Journal Article

DZNE-2025-00321

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Regional variations in healthcare in people living with dementia in Germany: protocol for a mixed-methods study.

Scheibner, H. J. ; Gesell, D. ; Hauptmann, M. ; Heinze, M. ; Horenkamp-Sonntag, D. ; Koller, D. ; Kubat, D. ; Marschall, U. ; Meixner, J. ; Michalowsky, B.DZNE* ; von Peter, S. ; Platen, M.DZNE* ; Riederer, C. ; Schroth, J. ; Swart, E. ; Weirauch, L. ; Dahling, V.

2025
BMJ Publishing Group London

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2024-092210

Abstract: Care for people living with dementia is both important and complex, and there is evidence of large regional variations in the quality of care. This study protocol describes design, methods and objectives of an investigation of regional variations in the utilisation, the quality and the costs of care for people living with dementia in Germany.An exploratory, naturalistic, mixed-methods study is being conducted with three modules: Module A: A quantitative analysis of claims data of statutory health insurance will be conducted to investigate regional variations in the utilisation and costs of care. Module B: In selected regions of interest that deviate significantly from the average in terms of utilisation in Module A, the quality of care and patient characteristics, variations and possible causes of these variations in care will be examined in more detail using quantitative and qualitative assessments. Module C: The claims and primary data from modules A and B will be combined, synthesised and evaluated to elicit recommendations for regional healthcare using a participatory consensus method.The study is overseen by the German Alzheimer's Association. The study's ethics and data protection plan was approved by the data and ethics committee of the leading university, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (reference number: 152092023-BO-E) as well as the data committee of the three participating health insurances. Dissemination plans include dissemination of our main results to the general public, people affected, the scientific community and funding-, policy- and decision makers. Study outcomes and conclusions will be published on our own and the funder's websites, through presentations at conferences and in scientific journals. The funder ensures dissemination of main study results and recommendations for action to relevant organisations and institutions. Publication of the study's main results is planned within 6 months of the study's conclusion.DRKS00031944 (https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00031944).

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Germany (MeSH) ; Dementia (MeSH) ; Research Design (MeSH) ; Quality of Health Care (MeSH) ; Health Care Costs (MeSH) ; Dementia ; Health Care Costs ; Quality in health care

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Patient-Reported Outcomes and Health Economics Research (AG Michalowsky)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
; ; ; ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; DOAJ Seal ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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