific evaluation of the InGe-Projekts, aimed at identifying new health care concepts, were presented to around 100 experts from research and practice. The presentation was part of a speech held at a symposium of the Robert Bosch Foundation entitled, "Ways to secure the future of health care". The experts discussed possibilities and requirements for greater regionalization in health care and improved cooperation between health care professionals.

More information can be found in German at www.innovative-gesundheitsmodelle.de [link]

 05.12.2013

Vacancy for part-time research assistant

We are looking for motivated and committed physicians with several years of clinical experience (ideally in oncology) and an interest in health services research.

We offer varied and future-oriented work on innovative research projects with a focus on health services research in oncology. The research will involve the use of both quantitative and qualitative methodological procedures.

In addition to working in a young and friendly team, we would also be pleased to help you realize your own individual career path (a doctorate or habilitation are possible). A flexible work schedule and the chance to spend time working from home, or the opportunity to combine the advertised post with clinical/practical work, are also possible.

Job advertisement (in German) [PDF]

 02.12.2013

1st General Practice Winter School in the Black Forest

In February 2014, a winter school under the umbrella of the 'prospects for family doctors' initiative (Perspektive Hausarzt) will be provided for the first time. The aim of the winter school is to confront interested students with theoretical and practical questions from the field of general practice.

Targeted learning and an introduction to work as a family doctor are of primary importance. The winter school will be accompanied by a supporting program that aims to familiarize students with the attractions of the region, as well as provide the chance for professional learning.

You can find additional information (in German) [here].

 13.11.2013

ZEIT Debates - Finals

In cooperation with the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT, debating societies throughout Germany regularly organize debating tournaments under the common umbrella of the "Association of Debating Societies at Institutions of Further Education" (VDCH).

At the tournaments, speakers compete with each other over several rounds. In a public debate and in front of an audience, they put up a fight for the most convincing arguments, quick-witted repartee, and last but not least the sympathy of the listeners.

After five preliminary rounds and a semi-final debate, the best four teams will enter the final, which will take place in the impressive Frankfurter Paulskirche at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 24, 2013.
[mehr]

 08.11.2013

Hamburger Impulse
"Incentives to enter Family Practice - New ways of teaching medicine wanted!"

Berlin, 4:30 pm, December 3, 2013

In the future, the gap between the number of doctors that have recently specialized in General Practice and the need for family doctors is going to widen further. It is therefore essential that more medical students are encouraged to specialize in General Practice.
Studies have demonstrated that student interest in family medicine tends to decline during the course of medical studies. It is therefore necessary to influence incentives in such a way that General Practice becomes the preferred choice of young doctors.

The Department of Health and Consumer Protection in the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg would like to cordially invite you to join us for the third in a series of events entitled Hamburger Impulse: "Incentives to enter Family Practice - New ways of teaching medicine wanted!"

Flyer [PDF]

 24.10.2013

Third year of DEGAM Junior Academy officially announced!
Apply now!

The German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine's (DEGAM) Junior Academy is the only one of its kind in Germany and provides special and unique support for students who are interested in general practice.

Experienced general practitioners provide students with long-term, individual support and personal mentoring.

The program includes annual weekend seminars, participation in DEGAM Congresses, one-time participation in a summer school, as well as scientific support and training for those that take part. Medical students in their fifth to eighth semesters are invited to apply. A maximum of 12 students per year may participate in the program.

The application deadline is January 15, 2014.

You can find further information on the DEGAM website here [link].

DEGAM is a scientific society for general practice and family medicine. It is independent, critical and innovative and develops and tests evidence-based guidelines for family doctors.

 16.09.2013

Prof. Gerlach re-elected President of the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine

Prof. Ferdinand Gerlach, Executive Director of the Institute of General Practice at Goethe University, was confirmed in his office as President of the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine with an overwhelming majority. The re-election for a further three years took place at the 47th Congress for General Practice and Family Medicine in Munich. At the same time, Prof. Erika Baum (University of Marburg) and Prof. Martin Scherer (University of Hamburg) were re-elected as vice Presidents.

Prof. Gerlach, who has held the office of DEGAM President for the past three years, commented that only every second GP that gives up his practice for reasons of age currently finds a successor and added that he will therefore work especially hard to promote education and specialist training in general practice. DEGAM is the specialist scientific society for general practice in Germany and has doubled the number of its members to more than 5,100 over the last five years.

 12.09.2013

Dr. Lothar Beyer Prize - German general practice research prizes awarded

This year, 24, sometimes excellent papers were presented in response to the call for contributions on the topic "Specific responsibilities of family practice-based health care". Following an intensive peer review and vote, the 12 members of the jury appointed at the DEGAM general meeting of members awarded the following prizes:

The first prize (endowed with €7,500 each) was shared by the working group led by Dr. med. Tobias Freund (Univ. Heidelberg) for the project "Development and evaluation of a program for enhanced GP health care for multimorbid patients (PraCMan)", and the working group led by Prof. Dr.med. Jean-Francois Chenot (Univ. Greifswald/Göttingen) for a project on oral anticoagulation in the family practice.

The third prize (€3,000) was awarded to a group led by Sarah Kürwitz, MPH, (Univ. Marburg) for the project "OptRisk: Optimisation of risk counselling through the presentation of variability in individual event-free lifetimes".

Herr Christian Gersch, a doctor from Giessen, received the incentive award (€3,000) for a project entitled "Internet-based communication between doctor and patient". Two further submissions for the incentive award won acclaim from the prize jury for their exceptional quality: the project of Dr. med. Dorothea Dehnen (Univ. Essen-Duisburg) entitled "What role do genetically determined variations in CYP metabolism play?", and the dissertation by Dr. med. Beate Müller (Univ. Frankfurt) on "Patient safety culture in the family practice".

Press material on the 2013 award winners (in German) [PDF]

 05.09.2013

Association to promote general practice in Frankfurt am Main

"The Association for the promotion of general practice in Frankfurt am Main" was founded at the Institute of General Practice of Goethe University Frankfurt am Main on 21.8.2013. In addition to supporting the Institute of General Practice in research and teaching, the association will work to continuously improve the quality of family practice-based health care, as well promote patient training and informal information sharing among doctors.

DAn optimistic mood pervaded the foundation meeting, especially with regard to future support to be provided to young family doctors.

Contact

 25.08.2013

Vacancy notices

UNIVERSITY OF OLDENBURG - W3 grade professorship in general practice with focus on health services research

As part of a professorship program at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Services of the European Medical School Oldenburg-Groningen in cooperation with Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, a W3 grade professorship position "General practice with focus on health services research" has opened up with immediate effect. The successful candidate will be a general practitioner with a proven track record in research, teaching and patient health care, as well as excellent publications, confirmed success in attracting funding and special experience in one of several specialist areas of general practice and health services research.

UNIVERSITY OF LÜBECK - W3 grade professorship in general practice

The University of Lübeck is inviting applicants for a W3 grade endowed professorship in general practice at the Institute of General Practice at the Center of Public Health and Health Services Research. The position is initially limited to five years and available with immediate effect. The successful candidate will represent general practice on a scientific level and participate in the established teaching program. The candidate will also be expected to manage the Institute of General Practice at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck.

Vacancy notice in German [PDF]

 13.08.2013

With love and anger: Alzheimer - Care at home

17.9.2013, 14.00 bis 16.30, Haus am Dom, Frankfurt am Main
Speakers: Dr. Gisela Bockenheim, Prof. Johannes Pantel, Margot Unbescheid

The event will focus on the question how relatives can best combine care for another with care for themselves.

Further information can be found in the flyer (in German) [PDF].

 16.07.2013

Second day of the rural outing to Fulda in July 2013

Eight students climb the Wasserkuppe and take off into the air

After the arrival of the eight students that took part in the outing to Fulda, we met up on this sunny Saturday morning with Prof. Gerlach, Dr. Schäfer and the director of the Fulda District Health Office Dr. Stepan at "Guckaisee" - directly at the foot of the Wasserkuppe. Our guide, the biologist Joachim Jenrich, works at the Rhoen biosphere reserve, and on the way to the summit of the Wasserkuppe he was able to explain the special characteristics of the flora and fauna, as well as the geological features, of this marvelous area. He proved to be an excellent guide for our group of 11.

On reaching the summit of the Wasserkuppe, we had lunch at the restaurant "Peterchens Mondfahrt" (Petersens journey to the moon), after which everyone went on a sightseeing flight by plane and enjoyed an excellent view of the Rhoen and the city of Fulda. On the way back from the airport to Guckaisee, we passed notable sites in the history of gliding and ended up at the Guckai-Stuben restaurant where we took pleasure in a meal with student training doctors and vice district administrator Dr. Wingenfeld in a convivial atmosphere. All kinds of topics were discussed and punctuated with laughter until it was time to take the minibus back to the train station in Fulda.
It was a successful day that left us with many beautiful impressions and certainly provided an incentive to future students to do their practical training in Fulda and its surroundings. There will certainly be further rural outings in the future!

