RSAV

Annex 5b
COPD - Care Contents
Pursuant to Annex 11 Items 1 to 3 of the
Risk Structure Compensation Ordinance [RSAV]
Requirements To Be Met by Disease Management Programmes for Patients
with Chronic Obstructive Airway Diseases
Part II: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
1.
Treatment according to the current state of medical science
taking account of evidence-based guidelines or in accordance
with the best available evidence as well as giving due
consideration to the care provision sector concerned (Sect. 137f
Para. 2 Sent. 2 No. 1 of the Fifth Book of the German Social
Security Code [Sozialgesetzbuch])
1.1
Definition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a chronic, usually progressive airway and pulmonary disease which is
characterised by an airway obstruction that is not completely reversible by
administration of bronchodilators and/or glucocorticosteroids and is based on chronic
bronchitis with or without pulmonary emphysema.
Chronic bronchitis is characterised by continuous coughing, usually with phlegm
being brought up, over a period of at least one year. Chronic obstructive bronchitis is
additionally characterised by a permanent airway obstruction with or without
pulmonary overinflation. A pulmonary emphysema is characterised by a decrease in
pulmonary gas exchange area. Obstruction, pulmonary overinflation and impaired
gas exchange may vary in terms of extent, irrespectively of each other.
1.2
Adequate diagnostics for enrolment in the COPD Disease
Management Programme
Diagnostics of COPD is based on a case history typical of the disease, the existence
of characteristic symptoms (possibly) and the evidence of an airway obstruction
without or with poor reversibility.
1.2.1
Case history, symptoms and physical examination
In terms of case history, the following factors require particular consideration:
– daily bouts of coughing, mostly with phlegm being brought up on a daily basis,
over a period of at least one year,
– breathing difficulties as a result of strenuous physical exercise or even when
resting in the case of severe forms of the disease,
– smoking with inhalation of smoke over many years,
– occupational history,
– history of infections,
– relevant disorders in differential diagnostic terms, particularly bronchial asthma
and heart disorders.
The aim of the physical examination is to identify signs of bronchial obstruction,
pulmonary overinflation and pulmonary heart disease. Findings may be negative in
patients affected by a mild form of COPD. In severe cases of COPD, rhonchus and
dry rale may be absent with breath sounds being significantly diminished.
Besides COPD, patients may simultaneously suffer from bronchial asthma. In such
cases, there will also be signs of bronchial hyperreactivity and a greater variability
and/or reversibility of the airway obstruction.
1.2.2
Multi-stage pulmonary function diagnostics
Basic diagnostics encompass the measurement of the airway obstruction with
evidence of absent or poor reversibility. Pulmonary function diagnostics serve to
confirm diagnosis, to allow differentiation from other obstructive airway and
pulmonary disorders as well as to follow up the development and therapy of the
disease.
As far as a diagnosis in respect of enrolment is concerned, the existence of a COPDtypical case history, evidence of FEV1 reduction to below 80% of the desired level
and compliance with at least one of the following criteria are required:
– evidence of obstruction with FEV1/VC < 70% and increase of FEV1 by less than
15% and/or by less than 200 ml 10 minutes after inhalation of a short-acting beta2 sympathomimetic or 30 minutes after inhalation of a short-acting anticholinergic
(bronchodilator reversibility test),
– evidence of obstruction with FEV1/VC < 70% and increase of FEV1 by less than
15% and/or by less than 200 ml after administration of
systemic
glucocorticosteroids for at least 14 days or administration of inhaled
glucocorticosteroids for at least 28 days in a stable phase of the disease
(glucocorticosteroid reversibility test),
– evidence of an increase in airway resistance or of pulmonary overinflation or
impaired gas exchange in patients with FEV1/VC > 70% and of a radiologic
examination of the thoracic organs which has shown there is no other disease
causing the symptoms.
Simultaneous enrolment in Part I (bronchial asthma) and Part II (COPD) of the
Disease Management Programme is not possible.
For details of further enrolment criteria in respect of Disease Management
Programmes please refer to Item 3. The doctor should check whether the patient
would benefit from enrolment in view of the therapy objectives mentioned under Item
1.3 and be able to assist with their realisation.
1.3
Therapy objectives
The therapy serves to enhance life expectancy as well as maintain and improve the
quality of life affected by COPD, whereby the aim should be to meet the following
therapy objectives based on the given patient’s age and associated disorders:
1. Avoidance/Reduction of:
– acute and chronic disease-related impairments (e.g. exacerbations, associated
and secondary disorders),
– disease-related impairments in everyday physical and social activities,
– quick progression of the disease
while trying to achieve the best possible pulmonary function and minimising
undesirable effects of the therapy.
