New Department of Psychology: Revolution in Patient Care!

New Department of Psychology: Revolution in Patient Care!

A new step to improve psychological care in southeast Bavaria: Dr. Stefan Rieger will take over the management of the newly founded “Medical Psychology” department at the InnKlinikum and the Kliniken Südostbayern (KSOB). This cross-industry structure, which includes around 30 employees at six locations in four districts, sets a strong example for the joint formation of specialist areas in psychological care. Thomas Ewald, CEO of the InnKlinikum, emphasizes how important this cooperation is for the development of patient care. The focus is on holistic care that also takes the mental health of employees into account. The importance of this initiative is made even more impressive by the words of Dr. Uwe Gretscher, Chairman of the KSOB, who emphasized the pioneering role of the new structure in the region.

But what is behind this new department? Dr. Rieger explains that the close networking of the facilities has many advantages. “We want to use synergies to better meet the challenges of psychological comorbidities,” he emphasizes. A particular focus is placed on psycho-oncology, a sensitive area that deals intensively with the psychological effects of cancer. Crisis intervention and psychological care for cancer patients are highlighted as central tasks.

Diagnosis and care in Germany

The need for such an initiative becomes clear when we take a look at current psychiatric care in Germany. According to the DGPPN, more than one in four adults meet the criteria for a mental illness over the course of a year. With a total of around 18 million people affected and their relatives, the number of sick people is alarmingly high and causes significant social and professional restrictions. The most common clinical pictures are anxiety disorders, depression and disorders caused by alcohol or medication use.

What is particularly worrying is that mental illness is the second most common cause of sick days at work and is the main cause of early retirement. This is also related to the shortage of skilled workers, which is noticeable in all areas of psychiatric care. Instead, there is a well-developed psychiatric care system in Germany, but certain groups - such as long-term patients in psychiatric hospitals - often receive inadequate help. The demand for greater outpatient care and better coordination in psychiatric care is becoming louder and louder.

Challenges and outlook

The challenges are diverse: A persistent shortage of skilled workers requires structural change in the system in order to meet increasing demands. Coordinated and outpatient-oriented models, which have been developed sporadically in recent years, are urgently needed to better meet the needs of patients. The number of psychiatrists and psychotherapists has increased over the last ten years, but this is not enough to meet the increasing demand.

The expectations are clear: a continued increase in costs, both direct and indirect, associated with mental illness is predicted. Therefore, the commitment of institutions such as the new Department of Medical Psychology is not only a step in the right direction, but also an urgent signal that mental health must be given a high level of importance in society.