 04.07.2013

Free places at Specialist Training College for General Practice from Autumn 2013

The Specialist Training College for General Practice in the Federal state of Hesse is making an additional 50 places available in its program for doctors undergoing specialist training.
At two new sites (Frankfurt am Main and Kassel), doctors in specialist training from the whole of Hesse can profit from the seminars and mentoring groups.

The Frankfurt group will begin with a seminar day on 20.09.2013, while the Kassel group will meet for the first time on 06.09.2013 Training on both days will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m.

Online registration for the Specialist Training College begins at 8:00 a.m. on July 11 and will be possible on the homepage of this website! [link]

 01.07.2013

Vacancy Notice: Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg

University professor in general practice (W3 grade professorship)

The successful candidate will have an integrative personality and be able to cooperate with a network of over 30 teaching practices at the medical faculty for general practice teaching and further develop the structure of the network to enable it to meet the needs of interdisciplinary research projects.

Vacancy notice (in German) [PDF]

 28.06.2013

47th DEGAM Annual Congress in Munich
"Complexity in General Practice - Challenges and Opportunities"

Advancements in medicine are speeding up in today's world and medicine is increasingly being divided into individual fields where it often gains in efficiency. These developments are accompanied by rising life expectancy, but also by an increase in the incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, and multimorbidity in particular. Increasing complexity in medicine makes it all the more necessary to have generalists that retain an overview and help to ensure patients receive the health care they need. Furthermore, it is general practitioners that visit their patients at home and look after them in nursing homes, where they often face the challenge of providing good results with little diagnostic equipment at their disposal. The family doctor is thus the first point of contact for all health-related questions. In family medicine, the focus is on the whole person with all his or her health concerns, which is why the sentence "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" is particularly relevant to it. It is here that the complexity of general practice and the extent to which the family doctor endeavors to view the patient as a bio-psycho-social model including his or her medical history. This makes the profession attractive and varied, but also means the family doctor is confronted with a substantial challenge if he or she is to meet all the patient's needs.

Congress homepage (in German) [link]

 20.06.2013

Time to run again on June 12, 2013!

This year, nine runners from the Institute of General Practice took part in the 21st JP Morgan Corporate Challenge 5.6 km footrace through downtown Frankfurt. After an hour's delay, it was finally possible for the runners to cross the starting line at 8:30 pm. Anne Dahlhaus was the Institute's fastest runner, crossing the finishing line after 28:20 minutes.
In high spirits and sunshine, the consumed electrolytes could then be replenished!

We would like to thank the Institute for its financial support.
We will be back in 2014!

 29.05.2013

Vacancy Notice: Institute of General Practice, University Hospital, Jena

W2 Professorship in Health Services Research (initially for 5 years)

The successful candidate will represent the discipline in research and teaching and must have a proven track record in health services research into chronic (multiple) diseases. He or she is expected to work on the faculty's research priorities and especially on the thematic focus of "aging and diseases associated with aging". The position also involves responsibility for directing the work area Health Services Research at the Institute of General Practice.

Vacancy notice (in German) [PDF]

 21.05.2013

Maintaining mental fitness - the AKTIVA program

A rolling stone gathers no moss! Indeed, scientific studies demonstrate that mentally stimulating leisure activities such as reading or making music, or productive activities like painting or working in the garden, can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in old age.

To address this issue, a written guide to the proven interactive group program AKTIVA on maintaining a healthy lifestyle that protects against dementia in the elderly has been prepared [Studie/n AKTIVIA].

The program manual is aimed at persons who are AKTIVA program trainers or work either professionally or voluntarily with persons of 50 years of age and over, such as nurses and instructors working with senior citizens, e.g., psychologists, educationalists, gerontologists or social workers. The manual will help them improve their instruction und communicate to participants current know-how regarding a lifestyle that is both enjoyable to lead and protects against dementia.

The "Manual for caregivers and group fitness instructors working with senior citizens" by Valentina Tesky and Johannes Pantel will be available from May 31, 2013, and published by Springer Verlag [link].

 02.04.2013

New family doctors required!
Inauguration of the Hesse Competence Centers for Specialist Training in General Practice

The kick-off event to celebrate the inauguration of the Hesse Competence Centers for Specialist Training in General Practice that are affiliated with the Universities of Marburg and Frankfurt am Main took place on March 27. With its "all-in-one promotion" the nationally acclaimed "Hesse model" aims to address the shortage of family physicians and encourage new doctors to participate in specialist training in general practice.

Numerous representatives, including the Hesse Minister of Social Affairs Stefan Gruettner and other partners involved in the project, support the new strategy.
For more detail, the following presentations are available in German: "Hesse general practice competence centers" [PDF], "The increasing role women in general practice" [PDF] and "New family doctors required!" [PDF].

The team responsible for competence centers for specialist training in general practice

 19.03.2013

"Taking care of people with dementia at home - a cooperative task" Final conference of the model project MultiTANDEM

The working group for Geriatric Medicine at the Institute of General Practice of Goethe University Frankfurt am Main would like to cordially invite all those who are interested to jointly discuss the current need of and chances for the home care of persons with dementia. The event, which will take place at BHF-Bank, Frankfurt am Main from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm on April 17, 2013, will focus on home care from a practical, a scientific and a socio-political perspective. The Hesse State Medical Association has approved 4 certification credits for participation, which will also be free of charge. Attached you will find the program for the event (in German).

We look forward to seeing you there!

Flyer [PDF].

 14.03.2013

Technical conference "New needs assessment: More doctors for rural areas?!"

At a joint technical conference, the Hesse Ministry of Social Affairs and the Hesse Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians will reform the current needs assessment, and present and discuss ways of influencing developments on a state and regional level.

A tour of Hesse will take place in April 2013. Further information and registration (in German) can be found here [PDF].

 13.02.2013

New family doctors required!

Invitation to the kick-off event of the Hesse Competence Centers for Specialist Training in General Practice to take place in Hesse on March 27, 2013.

The newly established competence centers to support specialist training in general practice have begun work in the federal state of Hesse.

The centers were set up at the Universities of Marburg and Frankfurt am Main in accordance with the "Hesse pact to safeguard health care". Since the beginning of 2013 and following extensive preparatory work, young doctors doing their specialist training in general practice have been admitted to a newly created college where they can participate in a special seminar and mentoring program during the whole of their specialist training. Train-the-trainer courses as well as continuous assessment and quality assurance are also part of the concept.

We would like to invite all those who are interested to join us at a kick-off event to take place on the campus of the Goethe University Hospital, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 (House 22, lecture room 2) between 5.15 pm and 7:15 pm on March 27, 2013, where we would like to present our ideas to a larger audience.

Program [PDF] and registration (in German) [PDF]

 06.02.2013

vdek 'Future Prize' 2012 awarded for general practice guideline on 'multimedication'

The 'multimedication' guideline is the result of a joint project between the Hesse General Practice Guideline Group, the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine (DEGAM) and the pmv research group in Cologne. The group received the first prize of €15,000. Dipl. Soz. Martin Beyer, Dr. med. Christiane Muth, MPH for DEGAM and Dr. med. Gert Vetter from the circle of lecturers, were the members of our institute involved in the project.

The guideline was developed against a background of the majority of multimorbid patients being treated in family practices, but no well-founded and simultaneously practical assistance being available in the shape of a guideline, and no experience on how to deal with the multimedication that is frequently associated with multimorbidity.

The objective was to develop a systematic methodology for family doctors on the basis of which necessary multimedication could be distinguished from undesirable multimedication, prescriptions, and the problems engendered by a secondary therapy, and identifying and and with the help of which the risks and dangers of multimedication - avoiding inappropriate taking into account patients' therapy preferences and potential issues related to the means of administering a therapy. Furthermore, solution strategies for the core problems involved in progress monitoring - were presented and illustrated using case examples and supported by medical treatment in the course of the whole medication process - from the initial appraisal to practical tips.

The guideline is available in German on the internet free of charge [link].

Further information on the 'future prize' 2012 [PDF].

 24.01.2013

Job advertisements - Institute of General Practice, Frankfurt

In order to strengthen our team, we are seeking to employ several research assistants as of April 1, 2013 or later (E13/E14 TV-G-U / TZ 75%-100%). The positions will initially be limited to 34-36 months, but the option exists to extend, and to increase the number of hours worked. We offer an interesting and varied job working on a number of innovative projects in the fields of epidemiology and oncology, as well as in health services research in areas relevant to general practice (e.g. geriatrics, polypharmacy, teamwork).

