Patient information for assessment of health care services. Possibilities and perspectives for development of a patient centered information Web site against the background of current initiatives for quality assurance in the German healthcare system

Background. Today, patient information is a central element for improving prevention and health promotion, as well as a patient right. But in daily practice, it can be shown that the provision of patients with information to assess healthcare services is insufficient. Questions and aims. The researchers sought to understand which information is relevant to allow patients to assess quality and to help with their decision making. It is the aim of this article on the basis of recent initiatives for quality assurance in the public health system to compile perspectives and needs for improvement. Results. An approach can be presented, the implementation of which can make an important contribution to ensure patients' right to information as well as to strengthen health promotion and prevention as a whole.