2. Reduction of COPD-related mortality.
1.4
Differentiated therapy planning
Differentiated therapy planning should be undertaken together with the given patient
on the basis of an individual risk assessment, whereby the existence of mixed forms
(bronchial asthma and COPD) should also be given due consideration.
The care provider should examine whether the patient would benefit from a specific
form of intervention in view of the therapy objectives mentioned under Item 1.3. The
execution of diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be coordinated with the
patient following detailed clarification in terms of the benefits and risks involved.
Based on the individual risk assessment and the general therapy objectives,
individual therapy objectives should be set together with the patient. For individual
risk assessment purposes, the given patient’s pulmonary function (FEV1) and his or
her body weight are particularly relevant in terms of prognosis.
1.5
Therapeutic measures
1.5.1
Non-medicinal measures
1.5.1.1
General non-medicinal measures
The doctor treating the given patient should draw the latter’s attention above all to the
following:
– COPD noxae and/or COPD-triggering factors (e.g. active and passive smoking,
extreme (also vocation-related) exposure to dust) and their avoidance,
– prevention of infections,
– medicines (above all self-medication) which may result in an aggravation of
COPD,
– an adequate diet (hypercaloric) in the case of underweight 1), 2), 3).
1.5.1.2
Smoking cessation
Smoking with inhalation of smoke makes COPD significantly more difficult to treat,
which is why the focus of the given therapy should be on quitting smoking.
Within the framework of the given therapy, the doctor treating the patient concerned
should point out the specific risks patients with COPD subject themselves to by
1) Landbo C, Prescott E, Lange P, Vestbo J, Almdal TP: Prognostic value of nutritional status in chronic
pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1999; 160: 1856-1861.
2) Schols AMWJ, Soeters PB, Mostert R, Pluymers RJ, Wouters EFM: Physiological effects of nutritional
support and anabolic stroids in COPD patients: a placebo controlled randomised trial. Am J Respir Crit Care
Med 1995; 152: 1268-1274.
3) Wouters EFM, Schols AMWJ: Nutritional support in chronic respiratory diseases. In: Donner CF, Decramer
M (Ed): Pulmonary Rehabilitation 2000; 5: Monograph 13: 111-131.
smoking while, at the same time, linking this into specific counseling strategies 4), 5),
6) 7)
, and urgently advising the patient concerned to quit smoking.
- The smoking status of each patient should be ascertained at each consultation.
- Smokers should be motivated in a clear, powerful and personal form to quit
smoking.
- It should further be ascertained whether the given smoker is prepared to start an
attempt to quit smoking at the given point in time.
- Smokers prepared to quit smoking should be given access to professional
advisory assistance (e.g. of a behavioural therapeutic form).
- Follow-up appointments should be arranged, if possible in the first week following
the date on which the patient quitted smoking.
1.5.1.3
Physical training
Physical training usually results in a reduction of COPD-related symptoms and an
enhancement of exercise tolerance and may improve the quality of life or reduce
morbidity 8), 9), 10) .
That is why the doctor treating the given patient should motivate the patient
concerned on a regular basis to engage in appropriate physical training measures.
Regular training on at least one occasion per week should be recommended. The
nature and scope of the physical training measures should take into account the
severity of the given patient’s disorder and the availability of suitable measures.
1.5.1.4
Training and Disease Management Programmes
Any patient with COPD should be given access to a structured, evaluated, target
group-specific and publicised Training and Disease Management Programme. Apart
from that, the enrolment and quality assurance criteria mentioned under Item 4.2 are
applicable.
1.5.1.5
General physiotherapy (respiratory therapy)
General physiotherapy with a focus on respiratory therapy is a supplementary
constituent part of the non-medicinal treatment of COPD 11), 12), 13), 14), 15), 16) .
4) Whitlock EP, Orleans CT, Pender N, Allan J: Evaluating primary care behavioral counseling interventions: an
evidence-based approach. Am J Prev Med 2002; 22(4): 267-284.
5) West R, McNeill A, Raw M: Smoking cessation guidelines for health professionals: an update. Thorax 2000;
55(12): 987-999.
6) Silagy, C., Stead, LF: Physician advice for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2001; 2: CD
000165.
7) van der Meer RM, Wagena EJ, Ostelo RWJG, Jacobs JE, van Schayck CP: Smoking cessation for chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 2 2003. Oxford: Update
Software.
8) Griffiths et al.: Results at one-year of out-patient multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation. Lancet 2000,
355: 362-368.
9) Garcia-Aymerich J, Farrero E, Felez MA, Izquierdo J, Marrades RM, Anto JM: Risk factors of readmission to
hospital for a COPD exacerbation: a prospective study. Thorax 2003; 58(2): 100-105.