Vacancy notice in German [PDF]

In order to strengthen our team we are seeking a qualified documentalist as of June 1, 2013. (E9 TV-G-U, 75%-Teilzeit) to help prepare and conduct an oncological-epidemiological study. The pay scale grouping will depend on the job characteristics as laid down in the Goethe University pay contract (TV-G-U).

The work will include setting up a recruitment data bank, creating an online data entry template on the basis of the methods developed during the study to collect data, reconciliation of the data entry template with already existing documentation systems (e.g. the documentation survey of the 'German Tumor Centers Work Group). The position is initially limited to a period of 18 months, but the option exists to extend, and to increase the number of hours worked.

Vacancy notice in German [PDF]

 22.01.2013

General Practice Summer School 2013

With immediate effect, medical students who are in the clinical part of their studies and interested in general practice may apply to attend the general practice summer school 2013. Applications must be received by May 31, 2013, and the number of participants is limited to 25.

Following Freiburg and Dresden, this third general practice summer school will take place from August 28 to September 1, 2013 in Greifswald. Prof. Jean-Francois Chenot is organizer and on-site contact for the school [Contact].

Application form (in German) [PDF]

Flyer (in German) [PDF]

 16.01.2013

Symposium:
How will we feel tomorrow? Ways to increase the efficiency of a solidarity-based health care system

When: Monday, February 11, 2013, 12.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Where: Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Schumannstr. 8, Berlin-Mitte
A live stream will be available on www.boell.de/stream

The Heinrich-Böll Foundation's expert commission for health care policy has dealt with the issue: What incentives in health care will ensure the system itself provides more health at an acceptable cost? The recommendations of the expert commission will be presented and discussed at the symposium.
Program and registration (in German) [link]

 09.01.2013

Frankfurt Research

The Institute of General Practice is responsible for a number of interesting articles in the latest issue of the scientific journal "Forschung Frankfurt" (Frankfurt Research).

"When I've taken all my pills I'm full up"

In 2005, more than a third of over 65s took nine or more medicinces daily. Furthermore, these prescribed medications were taken in addition to medicines that are freely available at chemists. Dr. Christiane Muth from the Institute of General Practice and Prof. Marjan van den Akker from Maastricht University are currently examining the dangers of such multimedication and looking for ways to counteract them. Their advice: Train assistant personnel so that patients have someone to talk to, and avoid adverse interactions through the use of computer-supported prescriptions.

Multimorbidity and multimedication: Challenges of an aging population (Christiane Muth und Marjan van den Akker) [PDF in German]

PICANT-Study encourages reliance on well-trained practice team and self management

Patients with an increased risk of thrombosis or embolism often require drug treatment for the rest of their lives. However, not everyone that should receive anticoagulant therapy actually does, and some patients receive such treatment without any indication that it is necessary. In some cases this can even mean that as a result of an interaction with other medicines, or an incorrect dosage, the risk of bleeding or an embolism is actually increased. In order to improve health care and reduce the number of complications in this area, the Institute of General Practice began a trial involving family practices in the Federal State of Hesse in March 2012.

Optimum health care for patients with blood coagulation disorders (Andrea Siebenhofer-Kroitzsch) [PDF in German]

"A commercial interest in patients' remaining ill"

"As mad as it may seem, all participants in our health care system have a commercial interest in patients' being and remaining ill." 'For Prof. Ferdinand Gerlach, this sobering conclusion is more of an incentive to do something than for resignation. In an interview, he developed the vision of a health care system in which the focus is on the well-being of the patient. The general practice expert also attaches a great deal of importance to student medical training, as a shortage of family doctors is already making itself felt in the Federal State of Hesse.

"A system of organized irresponsibility" - On the disparity between outpatient and inpatient health care (Ferdinand Gerlach and Anne Hardy) [PDF in German]

 10.12.2012

DEGAM Junior Academy for Advanced Students

The second year of the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine's (DEGAM) Junior Academy has been announced, and medical students in their fifth semester and above may apply for a place until January 31, 2013.

The DEGAM Junior Academy, which is the only one of its kind in Germany, provides special support for students that are interested in general practice. As part of the long-term support program, students will receive individual mentoring by experienced general practitioners, as well as general support during their studies, with scientific papers (for example with doctoral theses), and in career planning.

Further information in German [link].

 05.11.2012

W3 Professorship in General Practice at Saarland University

The Medical Faculty at Saarland University is seeking to appoint a W3 University Professor of General Practice in accordance with private law as soon as possible. The successful candidate will direct a Department of General Practice that is to be founded, and will represent the discipline of general practice throughout the whole spectrum of research and teaching. For this purpose he or she will have access to a network of academic teaching and research practices. It will also be possible to do some work as an SHI-accredited specialist in general practice. [link]

 09.10.2012

Autumn Series of Lectures: "Dementia in the family: What can relatives do?"

To mark the occasion of World Alzheimer Day, experts will provide information on dementia and its consequences for those concerned and their families. In this context, a series of lectures entitled "Dementia in the family: what can one do" will begin in Frankfurt am Main on 18.10.2012.
The geriatric medicine team at the Institute of General Practice at Frankfurt's Goethe University and the Frankfurt Alzheimer Society would like to invite all those who are concerned or interested in finding out more about the disease and how to deal with it to come to the lectures. This offer is directed in particular to those family caregivers who are currently looking after a relative with dementia.
In addition to the latest scientific findings in the field of "dementia", the lectures provide proximity to everyday conditions, clarity and a chance to actively participate in discussions and exchange ideas and experience.
You can find more information here [PDF]

 01.10.2012

Series of lectures "Ageing Research in Frankfurt"

As part of a series of lectures entitled "Ageing Research in Frankfurt", the gerontology and old-age policies forum would like to invite you to an upcoming event on the subject of "Medicine at the end of life". The occasion will begin with lectures and a round table discussion in BHF-Bank's auditorium between 4:00pm and 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. You can find out more about the detailed agenda, as well as further information on the speakers and those participating in the discussion in the flyer (in German) [PDF].

 01.10.2012

Awareness week "a merry-go-round in the head", from October 2-15, 2012 in Frankfurt

People with dementia showed students their world. They took photographs, and allowed the students to see things from their perspective for a moment. "My world" is a photo exhibition that doesn't show people with dementia but rather what is important and meaningful to them. The students were invited to admire the strength of people with dementia and to understand their very special view of the world.

"My world" was initiated by Dr. Günter Burkart (Interdisciplinary Gerontology, Goethe University), Dr. Julia Haberstroh (Interdisciplinary Gerontology and Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, as well as the Frankfurt Alzheimer Society) and Sabine Dunkel (Community care center, Frankfurt) and realized with the help of educational science students in three nursing homes for the elderly in Frankfurt. The project was supported by the Frankfurt Alzheimer Society.

Website and flyer (in German) [link] Flyer [PDF]

 18.09.2012

Prof. Gerlach appointed Chairman of the council of German health care experts

Following the recommendation of the German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System, German Minister of Health Daniel Bahr has appointed the Director of the Frankfurt Institute of General Practice Prof. Ferdinand M. Gerlach the Advisory Council's new Chairman.

The decision makes Prof. Gerlach the first specialist in general practice to hold the top position on the health care council. The interdisciplinary council consists of seven members and is considered to be the most important board of experts in the field of German health care policy. Prof. Gerlach, who has been a member of the council since 2007 and has served as deputy chairman since 2011, will replace the well-known public finance expert Prof. Dr. Eberhard Wille (University of Mannheim). The current seven members of the council have been appointed until July 14, 2014.

Further information on the members and the work of the advisory council, as well as the council's latest special report can be found here: www.svr-gesundheit.de.

Press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Health [link]

Press release issued by the Faculty of Medicine of the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main [link]

Press release issued by the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine, DEGAM [link]

 17.08.2012

W3 Professorship in General Practice at University of Tuebingen

The Medical Faculty at Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen is seeking to appoint a W3 University Professor of General Practice as soon as possible. The successful candidate will represent the discipline of general practice throughout the whole spectrum of research, teaching and health care. The Professorship will also include the management of the recently established Institute of General Practice at Tuebingen University Hospital.

Vacancy notice in German [PDF]

 13.08.2012

Healthcare in an ageing society
Symposium to take place in Hanover on September 5

Rural regions in particular are facing numerous and varied challenges if they are to continue to provide high quality health care services in the future. In view of an ageing society, it is, for example, necessary that the need for qualified personnel is met and important structural changes are made. At the same time, cooperative collaboration between all participants in the health care industry is absolutely essential.

