Journal Article

DZNE-2026-00248

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Optimierung der Arbeit von Gedächtnisambulanzen unter Gesichtspunkten von „value-based healthcare“ – ein Ansatz aus dem Zentrum für Gedächtnisstörungen der Uniklinik Köln | Optimization of the work of outpatient memory clinics under aspects of value-based healthcare-An approach from the Center for Memory Disorders of the University Hospital Cologne

Schönberger, A. ; Schild, A.-K. ; Steinmetz, A. ; Simandi, F. ; Benson, G. S. ; Hausner, L. ; Schöttler, M. ; Hennig, B. ; Knudsen, A. ; Maier, F. ; Frölich, L. ; Jessen, F. (Last author)DZNE*

2026
Springer Heidelberg

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/s00115-025-01903-w

Abstract: Memory clinics in Germany are facing major challenges due to increasing numbers of patients and the first available disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Capacities for counselling, biomarker-based diagnostics, drug administration and follow-up examinations must be achieved, which creates the need for modified workflows. Value-based healthcare (VBHC) aims at optimizing the value for patients (outcome in relation to costs) and can serve as a framework for a patient-oriented increase in efficacy.This project applied approaches of VBHC to analyze and improve the diagnostic processes in our memory clinic in order to achieve a better value for patients and care partners with a more efficient use of existing resources.In a first survey among memory clinic patients and relatives the essential aspects in relation to VBHC were collated and based on the results the existing workflow processes were modified. These modifications were evaluated by a second survey and analysis particularly of process-oriented aspects.The first survey revealed a general satisfaction with the presentation in the memory clinic. The main point of criticism was the duration of the diagnostic process. After the modification the duration and extent of the diagnostics could be reduced. The second evaluation showed improved patient and care partner satisfaction. The respondents considered the modified trajectories to be better and resources were conserved.In our memory clinic an improvement in the sense of VBHC could be achieved through an increased satisfaction with the treatment (outcome) and reduced personnel binding times (costs). This approach can serve as a model for other memory clinics for the development of a more efficient and patient-centered care.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; Germany (MeSH) ; Memory Disorders: diagnosis (MeSH) ; Memory Disorders: therapy (MeSH) ; Memory Disorders: economics (MeSH) ; Patient Satisfaction (MeSH) ; Workflow (MeSH) ; Alzheimer Disease: diagnosis (MeSH) ; Alzheimer Disease: therapy (MeSH) ; Alzheimer Disease: economics (MeSH) ; Hospitals, University: economics (MeSH) ; Hospitals, University: organization & administration (MeSH) ; Male (MeSH) ; Female (MeSH) ; Ambulatory Care: economics (MeSH) ; Aged (MeSH) ; Value-Based Health Care (MeSH) ; Alzheimer’s disease ; Dementia ; Diagnostics ; Health economics ; Patient care

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease Research (AG Jessen)

Research Program(s):

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

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Database coverage:
; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; DEAL Springer ; DEAL Springer ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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