Berlin, August 20 – Patient advocates in Germany are intensifying their calls for greater transparency and support for victims of medical errors. Ahead of the scheduled release of new statistics on medical errors, the German Foundation for Patient Protection (Deutsche Stiftung Patientenschutz) has reiterated its demand for a central register for such incidents.
Alarming Statistics and Lack of Transparency
Eugen Brysch, board member of the German Foundation for Patient Protection, highlighted the severity of the issue in an interview with the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” (Thursday edition). “According to estimates, around 20,000 avoidable deaths due to errors occur annually in hospitals alone,” Brysch stated. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for systemic changes within the healthcare sector.
Brysch criticized the current state of data collection, noting that statistics from the Medical Service of Health Insurance Funds (Medizinischer Dienst der Krankenkassen) or the German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer) provide only “fragments” of the true picture. He emphasized that the culture of error management in healthcare remains underdeveloped, with both the federal government and service providers showing insufficient commitment to addressing the problem. “There is an urgent need for action,” Brysch asserted.
Key Demands: Central Register, Hardship Fund, and Burden of Proof
The patient advocates’ primary demand is the establishment of a central register for medical errors, encompassing both outpatient and inpatient care. This comprehensive database would provide a clearer and more accurate understanding of the prevalence and nature of medical errors, facilitating better prevention strategies and accountability.
In addition to the register, Brysch called for the creation of a hardship fund for affected individuals, describing it as “long overdue.” Such a fund would offer crucial financial support and compensation to patients who have suffered harm due to medical negligence.
Furthermore, the foundation advocates for a legal provision that would reverse the burden of proof in cases where there is a predominant probability of a medical error, shifting the onus onto healthcare providers. This change aims to empower patients and make it easier for them to seek justice and compensation.
Mandatory Reporting Systems for Critical Incidents
To enhance patient protection, the advocates also propose making the active use of existing reporting systems for critical incidents (CIRS systems) mandatory for medical practices and clinics. Currently, participation in these systems is voluntary, a factor that Brysch believes contributes to the underreporting of errors. He cited a stark example: within a decade, only 500 medical errors were registered in participating general practices, a figure he considers woefully inadequate.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
The Medical Service of Health Insurance Funds is scheduled to present its figures for the past year on Thursday. In late May, the Techniker Krankenkasse, one of Germany’s largest health insurance providers, reported a new record in suspected cases of medical errors registered with them, further highlighting the growing concern surrounding this issue.
The patient advocates’ demands come at a critical juncture, as the German healthcare system faces increasing scrutiny over patient safety and accountability. The implementation of a central register, a hardship fund, and mandatory reporting systems could significantly improve transparency, support for victims, and ultimately, patient safety across the country.
Source: https://www.berlinstory.de/news/patientenschuetzer-wollen-zentralregister-fuer-behandlungsfehler/