Flyer [PDF]

 03.07.2012

Evidence-Based Medicine Meets Multimorbidity: A Blind Date?
International Symposium in Frankfurt on October 17

An eagerly anticipated Symposium is to take place at the German National Library in Frankfurt on October 17, 2012. The focus of attention will be on questions that plague (family) doctors and (general practice) researchers alike: What should be done when my patient has several illnesses simultaneously? What are the problems of multimorbidity and polypharmacy that confront us today? What clinical decision support does evidence-based medicine (EbM) currently provide, and how can EbM contribute in the future? Leading researchers representing both disciplines - EbM and multimorbidity research - will be discussing the dilemmas and challenges that the problem of multimorbidity entails, as well as strategies to overcome them.

Speakers will be coming to Frankfurt from various countries including Australia and Canada, and from such diverse professional backgrounds as general practice, geriatric medicine, clinical pharmacology and epidemiology. The Symposium is part of the Friedrich Merz Foundation's 22nd visiting professorship, to which Professor Marjan van den Akker from Maastricht University was appointed this year. Participation in the event is free of charge and registrations will be accepted until September 15, 2012.

Program [PDF]

Fax registration form [PDF]

 20.06.2012

German health care experts present new report

The German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System presented its 2012 special report to the German Federal Minister of Health Daniel Bahr on June 20. As Deputy Chairman of the Council of seven health care experts, Professor Ferdinand Gerlach worked on the report which examines ways to overcome the most important challenges facing the German health care system. The report further explores to what extent a competitive structure would be able to solve the various problems at the interface between the in- and outpatient sectors and thus contribute towards providing health care that is tailored to meet needs.

Particularly chapter 5 (Cross-sectoral and population-based quality-oriented competition), and chapter 6 (Competitive conditions at the interface between in- and outpatient sectors), as well as chapter 7 (Enhancing efficiency and effectiveness via selective contracting), include interesting analyses and suggestions. Chapter 7.3 contains a proposal concerning active "promotion of health care innovations and health care research" with which it may be possible to overcome continuing stagnation in this field.

The long and short versions, as well as further information (including current press releases on the new report) are available in German for download [here].

We have included several reactions in our [media review].

The Council will present the content of its new report at a symposium to take place in Berlin on September 18. Registration for the symposium is now possible [PDF].

 20.06.2012

Eagerly awaited throughout Germany: Publication of preliminary results from the evaluation of GP-centred health care in Baden-Wuerttemberg ...

The preliminary results of the scientific evaluation of contracts for family doctor-based health care in Baden-Wuerttemberg were presented by Prof. Gerlach and Prof. Szecsenyi (Dept. of General Practice und Health Care Research at Heidelberg University) at the Capital Congress in Berlin on June 15, 2012.

The study not only comes to the conclusion that the standard of health care for chronically ill patients in particular is better and more structured than under routine care. The majority of participating family doctors also gained more professional satisfaction and regard their family doctor contracts as the better form of health care.

Presentations [link] and press releases (in German) [link].

 19.06.2012

Institute of General Practice - Running better

Sixteen runners from the Institute of General Practice participated in the 20th JP Morgan Corporate Challenge run which started at the Old Opera House in good weather and high spirits on June 14, 2012. The 5.6 km route led the runners and 68,570 other participants through downturn Frankfurt. The whole team achieved good running times. The fastest runner from the institute was Prof. Andrea Siebenhofer-Kroitzsch who crossed the finishing line after 28.23 minutes.

The participants concluded the successful sporting event with an enjoyable evening meal together.

Many thanks to the institute for its financial support, which allowed the runners to take part in the run in T-shirts bearing their own institute logo.

Wir freuen uns schon auf den Lauf im nächsten Jahr!

 05.06.2012

3rd Hesse Founder and Vendor Forum to take place in Frankfurt on 23.06.2012

Would you like to sell your medical practice, or are you looking for a practice in order to set up on your own?
This event, organized by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Hesse, offers those who are interested in setting up on their own, or in putting their own practice on the market, the chance to enter into a discussion with other interested parties without any obligation. It will also be possible to get into contact with the right person by means of an advertisement.

You can find further information in German [hier] or in the flyer [PDF]

 30.05.2012

Increasing the store of knowledge of family doctors

Further expansion in the Frankfurt network of academic research practices

The Frankfurt Network of Research Practices (ForN) will soon be able to count its first 100 practice members. Following the accreditation of the first 15 pilot practices last December, the title of "Academic Research Practice of Goethe University Frankfurt/Main" has now been conferred on a further 80 family practices as part of a networking event that took place on May 23, 2012.

The network was founded in order to mark the contribution made by family practices to important research projects conducted by the Institute of General Practice, as well as to intensify the exchange of scientific knowledge between practices and the Institute. Two major projects sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Research and Education were successfully completed last year - "Priorisation of Multimedication" (PRIMUM) and "Safety Culture". The practices that actively participated in these projects have now been officially recognised as academic research practices.

Press release in German [PDF]

 29.05.2012

W3 Professorship in General Practice

The Christian Albrechts University in Kiel wants to attract a greater number of qualified women for its professorships.

The Institute of General Practice at the Medical Faculty of the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel is seeking to appoint a W2/W3 University Professor of General Practice as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will represent the discipline of general practice in research and teaching. The professorship will also include the direction of the Institute of General Practice of the Schleswig Holstein University Hospital, Campus Kiel. At the time of his or her appointment, the successful candidate must be a specialist in general practice and actively participate in patient health care, preferably through part-time work in a general practice.

Vacancy notice in German [PDF].

 22.05.2012

Dr. Anne Dahlhaus wins 2012 VdGM Junior Researcher Award

Dr. Anne Dahlhaus, a research scientist working in the field of Chronic Disease and Health Services Research at the Institute of General Practice in Frankfurt, will be distinguished with the 2012 VdGM Junior Researcher Award for her project idea entitled "Development of a model to assess the impact of regional ambulatory diabetes care on diabetic outcomes in German diabetes mellitus type 2 patients". The aim of the study is to investigate the extent to which the regional availability of and local access to (family) doctors influences health care for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Vasco da Gama Movement (VdGM) is the WONCA Europe working group for new and future general practitioners and annually awards the European prize to junior researchers active in general practice and family medicine research.

 21.05.2012

Dr. Valentina Tesky wins the 2012 "Social Psychiatry Frankfurt" Founder's Award

Dr. Valentina Tesky, who works for the geriatric medicine team at the Institute of General Practice, will be distinguished with the 2012 "Social Psychiatry Frankfurt" Founder's Award for her dissertation entitled "Development, implementation and evaluation of an intervention program to promote active cognitive stimulation in the elderly (ACTIVA)".

Mrs Tesky's excellent dissertation presents a novel, behavior-related group training program that was developed in house (ACTIVA: Active cognitive stimulation - prevention of cognitive decline in the elderly), and focuses on augmenting cognitively stimulating leisure and everyday activities among the elderly. The objective of the program is to enhance mental performance and combat long-term, dementia-related cognitive performance impairment.

 21.05.2012

W3-Professorship in General Practice

The Institute of General Practice at the Charité Center 01 for Health and Human Sciences in Berlin is seeking to appoint a University Professor of General Practice as soon as possible.

The responsibilities of the professorship will include the appropriate representation of the discipline in research, teaching and general health care. The successful candidate should have his or her own well-established research profile in the field of general practice. One of the central tasks of the professorship is cooperation with general practitioners in the region, in particular with an aim to establishing health care and primary prevention research networks. Furthermore, intensive involvement in the teaching curriculum of the new model medical educational program to improve instruction in general practice and raise the attractiveness of the general practice profession is also expected.

Vacancy notice in German [PDF].

 27.04.2012

5th Frankfurt General Practice Day - an anniversary

The Frankfurt General Practice Day took place for the fifth time on April 21, 2012 - a minor anniversary that was very well-received:

The General Practice Day is a well-established forum provided under the guidance of Professor Ferdinand Gerlach by the Frankfurt-based Institute of General Practice. It is independent of sponsors and very popular among highly motivated family practice teams. More than 200 general practitioners and their health care assistants, as well as physicians currently undergoing specialist training, attended a total of 24 practical and hands-on interactive workshops. The event was fully booked.

A broad selection of workshop topics were on offer, ranging from error management in the practice to the screening procedures used in dementia diagnostics, and from burn-out to children in the doctor's office. As usual, participants were able to exchange and take away useful advice and tips for their day-to-day work. Workshops on communications training, emergency health care, nutritional advice and ECGs were also very popular.[mehr]

 27.04.2012

W3-Professorship in General Practice

The Medical Faculty at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg is seeking to appoint a candidate to fill a professorship in General Practice as soon as possible.

