Pilot project Häppi”: General practitioners in RLP rely on the digital future!

Pilot project Häppi”: General practitioners in RLP rely on the digital future!

On June 27, 2025, a groundbreaking pilot project called “Häppi” was launched in Rhineland-Palatinate. The aim of this project is to secure and improve primary care in the region. The concept for more time between family doctors and patients is to be tested in a total of seven family doctor's practices in Rhineland-Palatinate Rhine newspaper reported.

The initiative, which was launched by the Rhineland-Palatinate General Practitioners Association, the Ministry of Science and Health and the AOK Rhineland-Palatinate/Saarland, pursues several fundamental goals. In addition to increasing the time that family doctors spend with their patients, digital tools should be used. These are intended to help doctors hand over administrative tasks so that more resources are available for patient care.

The starting signal for better care

The pilot phase of “Häppi” begins in July 2025 and lasts a total of six months. During this time, all general practitioner practices in Rhineland-Palatinate have the opportunity to take part in the project. A main focus is on interprofessional teamwork and the integration of modern technologies in order to make primary care care future-proof. Happi is also supported scientifically, and the knowledge gained flows into a best practice manual that is intended to serve as orientation for other practices.

Participants in this pilot project not only have the opportunity to try out innovative working methods, but also financial support. Each participating practice will receive 2,778 euros per month for the period from July to December 2025. Free AI-based practice assistance will also be provided to relieve the burden on practices. Further incentives such as expense allowances and reimbursement of travel expenses round off the offer.

The challenges in healthcare

Healthcare today faces several challenges, including demographic changes and skills shortages. Many older people suffer from multiple chronic illnesses, making treatment more complicated. This highlights the urgent need for solutions that support both patients and healthcare professionals. According to an article on PMC e-Health is seen as a promising solution promoted by information and communication technologies.

The aim is to optimize treatment processes by networking services and empowering patients. Digital transformation has already led to many advances. Nevertheless, the following aspects must also be taken into account: data protection, technical security and people's digital health literacy. An aspect that should not be underestimated is the need for future solutions in the health sector to be developed in a transparent and comprehensible manner.

Does this mean that “Häppi” is the first step into a new era of primary care? Maybe, because with the combined power of digital tools and interprofessional collaboration, Rhineland-Palatinate could set a positive trend - for both doctors and patients.