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Triple Aim in Kinzigtal, Germany: Improving population health, integrating health care and reducing costs of care – lessons for the UK?

Helmut Hildebrandt (OptiMedis AG, Hamburg, Germany, and Gesundes Kinzigtal GmbH, Haslach, Germany)
Timo Schulte (OptiMedis AG, Hamburg, Germany)
Brigitte Stunder (MQNK, Zell am Harmersbach, Germany)

Journal of Integrated Care

ISSN: 1476-9018

Article publication date: 3 August 2012

1059

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to share emerging evidence about the qualitative and economic benefits of integrating care, based on an innovative population‐based approach across a small region of Germany. The article aims to discuss the features that have similarities to the international discussion around managed care and accountable care, e.g. the use of a “gain share” model to incentivise all the main partners, and the quite unique approaches derived from a public health background. The operation of Gesundes Kinzigtal could be considered as a benchmark for the “Clinical commissioning groups” that are in development as a result of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A regional health management company in cooperation with the physicians' network in the region and two health insurance providers has reorganized the delivery of care across all sectors towards improving the health of the population. The key features of the approach are summarised in the paper. Administrative and medical data obtained from the health insurance providers and from routine management monitoring are used to evaluate the benefits of the approach compared to control groups.

Findings

The project is beginning to demonstrate that this model of integrated care can be effective, with cost benefits and savings for the partners, and improved health outcomes for the population.

Research limitations/implications

The project started in 2006, and only early results of the first three to four years are reported here because of the use of claims data of health insurers.

Originality/value

The approach is an innovative model of integration in its combination of logistical re‐engineering of care processes, IT integration, public health and prevention measures. Its evaluation through an ambitious series of studies may have long‐term relevance for the organisation and management of care services internationally.

Keywords

Citation

Hildebrandt, H., Schulte, T. and Stunder, B. (2012), "Triple Aim in Kinzigtal, Germany: Improving population health, integrating health care and reducing costs of care – lessons for the UK?", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 205-222. https://doi.org/10.1108/14769011211255249

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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