Responsibilities will include the representation of the discipline of general practice in research and teaching, as well as the position of Medical Director of the Department of General Practice at the Medical Health Care Center Eckental of Erlangen University Hospital. The successful candidate should have extensive knowledge of interdisciplinary research projects and initiate new research, for example in patient-oriented health care concepts. Cooperation in corresponding research associations of the Faculty of Medicine is expected (Collaborative Research Center, Postgraduate Program, Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, Medical Valley Leading-Edge Cluster). The Medical Faculty offers courses in Human Medicine, Dentistry, Molecular Medicine and Medical Process Management.

Vacancy Notice in German [PDF].

 15.02.2012

Several full-time and part-time research assistants required

We are looking for highly motivated and committed researchers with an interest in oncology, and particularly for physicians with several years of clinical (ideally oncological) experience, as well as psychologists, sociologists and other graduates who have several years of practical research experience. Particularly in the case of physicians, additional qualifications (such as in epidemiology, public health, quality promotion) would be desirable.

Complete job posting (in German) [PDF]

 06.02.2012

Symposium for the advancement of young family doctors

With its specialist training network, the general practice competence centre in Baden-Wuerttemberg has, over the past three years, designed a strategy for the development and advancement of young doctors for family practice-based health care. The topic will be the subject of a symposium to take place on February 28 at the University of Heidelberg. [more in German]

 03.01.2012

Test subjects sought!

As part of a project sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) entitled "Improvement in the memory function of patients with MCI as a result of dietary intervention, physical activity and cognitive stimulation", we are looking for subjects (between 50 and 80 years of age and living in the region of Frankfurt am Main) who are suffering from mild cognitive impairment.

The aim of the study is to investigate whether taking dietary supplements (fish oil or resveratrol) over a period of six months leads to an improvement in memory. Following the intervention, it may also be possible to participate in a group program entitled AKTIVA_MCI which seeks to promote a cognitive-stimulating lifestyle.

You can find further information (in German) in our flyer [PDF]

 08.11.2011

15.11.2011 Theme evening on arte: Healthcare in a state of emergency

The healthcare systems of both France and Germany are going through a crisis. A lack of general practitioners has now become extremely apparent, and the problem is not limited to rural regions. Even in the city of Berlin, the provision of patient healthcare by registered GPs cannot be guaranteed. The theme evening presents two documentaries that address the situation in France and Germany. Afterwards, Daniel Leconte will hold a discussion session on the escalating state of emergency to which Professor Gerlach has been invited to Paris by the television station.

The discussion (German title Ärzte im Notstand) will be broadcast during a theme evening on 15.11.2011 [link].

 25.10.2011

Success at the "World Rowing Masters Regatta" 2011 in Poland

37 nations, 2,503 boats and 6,683 rowers actively participated in this year's "World Rowing Masters Regatta" in Poznan in Poland. There are medals for every winner in every event, thus enabling the rowers to compare their performance and celebrate their success in this international competition. Gisela Taeber and Jutta Will from the Institute of General Practice also participated in Poznan and with a win and several good placings enjoyed substantial success at this major regatta. (PDF in German) [PDF].

 25.10.2011

Participation in the international long-distance regatta "Rose vom Wörthersee"

In order to gain pleasure from their work and to work productively, many institute employees pursue sports to recharge their batteries. At this international regatta, Gisela Taeuber was fourth in her age group and at the same time the fastest German boat.

A report by Gisela [PDF in German]

 12.09.2011

New Professorship in Geriatric Medicine at Institute for General Practice

The Frankfurt Medical Faculty Council has unanimously approved a new professorship in geriatric medicine to specialize in psychogeriatrics and clinical gerontology under the umbrella of the Institute for General Practice as of September 16, 2011. Johannes Pantel, who has been appointed to the new position, has studied medicine, psychology and philosophy and following specialist training worked as a senior physician specializing in general and acute psychiatry, geronto-psychiatry and addiction medicine. After obtaining his postdoctoral degree (Habilitation) and spending research periods in the U.S. (Iowa, Boston), he received an offer of an endowed professorship for geronto-psychiatry at the University of Frankfurt in 2003. Currently, his research team is specializing in the development and evaluation of instruments and intervention programs for the improvement of geriatric health care, the prevention and early recognition of dementing illnesses, as well as the psychosocial consequences of demographic aging.

Further information on Professor Pantel, his research team and their current research projects will be presented on our website in the near future.

 19.05.2011

Patient Safety Action Alliance elects new management committee

On May 13, 2011 in Berlin, a group of interested professionals comprising 140 participants gathered together, not only to discuss "Patient Safety in the Practice", but also to elect a new management committee for the Patient Safety Action Alliance (APS) at its 6th annual conference and general meeting. [more in German]

 17.05.2011

4th Frankfurt General Practice Day
A vocational training highlight for family practices

The Frankfurt General Practice Day has now become an integral part of the vocational training scene in the German state of Hesse. On May 14 this year, the event took place under the guidance of Professor Ferdinand Gerlach at the Goethe University in Frankfurt for the fourth time, and, once again, numerous family practice teams availed themselves of the opportunity to participate in a forum that is independent of both industry and associations. As in previous years, the 200 registered participants could depend on being provided with high-quality training for family doctors by family doctors. In 33 interactive workshops, the team at the Frankfurt Institute for General Practice again arranged for a broad selection of topical subjects to be covered. [more in German]

 16.05.2011

Safety of medication therapies at the pharmacist - family practice interface

The interface between family practices and pharmacists is one possible source of errors in the medication process. More often than not, it is communication problems that lead to drug mix-ups, errors in doses and multiple prescriptions.

For many years now, doctors and medical assistants have been reporting on critical incidents in family practices on the www.jeder-fehler-zaehlt.de website, and it is medication errors that make up the largest group of reported errors. In a joint effort, the Berlin Association of Pharmacists and the Frankfurt Reporting and Learning System aim to improve the safety of medication therapy at the interface between family practices and pharmacists [more in German].

 11.05.2011

Summer school offers courses in general practice for medical students

The first German summer school for general practice will offer students courses in family medicine in Freiburg from 31.08.2011 to 03.09.2011. The school is being supported by the DEGAM German Society for General Practice and Family Medicine, the GHA Society of University Lecturers in General Practice, and the German Association of General Practitioners. Summer schools are commonly used internationally to teach pupils and students. The summer school for general practice belongs to the Students Academy currently being set up by DEGAM. You can find more information on DEGAM's webpages. [link]

Flyer

Anmeldung

 27.04.2011

Formation of a Research Network - General Practice, Frankfurt (ForN)

In the future, there will be certified "academic research practices of the Institute for General Practice at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt".

On 13.04.2011, 44 general practitioners and 32 healthcare assistants came from family practices throughout the Rhine-Main

region to participate in the kick-off meeting of the "Research network general practice Frankfurt (ForN)" [more in German].

 30.03.2011

Vacancy

The Institute for General Practice of the Medical Faculty at Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, is seeking an employee for general office duties for an average of 10 hours/week to commence work as soon as possible. The part-time position will initially be limited to six months with an extension planned. [mehr]

 14.02.2011

Radio program on medical errors and medical culture

"Errors also occur in the field of medicine. But although this is an area of high responsibility it is only in the last ten years or so that there has been a shift towards greater awareness with regard to dealing with errors and the development of instruments to avoid them."

This is the lead-in statement for a program entitled "Radio doctor - Medicine and Health" broadcast by the Austrian Österreichischer Rundfunk (Ö 1) on February 14, 2011. As a guest on the program, Professor Gerlach had the opportunity to present the Frankfurt error reporting and learning system www.jeder-fehler-zaehlt.de and to point out 18 ways in which patients can contribute towards error prevention [PDF].The entire program can be listened to as a podcast under the following link [link].

The information materials for the program provide a useful overview of the subject matter "Medical errors and medical culture", as well as further interesting advice [PDF].

 10.02.2011

International Workshop on Collaborative Strategies in Multimorbidity

Seventeen experts from five countries (Canada, Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany) participated in an interdisciplinary workshop that took place at the Institute for General Practice on February 4/5, 2011. Those that took part included research scientists from the fields of general practice, clinical pharmacology and gerontology, as well as a number of methodologists.

The focus of the meeting was on multimorbidity and particularly on the increasing use of multimedication resulting from the demographic ageing of the population. Intensive discussions took place on model creation, concept development, epidemiology, the development of interventions, and improving healthcare for multimorbid patients. Two trials currently being conducted in Maastricht (PIL: Polypharmacy Intervention Limburg [link]) and Frankfurt (PRIMUM: PRIorization of MUltimedication in Multimorbidity [link]) were of central importance for the optimization of multimedication therapies. Special attention was also paid to specific methodological aspects characterizing the development, evaluation and implementation of complex interventions. Ways in which the participants can continue to cooperate in the future were also discussed.

