The project HICARE: cross-sectoral action alliance against multi-resistant pathogens

Multi-resistant pathogens are a serious problem on a considerable scale for the health sector. Patients with infections induced by multi-resistant bacteria cause enormous additional treatment costs of around 20,500 € per insured. Due to the recently used billing and documentation system there is a significant shortage of information transparency. The guidelines for hospital hygiene and infection prevention published by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) include a presumption provision, which means that subject to compliance with these guidelines the observance of the current state of medical science is suspected. In case of a derogation, a scientific justification is necessary, which is used e.g. in connection with liability questions. Within the framework of legal reforms in 2011, the legislator aspires a nationwide improvement of hygiene quality in medical institutions and information transparency. Many specific issues about the general reporting obligation of infections with multi-resistant pathogens or about the standardized exchange of infection documentations between medical institution and health authority remain unresolved. Regional, cross-sectoral networks create the base to tackle targeted measures collectively and may develop sustainable and tailored solutions for their region. With these considerations in mind, the project HICARE was founded in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The project pursues the aim to develop an intervention strategy against the spread of multi-resistant pathogens. Health insurances make an important contribution to quality of medical treatment by participation.