G-BA decides testing phase for quality assurance instruments in psychotherapy
G-BA decides testing phase for quality assurance instruments in psychotherapy
On January 24, 2024, the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) passed a decision to change the directive on data-based interior quality assurance (DEQS-RL) in outpatient psychotherapy. The instrument is now to be tested and evaluated in a model region in NRW. The professional association of German psychologists (BDP) and its section VPP (Association of Psychological Psychotherapists in the BDP) see the test phase as absolutely necessary, but criticize the high administrative effort in relation to the benefit of the procedure.
The new quality standards for psychotherapy affect not only the patients, but also the practitioners. The introduction of a 14-page questionnaire for patients for retrospective evaluation of your therapy is criticized by BDP Vice President Susanne Berwanger. She emphasizes that psychotherapists already have well-founded training and complete regular further training. In addition, there are already quality management systems as well as feedback and complaints systems for patients in the outpatient health insurance practices.
It remains to be seen whether the new process makes the quality of treatment more transparent and strengthens the participation of the patients in the treatment process. The model project will check all relevant quality indicators as well as the survey instruments and the QS process itself. However, critics criticize that proposals from psychotherapists were hardly taken into account in the process of developing the procedural development.
The chairman of the VPP regional group NRW, Dr. Johanna Thünker calls for an independent evaluation of the procedure and adequate compensation for the resulting additional expenses for the colleagues on site. The association only sees the future of the new concept if the processes can be streamlined and an actual benefit can be demonstrated.
As a Berlin citizen, I look forward to the development of this model project and wonder what effects it will have on psychotherapeutic care in our city. The increasing bureaucracy and administrative effort could have a negative impact on the existing challenges in healthcare. It remains to be hoped that the new quality procedure will actually improve the quality of treatment and will not lead to further stress for patients and therapists.
The following table lists the previous quality standards in outpatient psychotherapy and the planned changes:
| Quality standards | Current | Planned |
| - | - | - |
| Survey of patients | X | 14-page questionnaire |
| Quality management systems | X | - |
| Feedback and complaint systems | X | - |
It remains to be seen how the model project in North Rhine -Westphalia works and what effects it will have on Berlin and other regions. As a citizen of Berlin, I hope that the quality assurance instruments in psychotherapy will actually help to improve the supply of the population without creating additional stress.
Source: professional association of German psychologists (bdp) / OTS