The workshop was supported by the Association of Patrons and Friends of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main e.V.

 21.01.2011

Avoiding and dealing with medical errors

The Frankfurt Medical Society, which enjoys a long tradition, will be meeting to discuss patient safety, risk management, and especially critical events in the clinic and in practice, as well as the basic principles of medical malpractice laws at its 649th conference to take place at 5:30 pm on February 9, 2011.

Location: Goethe University Hospital, Lecture Theatre 1, Building 22, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main (admission free).

 18.01.2011

Careers and prospects - Congress for medical students and young doctors

Gather and exchange information, meet people - the regional congress on careers and prospects organised by the German weekly magazine ´Deutsches Ärzteblatt` will take place at the German National Library in Frankfurt on 27.01.2011. The aim of the congress is to provide medical students and young doctors with support in choosing a career path in the field of medicine.

Programm (in German)

 14.12.2010

Advertising spot: "To maintain our health. To keep our GPs"

From January 2011, the Bavarian Association of General Practitioners will be advertising in cinemas for the maintenance of general practice-based medical care. The advertising campaign is expected to include posters and postcards that will be displayed in doctors' practices. [video in German]

 14.12.2010

A joint effort to promote patient safety in primary care

How do you increase the safety of patients during primary care? This was the motto for the first conference of the LINNEAUS-EURO-PC project that took place in Manchester on October 19-20, 2010. The conference drew 120 participants from the whole of Europe: from North European Russia, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, Portugal, Rumania, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and other countries. [more in German]

 08.11.2010

Wait until the doctor comes?!

Kulturforum Wiesbaden - November 25, 2010, 6:00-8:00 pm

The debate on how to safeguard and maintain the future provision of health care is becoming more intense. Ensuring continued health care in rural areas, GP protests, long waiting times for an appointment with a specialist, financing - the problems are complex and no simple solution is in sight.

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation's bureau for the state of Hesse would like to promote a dialogue on this topic and invites you to participate in an event it is organizing entitled "Wait until the doctor comes?! Urban and rural areas without a doctor!" to take place at the Kulturforum Wiesbaden, Friedrichstraße 16, 65185 Wiesbaden, from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, November 25.

Flyer (in Geman) [PDF]

 02.11.2010

Prioritisation of Medication - Therapies for multimorbid patients

Wednesday, Nov 10, 2010, 3:00-6:15 pm
in Frankfurt am Main

Based on a status report describing the main problems of prescribing medication for out-patients, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the difficulties facing general practice, specialist, inpatient and trans-sectoral medical care, with interdisciplinary speakers. Using clinical examples, practical approaches to dealing with the problems will then be developed for daily use, and a concluding outlook considering new concepts, that are, for example, currently being investigated as part of the PRIMUM-Study, will be presented.

Flyer [PDF] in German

 21.10.2010

7th Forum on patient safety and risk management

Intention in terms of health policies - successful solutions for the practice Friday, October 29, 2010, Medical Association of Lower Saxony [pdf]

 27.09.2010

Professor Gerlach elected new DEGAM President

The general assembly of the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine (DEGAM) has elected Professor Ferdinand M. Gerlach to be its new President. The meeting of the assembly took place in Dresden on September 24, 2010.

He will succeed Professor Michael M. Kochen (Goettingen), who held this office for six years. DEGAM is the only scientific society for general practice in Germany and currently has more than 3,600 members.

 27.09.2010

Quality management increases patient safety
Survey: Half of doctors notice positive effects

Quality management (QM) at the doctor's practice increases the safety of patients. That is the result of a survey entitled "Quality management and patient safety at the doctor's practice 2010" [PDF] carried out by the Stiftung Gesundheit, a non-profit making health trust.

According to the survey, 46% of the 421 doctors, dentists and psychological psychotherapists that responded to the survey had observed a positive impact on patient safety following the implementation of a QM system at their practices, while around a third (36%) thought QM had no effect and 17% declared that QM had a negative influence if anything because it made work processes more complicated.

The doctors also assessed the effects of QM on their practice work positively: in the case of patient-related procedures, 37% of survey respondents observed an improvement following the introduction of QM, while 7% saw some deterioration. The picture is even clearer when it comes to safety management: in this event half of doctors noticed a positive effect, while 5% detected a negative effect.

The questions relating to patient safety and Critical Incident Reporting Systems (CIRS) showed that less than half of respondents had any experience of an error reporting system. The best known CIRS was www.jeder-fehler-zaehlt.de with an awareness level of 22%.

Source: Stiftung Gesundheit

 23.08.2010

Not only in one Institute but also "in one boat"!

Two wins at the "EURO Masters Regatta" in Munich

We should like to sincerely congratulate Gisela Taeuber and Dr. Jutta Will on their excellent performance at the "EURO Masters Regatta" in Munich. Almost 4,000 participants from 25 nations took part in this major sporting event.

Gisela Taeuber and her team-mates succeeded in achieving first place in the women's quadruple sculls, while Dr. Jutta Will and her team-mates were first to arrive at the finishing line in the mixed quadruple sculls B.

A special highlight: Gisela Taeuber and Dr. Jutta Will also teamed up "in one boat" and succeeding in achieving third place in the mixed quadruple sculls A.

09.08.2010

W3 professorship in General Practice

At the University of Goettingen a vacant W3 professorship is to be filled (successor for Professor Michael Kochen, MPH, FRCGP). The position has been advertised in "Deutsches Ärzteblatt" [PDF]. It is hoped that the successful candidate can assume the new position as of April 1, 2011.

13.07.2010

Prof. Gerlach reappointed to German Advisory Council on Health

Federal Minister Dr. Philipp Rösler has appointed Professor Ferdinand Gerlach to the newly constituted German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System. The new allocation of members was presented in Berlin on July 13. This interdisciplinary council of experts has seven members and is the most prestigious advisory body in the German health care system. Prof. Dr. med. Ferdinand M. Gerlach, MPH, has been a member of the council since 2007. The mission of the seven "wise men" is to analyze healthcare developments including their medical and economic repercussions and to make suggestions on expected further developments. For this purpose, the German government's experts write a report every two years that is then presented to the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. The most recent special report entitled "Coordination and Integration - Medical Care in an Ageing Society" was widely acclaimed and included far-reaching recommendations on further developments in the content and structure of health care.

University of Frankfurt press release (in German) [PDF]

German Federal Ministry of Health press release (in German) [PDF]

German Advisory Council on Health homepage [Link]

21.06.2010

W3 professorship in General Practice

At the University of Duesseldorf a vacant W3 professorship is to be filled (successor for Professor Abholz). The position has been advertised in "Die Zeit" [PDF] and in "Deutsches Ärzteblatt" [PDF]. It is hoped that the successful candidate can assume the new position in the winter term of 2011.

28.05.2010

Prof. Dr. med. Andrea Siebenhofer-Kroitzsch's inaugural lecture

On ups and downs in the life of a diabetic:
Glycaemic control and patient-relevant outcomes

University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Invitation [PDF]

20.05.2010

Workshop: Critical medical journalism - Evidence-based medicine as the basis for reporting on health issues

No one is more aware of it than they are: Health journalists are showered with information on the latest drugs, diagnoses and therapies on a daily basis, but very few of these news releases stand up to close scrutiny. The line between a press announcement and critical journalism is a thin one, and the search for facts is often difficult and time-consuming.

On June 25-26, 2010, the Institute for General Practice at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Hospital and the well-known German health journalist Klaus Koch (Die Zeit, Süddeutsche Zeitung, co-author of the book "The cancer prevention myth") have jointly organized a workshop entitled "Critical health journalism - Evidence-based medicine as the basis for reporting on health issues".

You can find further details (in German)here! [PDF]

12.05.2010

Error reporting system for dental practices

Every tooth counts! This is the name of a new and independent error reporting and learning system for dental practices, dental clinics and dental technicians that our team is working closely on and that is to be launched in November 2010. Similar to our own "Every error counts", the system enables experiences of unfortunate situations in dental treatment to be shared anonymously on the internet. [Press in German]

11.05.2010

LINNEAUS-EURO-PC Project to hold international conference on patient safety in primary care in Manchester in October 2010

The LINNEAUS-EURO-PC Project (Learning from InterNational Networks about Errors And Understanding Safety in Primary Care), in which a working group from the Frankfurt Institute for General Practice is involved, is organizing an international invitational conference on patient safety in primary care, to take place in Manchester on October 19-20, 2010. One hundred delegates from the 25 EU countries will be invited to the event. The aim of the conference is to gather the expertise of the members of the LINNEAUS network in questions related to the improvement of patient safety and to pass it on to those working in other primary care professions.

