Telemedicine: Solution for supply gaps in rural Baden-Württemberg

Telemedicine: Solution for supply gaps in rural Baden-Württemberg

telemedicine as a solution for acute supply bottlenecks in Baden-Württemberg

The upcoming hospital reform in Baden-Württemberg raises questions about future health care. A current feasibility study carried out by Bindoc GmbH on behalf of the Bosch Health Campus shows that the reform could leave significant supply gaps. The crucial knowledge: Telemedicine could significantly help to close these deficits.

The challenges of hospital reform

The study examines the effects of the reform on the supply structure in Baden-Württemberg, especially in the areas of general internal medicine and general surgery. Currently, more than 300,000 patients are dependent on driving to a hospital for half an hour or longer to maintain the necessary treatment. The simulation shows that this undersupply could even double by the reform.

critical location in rural areas

The situation in rural areas is particularly dramatic, where the distances driven increases significantly compared to urban areas. The study documents a doubling of the undersupply in the two analyzed performance groups, which means that hundreds of thousands of people are dependent on a lengthy journey. These changes could have serious effects on the health of the population.

Telemedicine: A glimmer of hope

The investigation shows that telemedicine is largely able to close the resulting supply gaps. For example, telemedical support could reduce undersupply in general internal medicine from six to 3.28 percent, while in the area of general surgery a reduction from eight to 3.78 percent would be possible. This approach enables digital networking between medical practices and clinics, which can ensure more faster and more efficient treatment of patients.

economic advantages and resource savings

Another positive aspect of telemedicine is their potential to reduce resource requirements in the affected clinics. The need for hospital locations could be significantly reduced by telemedical support, which leads to more efficient use of existing resources.

doctors speak out for nationwide use

experts require a broader use of telemedicine in Baden-Württemberg to make health care fair and accessible. "The results clearly show that telemedicine should be an integral part of the supply," says Prof. Dr. Mark Dominik Alscher, Managing Director of the Bosch Health Campus. Also Prof. Dr. Oliver G. Opitz, head of the Bosch Digital Innovation Hub, emphasizes that it is important to bring digital approaches closer to people.

Future view

The feasibility study provides valuable insights into the possibilities of closing the gaps in telemedical care. The findings reaffirm that innovative, digital solutions are urgently necessary to ensure health care in Baden-Württemberg sustainably and to create improved conditions for all patients.

background of the study

The investigation fell on the supply situation in the Baden-Württemberg hospitals both before and after the reform. A total of 269 hospital locations and 60 performance groups were analyzed, with both groups together represent around 40 percent of inpatient cases in Germany.

The results and recommendations of the study could pave the way for a future -oriented health care that is not only efficient, but also patient -friendly.

More information about the Bosch Health Campus can be found on the official website: bosch-health.campus.de .

- Nag