Introduction of the German case tariff fee system and its effects on patient satisfaction in inpatient naturopathy

IntroductionFor certain indications, methods of classical naturopathy are now being used in German hospitals originally dedicated to the treatment of acute conditions using orthodox medicine. Because the hospital sector currently represents the focal point of German healthcare, both professionally and economically, the introduction of the German Diagnosis-Related Groups (G-DRG) acts as an important stimulus to the process of applying business management principles to the country's health service. Against this background, the present study examines effects on patient satisfaction as a quality indicator of medical and nursing care in the setting of providing inpatient complementary medical treatment.MethodsBetween 2004 and 2008, randomised, blinded interviews were performed of 4598 hospitalised patients receiving treatment in an acute clinic for internal medicine focusing on naturopathy. The aim of this survey was to analyse the satisfaction with the provision of inpatient naturopathic treatment in the context of the prevailing system of hospital financing.ResultsNeither for the professions providing medical services, nor for those providing nursing services, were any significant differences detected in patient satisfaction between the two groups of patients (p > 0.05).ConclusionNegative effects of a case tariff fee remuneration system on the doctor-nurse-patient relationship - which have been discussed and expected by some - could not be confirmed. The results of the survey allow the conclusion that the holistic care of patients can generate a considerable increase in patient satisfaction in the provision of inpatient services, even under the conditions of the DRG system.