Health research 2000 : the program of the German Federal Government.

  • Germany. Bundesministerium für Forschung und Technologie.
Date:
1994
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: Health research 2000 : the program of the German Federal Government. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Rehabilitation and Management of Chronic Diseases and Handicaps Aftercare and rehabilitation are integral parts of modern medical treatment, since they ensure the longer-term success of the latter. Rehabilitation helps the conva- lescing patient return to “normal life.” Rehabilitation is supposed to be especi- ally helpful for those threatened by permanent physical or mental repercussions: either to help prevent permanent disability or to mitigate its effects and help the patient to cope with it. The importance of these tasks grows with the increase in chronic disease. Whereas the rehabilitation system in Germany can serve as a model in organiza- tional terms, it continues to lack a scientific basis in many fields and thus a stan- dardized quality control. This is especially true for the theoretical and methodo- logical foundations it requires. The projects funded by the Federal Program have been able to fill some of these gaps. Future funding can help advance the esta- blishment of an adequate research infrastructure and the integration of in- and out-patient rehabilitation. However, this goal can only be reached if hospital administrations and health insurances also make similar efforts. 1.1.3 Plans of Action in Medicine: The Clinical Evaluation of Preventive, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Procedures Medicine is action oriented. Its strategies are largely based on accumulated empirical experiences. As a rule, the findings from basic research cannot be directly applied. A series of intermediate steps are required. These conversionary processes require not only scientific understanding, but also medical experience and the commitment of physicians to the patient’s welfare. However, the eco- nomic feasibility of new procedures, especially in light of the increasing costs of health services, represents another important limiting condition of this pro- cess. It is not enough, when new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are being con- ceived, to consider whether they are feasible or whether harmful side effects have been eliminated. Conclusions must also be drawn as to whether their posi- tive effects for the patient outweigh their side effects, whether they exhibit advantages over existing methods, and whether the measures are acceptable in health-economic terms. The implementation of medical plans of action is also premised in no small degree on their acceptability among both physicians and patients.