There will be practice-related seminars in which participants learn how to assess the safety culture in medical practices, pharmacies and other primary care organizations and how to raise patient involvement. The seminar on setting up error reporting systems will be prepared by Dr. Barbara Hoffmann, head of patient safety at our institute. Further topics include learning about adverse events and how to develop methods to avoid making errors.

Participants have neither to pay a conference fee, nor cover the costs of travel and accommodation. Four delegates from each EU country will participate. You can find further information here:
Flyer zur Konferenz

03.05.2010

New General Practice Professorship in Greifswald

A newly created and unfilled W3 Professorship in General Practice at the Institute for Community Medicine has been created in the Medical Faculty of the University Hospital belonging to the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University in Greifswald. The closing date for applications is June 4, 2010. Official announcement [PDF]

03.05.2010

Eighth Hesse 'General Practitioner's Day' in Frankfurt on June 19, 2010

This year's Hesse 'General Practitioner's Day' will take place on Goethe University's Westend Campus in Frankfurt am Main on June 19, 2010. In addition to training opportunities for the entire practice team and preliminary information on the new contracts on family-practice-based healthcare, this year's event will focus on the future of family medicine.

Programme and further details [PDF]

03.05.2010

3rd Frankfurt General Practice Day
High quality training for family practice

Under the guidance of Professor Ferdinand Gerlach, a real training highlight took place at the Goethe University's Institute for General Practice on April 24th. With the Frankfurt General Practice Day, the Institute has created a forum for highly motivated family doctors and their employees that is independent of both industry and associations and is very popular among GPs and their staff. This year there was even more of a rush to register than the last two years: 250 participants took part in 30 interactive workshops. This year's General Practice Day showed once again that there is great need for independent hands-on training for family doctors and their teams [mehr]

02.03.2010

Lecture by Prof. Allen Dietrich
"Primary Depression Care - Bridging the Gaps"

At 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Location: Institute for General Practice
House 10 C, Seminar room (1st floor)
Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main

Please call 069-6301-6099 for further information. (Dr. Juliana Petersen)

16.02.2010

We grieve for our teaching physician Dr. Peter Klinger

We heard with great dismay about the death of our colleague Dr. med. Peter Klinger. Dr. Klinger has been a dedicated assistant lecturer at the Frankfurt Institute for General Practice for more than 25 years.

Dr. Klinger participated in the practical training of our students with great enthusiasm and went out of his way to support young students of general practice. With the loss of Dr. Klinger we are losing a committed assistant lecturer who took his assignment to train our young colleagues very seriously.

We will miss Dr. Klinger, not only as an assistant lecturer but also as a fellow human being.

At this time, our sympathies go especially to his family and his practice team, but also to his many patients, for whom he has been a trusted and reliable family doctor for decades.

13.02.2010

We are looking for a Team assistant / Personal secretary

Full-time and to begin as soon as possible.

We are offering an unlimited position in the civil service, regular (but if you wish also flexible) working hours, and a wide range of tasks in a learning environment with a good working atmosphere. You will be part of a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team and be able to contribute to the further development of the Institute and your own occupational area. [more information in German]

20.01.2010

We have vacancies for several full- or part-time research assistants in the first half of 2010!

We are looking to fill a number of positions for an initial term of 12 to 24 months and with the option of a contract extension. We offer exciting, future-oriented work on various innovative projects in the fields of patient safety and error reporting systems, multimedication and multimorbidity, family doctor-oriented medical care models, as well as a Graduate Academy for all areas of general practice. [more in German]

18.01.2010

3rd Frankfurt General Practice Day

The Frankfurt General Practice Day is a forum for highly motivated family doctors and their employees that is independent of both industry and associations. All GPs and their staff from practices in the region that cooperate with the Institute for General Practice in teaching and research or are interested in doing so may participate.

[more in German]

24.11.2009

GMA Poster Prize

At this year's congress of the GMA (German Society for Medical Education), a poster prepared by the teaching team won the prize for best poster.
The subject of the poster was "Is male communication competence underrated?" The area under discussion was gender aspects in the communication behaviour of medical students in examinations on medical history taking and conducting medical interviews.

Poster (in German) [PDF]

01.10.2009

Every Error Counts celebrates fifth anniversary

We are pleased to announce that Jeder-Fehler-zaehlt.de (Every Error Counts) is currently celebrating its fifth anniversary. At the end of September 2004, our system went online and became the first and up to now the only German-language error reporting and learning system for family practices.

In the meantime, more than 360 error reports, over 400 discussion contributions, and 1,850 commentaries are online and the system has 425 subscribers who receive the "error of the month" per monthly eMail.

The number of users has risen continuously throughout the five year period and the Every-Error-Counts webpages are now called up an average of 10,000 times a month. At peak times, this figure rises to as often as 40,000 times a month.

30.09.2009

AQUA-Institute awarded European Health Award 2009 for EPA

Our cooperation partner, the Institute for Applied Quality Promotion and Research in Healthcare (AQUA), based in Goettingen, Germany, has been awarded this year's "European Health Award". The renowned prize can be likened to a healthcare "Oscar". It was awarded for "European Practice Assessment" (EPA), a quality management system for family doctors that was the winner at this year's international competition for the European Health Award. The highly respected prize is awarded annually for cross-border initiatives in the field of health care in the European Union. The awards ceremony took place in Bad Gastein, Austria, on September 30.

[Pressemitteilung]

28.09.2009

Symposium "GP-based medical care - Appraisal & Prospects" in Berlin on October 7th

Germany's healthcare system is facing significant challenges. The general public is focussing more than ever on GP-based medical care as a mainstay for the provision of healthcare for the general population. The statutory health insurer AOK Baden-Wuerttemberg, the German Association of General Practitioners and the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine (DEGAM) are therefore extending an invitation to a Symposium entitled "GP-based Medical Care - Appraisal and Prospects" to take place in the Catholic Academy in Berlin at 2 pm on October 7. Participants will receive an overview of the scientific and political conditions determining the future of GP-based medical care. Afterwards they will have the chance to discuss opportunities to promote quality and cost effectiveness by means of selective contracts with representatives from the fields of science and medicine. Invitation [PDF] and Fax reply form (in German) [PDF]

28.09.2009

Seventh German nationwide meeting of health care assistants in Regensburg

This year, the seventh nationwide Federal German meeting of health care assistants took place in Regensburg on 18.09.09. The event was organized by the Frankfurt Academy for Clinical Research at the Goethe University Hospital in cooperation with the Centre for Clinical Studies at the University Hospital in Regensburg.

Health care assistants from all over Germany gathered at this two-day congress to catch up on the latest and future developments in the field of clinical research. In addition to subjects like "Quality of Life as an Indicator in Clinical Trials", or "Patient-centred research in Surgery" the Institute for General Practice was invited to give an account of "Every Error Counts - Dealing with Errors in Medicine".

Dr. Barbara Hoffmann, a doctor, scientific officer and head of the work area "Patient Safety" and her assistant Vera Müller were pleased to accept the invitation and presented the projects www.jeder-fehler-zaehlt.de, safety culture in the family practice, and the Frankfurt patient safety matrix (FraTrix). The presentation was very well received by the organizers and in particular by the more than 300 participants for whom dealing with errors is a subject of major importance in their everyday work in the field of medical care. Moreover, many participants could spontaneously imagine using such an error reporting system in clinical research. The event also profited from the fact that representatives that were not active in the fields of clinical research gave welcome presentations on their work.

Presentation (in German) [PDF]

21.09.2009

Dresden Institute of Technology seeks to fill professorship in General Practice

A vacant General Practice professorship at the Medical Faculty and Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital of the Dresden Institute of Technology is to be filled as soon as possible. The main aim of the professorship is to represent the field of General Practice in medical teaching and in continuing education for medical specialists. A special commitment to the Dresden model of problem-oriented learning, to academic self management and to cooperating with teaching practices and the University Hospital's medical treatment centre is essential [mehr].

11.08.2009

Quality in Focus - Symposium in Berlin on September 9th

For around the last two decades, the demand for better quality has increasingly dominated debates on the organization of medical care. Although much progress has been made, a practised "quality culture" is often far from being reached. Why this is the case and what can be done to ensure the idea of quality is really practised was the subject of a symposium organized by the Praxissiegel foundation that took place in Berlin on September 9, 2009.

Invitation with further information (in German) [PDF].

