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Delegation in medical practices: This is how a strong team relieves the workload!
Dr. Martin Riffelmann reports on innovative teamwork in Schmallenberg and improving patient care by delegating medical tasks.
Delegation in medical practices: This is how a strong team relieves the workload!
In today's world, when the pressure on doctors is increasing, new approaches to improving patient care are more in demand than ever. Dr. Martin Riffelmann, general practitioner from Schmallenberg, reports in a field report about the positive effects of a diverse team in his “360° Person” practice. He not only employs doctors, but also a hotel manager for the telephone service and a geriatric nurse at the reception. A total of 30 employees ensure that the practice covers a catchment area of 84 towns and also carries out home visits. Ärztezeitung emphasizes that by delegating tasks, teamwork and ultimately patient care can be significantly improved.
But how does it work exactly? The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) explains that medical services are delegated to non-medical staff if they have completed training in a corresponding medical profession. Various services can be delegated, such as simple measuring procedures or blood samples. According to the EBM, travel cost bills are also possible for patients who cannot visit the practice for medical reasons (KBV).
Delegation: potential and limits
Delegation not only fulfills the desire of many young doctors for a better division of labor, but also opens up opportunities for a more effective care structure. Dr. Nadja Mayer-Wingert, Professor of Health and Social Management, emphasizes the need to employ well-trained staff to optimize care. The FOM University specifically trains primary care managers who specialize in the outpatient sector. In addition, replacement funds are currently testing new delegation concepts in rural regions in order to improve care there (Ärztezeitung).
However, there are also legal and contractual framework conditions to consider. According to the Ärzteblatt, not all tasks can be delegated. This means that anamnesis, diagnosis and treatment decisions are left to doctors. Doctors must also ensure careful documentation when providing delegated services. Ultimately, the doctor is liable for his own mistakes as well as those of his non-medical staff.
A step into the future
Dirk Ruiss, head of the replacement insurance association vdek, calls for the creation of a structured delegation catalog that defines clear rules and financing models for the delegation of medical services. Such an initiative could not only reduce bureaucracy but also ensure uniformity of care. Riffelmann supports this approach because it could serve as a practical tool for primary care physicians. After all, the possibilities for delegation are just as varied as the needs of the patients.
How does it show that the integration of non-medical staff into medical practices is a decisive step into the future. With well-thought-out concepts and a strong team spirit, patient care can be optimized in every respect. Delegation thus becomes an important component in meeting the growing challenge in the healthcare system. It remains to be seen how this development will unfold.