Changes to inpatient care. Considerations from the perspective of the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV)

Against the background of the altered health care framework and its new challenges, the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) has initiated a review of its approach to in and outpatient treatment. The ultimate goal of this review is a strengthening of quality- and demand-oriented structures, while maintaining the principles proven in the past. To achieve this aim, a draft paper outlining the main points is to be approved and stepwise implemented. The most relevant points, such as establishing treatment structures tailored to meet health care needs, adapting the process by which patients are treated according to type of injury, the possibilities for trauma networks as well as hospitals which fall under the auspices of the German Employers' Liability Insurance Association, establishing quality assurance systems and developing rehabilitation management are all discussed in the present article.