17.07.2009

Quality of medical care for chronically ill participants in disease management programs

Scientists from seven countries are working on the new EU project DISMEVAL in order to develop reliable methods to answer the question whether chronically ill patients enrolled in Disease Management Programs receive better medical care than others. DISMEVAL stands for "Developing and validating disease management evaluation methods for European healthcare systems". Along with research groups from the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, France and Denmark, the Institute for General Practice at the Goethe University in Frankfurt is studying various ways of evaluating Disease Management Programs (DMP). The European Commission is sponsoring the project with a total of €2.65 million [mehr].

03.07.2009

German Advisory Council calls to strengthen family medicine

The German Advisory Council on the Assessment of Developments in the Health Care System submitted a special report entitled "Coordination and Integration - Medical Care in an Aging Society" to the Federal government on June 30. The long and short versions, as well as current press releases and a number of supplements are available (in German) for download here.

As one of the government's healthcare experts, Professor Gerlach worked on the report which includes a wide variety of text passages on General Practice and the future of family practice-based medical care that are substantially more comprehensive than was the case in previous reports.

As the long version has around 900 pages you can find a number of references directing you to passages that are of particular interest from the point of view of General Practice and Family Medicine (in German) [mehr].

In our media review, you can find a small selection of the many media reports (in German) Pressespiegel.

03.07.2009

German Research Award for General Practice 2009
Closing date for submissions: 17.07.2009

The Dr. Lothar Beyer-Foundation at the German Institute for General Practice is offering the German Research Prize for General Practice 2009 with the support of the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine (DEGAM). This year's subject is "Contributions to Healthcare Research in General Practice".

[PDF]

22.06.2009

DEGAM sets up new HQ in Frankfurt

In order to be in a better position to support both members and the honorary steering committee, the German Society of General Practice and Family Medicine has set up a new headquarters in rented premises at the Institute for General Practice in Frankfurt am Main. Prof. Dr. med. Ferdinand Gerlach is Vice-President of the medical association.

Managing Director Edmund Fröhlich and his assistant Nadja Walther can be reached by telephone on 069/65007245, or by eMail geschaeftsstelle@degam.de. Dr. med. Isabelle Otterbach will remain press officer. Office opening hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm and Wednesday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Further information can be found under www.degam.de

10.06.2009

Third Frankfurt General Practice Day 2010

Following the great success of the Second Frankfurt General Practice Day, a Third Frankfurt General Practice Day will take place on April 24, 2010.

In 2009, as in the previous year, our concept of the "Frankfurt General Practice Day" as a forum for interested family practices which is independent of both industry and associations proved very popular. We would like to thank family practice teams for their praise and will ensure their constructive criticism is taken into account when we plan the 2010 event. One third of the workshops in 2010 will again be for family doctors, one third for the whole of the practice team and one third for practice staff, excluding the doctors. Further details will be published here in the coming months.

Looking back at the Second Frankfurt General Practice Day 2009 [link].

14.05.2009

Patient safety culture in the family practice

Investigation of the impact of the Frankfurt patient safety matrix (FraTrix) on the improvement of the patient safety culture in German family practices

In autumn a new study is being launched on patient safety at the Institute for General Practice in Frankfurt. Following a number of projects that examined the safety of pharmaceutical therapies, it is now the safety culture in family practices that will be at the centre of the research project. The Frankfurt patient safety matrix (FraTrix) that was developed at the Institute has already passed the test at 20 family practices and an investigation is now underway to investigate to what extent it is able to change the safety culture in the practice. [mehr]

14.05.2009

First German Institute for patient safety launched

The patient safety action alliance (APS) has been working hard to achieve continuous improvements in patient safety in Germany since 2005. More than 100 organizations from the fields of German medical care and health economics are now members of APS. On May 8, 2009, the first German Institute for Patient Safety celebrated its inauguration at the University of Bonn.

The Institute became operational in January this year and in the near future an endowed professorship with responsibility for managing the Institute will be filled. Financing for the Institute has been secured for the next five years, with the funds coming from donations (from the Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main, as well as the AOK statutory health insurance fund, the German Medical Association, hospital sponsors and clinic associations) and contributions from the German Ministry of Health.

The Institute plans to focus on the following areas:

  • Implementation and evaluation of APS recommendations
  • Patient safety indicators
  • Safety culture
  • Measuring instruments for patient safety
  • Survey of risk management in German hospitals

You can find out more information about the patient safety action alliance here (in German). [link]

09.05.2009

2nd Frankfurt General Practice Day

Like last year, our concept of the "Frankfurt General Practice Day" as a forum for interested family practices which is independent of both industry and associations proved very popular. Selected practising doctors and their staff were invited to participate in a total of 24 interactive workshops. You can find more detailed information here (in German) [mehr]. [mehr].

06.04.2009

Frankfurt continuous education program: Train-The-Teacher in EbM 2009

Once again, the Frankfurt continuous education program in evidence-based medicine will be provided by our EbM working group this year:

  • Basic training course in evidence-based medicine, Sa 3rd - So 4th October, 2009
  • Advanced training course in evidence-based medicine, Sa 14th - So 15th November, 2009
  • Didactics training course in evidence-based medicine, Sa 28th - So 29th November, 2009

The advanced training course and the didactics training course comprise the Train-The-Teacher Course [PDF].

23.02.2009

We are in mourning for our teaching physician Dr Ronald D. Waehner

It was with great dismay that we heard about the sudden death of our colleague Dr. Ronald D. Waehner. For many years he had been a dedicated teaching physician at the Frankfurt Institute for General Practice.

Dr. Waehner played an active role in the practical training of our students and applied himself with great verve to promoting the development of young doctors in family medicine. With our colleague Mr. Waehner we are losing a committed and competent teaching physician who took his profession and the task of training young colleagues very seriously. Apart from his practical teaching assignments, he regularly participated in our teaching physician meetings which he enriched with his constructive contributions to our discussions.

With our colleague Dr. Waehner we are losing someone whom we will miss, not only as a teaching physician but also as a person.

We offer our condolences in particular to his family, his practice team and the many patients for whom he was a reliable and trustworthy general practitioner over several decades.

[PDF]

 18.02.2009

Major broadcasting company makes television report in Institute for General Practice

On February 16, 2009, a camera team from the major German broadcasting company Hessische Rundfunk televised a seminar for fifth-year students entitled "Participative Decision Making" at our Institute. By practising with patient simulators, students that take part in this seminar are introduced to a special medical interview technique: through questions and prioritization, doctors and patients jointly decide on and take responsibility for a therapy option. This medical interview technique results in higher compliance (therapy adherence) because patients are better informed and actively participate in the decision making process. The television report was broadcast at 9 pm on March 4 as part of the popular "Alles Wissen!" program (It's all knowledge!).

 11.02.2009

2nd Frankfurt General Practice Day on May 9, 2009

"Frankfurt General Practice Day" is a forum for interested family doctors and their practice teams that is independent of both industry and associations. All family doctors and their staff that come from the region and either cooperate in teaching and research with the Institute for General Practice or are interested in doing so are welcome to participate.

Programm (in German)[PDF]
Registration form (in German) [PDF]

11.02.2009

Every error counts website
Mission: house calls

The error reports that have been submitted to our error reporting system "jeder-fehler-zaehlt.de" involving house calls show how complex the demands made on doctors and sometimes the situations in which they find themselves can be.

We have divided the subject up into four areas and will release information on one of these every two weeks:

  • Indication/triage
  • Preparation
  • Follow-up/Documentation (from March 4, 2009)
  • Situational problems on site (from March 18, 2009)

In accordance with our motto "You don't have to make every mistake yourself in order to learn from it - every error counts!" we hope to receive many instructive error reports and contributions to the discussion on the subject of home visits.

[link].

 03.12.2008

New field of work for the Institute for General Practice

It all started with the Primary Care International Study on Medical Errors (PCISME). Patient safety has been an area of special focus for the Institute for General Practice for more than five years and is increasingly attracting the attention of the general public. There are now numerous activities and initiatives on the subject in Germany, e.g. on the safety of drug therapies, in error reporting and risk management systems, on the prevention of medical intervention errors, and on patient safety culture. The Institute also operates jeder-fehler-zaehlt.de, the oldest internet-based error reporting system in Germany, and at the same time is currently conducting a pilot study on patient safety culture, and concluding two projects on medication safety. The patient safety work area is now an independent research area led by Dr. Barbara Hoffmann, who has been at the Institute since 2005, was initially responsible for jeder-fehler-zaehlt.de and is now project leader of the safety culture study.

The previous work area "Quality promotion and patient safety" managed by Dipl.-Soz. Martin Beyer is being strategically realigned and is now entitled "Quality promotion and concept development". In addition to the projects on a documentation system for medical quality circles, on guideline development and on the focus of disease management programs in general practice, it now concentrates increasingly on concept development, for example in the fields of multimorbidity in primary care, on multimedication and on practice organization.