Implementation of New Flexible and Integrative Psychiatric Care Models (According to 64b SGB V) in Rural Northern Germany in Comparison to Federal Territory

Aim New treatment models (according to 64b German Social Code) have been introduced in Germany to improve flexible and integrated forms of psychiatric care. The aim of this study was to analyse the specific conditions under which many of these models have been implemented in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein (SH) in comparison to other federal regions. Methods A standardized survey reached 383 patients in seven psychiatric departments, among them three departments in SH. In addition, routine data and data evaluating the grade of implementation in these departments were analysed. Results Departments in SH showed more developed implementation processes, compared with departments in other regions. Implemented changes were perceived and evaluated as being better by patients in SH. Conclusions Implementation processes of flexible and integrated forms of care according to 64b were particularly successful in SH. Extensive political support is discussed as a major reason, among others, for this development

Changes in German Mental Health Care by Implementing a Global Treatment Budget-A Mixed-Method Process Evaluation Study

Background Internationally, there is a broad spectrum of outreach and integrative care models, whereas in Germany acute psychiatric treatment is still mostly provided in inpatient settings. To overcome this, a new legal framework (64b Social Code V) has been introduced, promoting Flexible and Integrative Treatment Models (FIT64b), based on a Global Treatment Budget (GTB) financing approach. 23 hospitals have implemented the framework according to local needs and concepts. Prior research has already identified specific components of FIT64b. Based on this, our paper aims to examine the implementation process and underpinning change mechanisms of GTB-based FIT64b models from a staff, service user and caregiver perspective. Method 31 focus groups and 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with hospital staff (n = 138), service users (n = 63), and caregivers (n = 35) in 10 psychiatric hospitals implementing FIT64b. Using qualitative analysis, we identified 5 core themes describing the implementation process, which were theoretically modeled into a logical diagram. The core mechanisms of change were thus identified across themes. Additional structural and semi-quantitative performance data was collected from all study departments. Results The qualitative analysis showed that the shift from a daily- and performance-based payment to a lump-sum GTB and the shift of resources from in- to outpatient settings were of crucial importance for the process of change. Saved budget shares could be reinvested to integrate in-, out-, and day-patient units and to set up outreach home care. Clinicians reported feeling relieved by the increase of treatment options. They also emphasized a stronger relationship with and a better understanding of service users and a simplification of bureaucracy. Finally, service users and caregivers experienced higher need-adaptedness of treatment, a feeling of deeper understanding and safety, and the possibility to maintain everyday life during treatment. Finally, two FIT64b implementation prototypes were classified according to the semi-quantitative performance data. Conclusion Based on the results, we developed 3 core mechanisms of change of FIT64b models: (1) Need-adaptedness and flexibility; (2) Continuity of care; (3) Maintaining everyday life. Our findings outline and emphasize the potential a GTB approach may have for improving psychiatric hospital services