10) Pulmonary Rehabilitation Joint ACCP/AACVPR Evidence-Based Guidelines. Chest 1997; 112(5): 13631396.
11) Cegla UH, Jost JH, Harten A, Weber T: RC-Cornet(R) improves the bronchodilating effect of
Ipratropiumbromide (Atrovent(R)) inhalation in COPDpatients [Article in German]: Pneumologie 2001; 55(10):
465-469.
In appropriate cases (e.g. high level of phlegm retention), the doctor can therefore
give due consideration to prescribing respiratory therapy/physiotherapy in
accordance with the Regulations Governing the Prescription of Remedies
[Heilmittelrichtlinien].
1.5.2
Long-term oxygen therapy
If there is evidence of severe chronic hypoxaemia, the doctor should check whether a
long-term oxygen therapy is indicated.
1.5.3
Home ventilation
In the case of chronic hypercapnia, intermittent non-invasive home ventilation may be
taken into consideration.
1.5.4
Rehabilitation
Outpatient or inpatient pneumological rehabilitation is a process, whereby patients
suffering from COPD are given support by a multi-disciplinary team, enabling them to
achieve and maintain their best possible level of physical and psychical health 10), 17),
18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23)
,
, , ,
as well as to retain or restore their ability to work and play an
active role in society in an autonomous, equal manner. The aim of rehabilitation
12) Cegla UH, Bautz M, Frode G, Werner T: [Physical therapy in patients with COPD and tracheobronchial
instability-comparison of 2 oscillating PEP systems (RC-Cornet, VRP1 Desitin). Results of a randommized
prospective study of 90 patients [Article in German]: Pneumologie 1997; 51(2): 129-136.
13) 13) Bellone A, Spagnolatti L, Massobrio M, Bellei E, Vinciguerra R, Barbieri A, Iori E, Bendinelli S, Nava
S: Short-term effects of expiration under positive pressure in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease and mild acidosis requiring non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. Intensive
Care Med 2002; 28(5): 581-585.
14) Wijkstra PJ, Ten Vergert EM, van Altena R, Otten V, Kraan J, Postma DS, Koeter GH: Long term benefits
of rehabilitation at home on quality of life and exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease. Thorax 1995; 50: 824-828.
15) Minoguchi H, Shibuya M, Miyagawa T, Kokubu F, Yamada M, Tanaka H, Altose MD, Adachi M, Homma
I: Cross-over comparison between respiratory muscle stretch gymnastics and inspiratory muscle training. Intern
Med 2002; 41(10): 805-812.
16) Steier J, Petro W: Physikalische Therapie bei COPD – Evidence based Medicine? Pneumologie 2002; 56:
388-396.
10) Pulmonary Rehabilitation Joint ACCP/AACVPR Evidence-Based Guidelines. Chest 1997; 112(5): 13631396.
17) Lacasse Y, Guyatt GH, Goldstein RS: The components of a respiratory rehabilitation program: a systematic
overview. Chest 1997; 111: 1077-1088.
18) Lacasse, Y, L. Brosseau, S. Milne et al.: Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
The Cochrane Library Issue 1, Oxford 2003.
19) Devine EC, Pearcy J: Meta-analysis of the effects of psychoeducational care in adults with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. Patient Educ Couns 1996; 29: 167-178.
20) Donner CF, Muir JF: Rehabilitation and Chronic Care Scientific Group of the European Respiratory Society.
Selection criteria and programmes for pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients. Eur Respir J 1997; 10: 744757.
21) ATS Official Statement: Pulmonary Rehabilitation – 1999. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1999; 159: 16661682.
22) Fishman AP: Pulmonary rehabilitation research. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1994; 149: 825-833.
23) Bergmann KC, Fischer J, Schmitz M, Petermann F, Petro W: (Statement der Sektion Pneumologische
Prävention und Rehabilitation). Die stationäre pneumologische Rehabilitation für Erwachsene: Zielsetzung –
diagnostische und therapeutische Standards – Forschungsbedarf. Pneumologie 1997; 51: 523-532.
services is to help avoid or counter any disadvantages caused by COPD and/or its
associated and secondary disorders, whereby the special needs of children and
juveniles affected by this disease should be given due consideration.
Rehabilitation can be a constituent component of the comprehensive care provided
to patients with COPD with the aim of achieving long-term success.
The necessity of rehabilitation services provision should be examined on an
individual basis in accordance with Item 1.6.4.
1.5.5
Surgical measures
In appropriate cases (above all in patients with large bullae and/or severe
emphysema in the upper lung field), surgical measures improving pulmonary function
should be given due consideration 24).
1.5.6
Psychological, psychosomatic and psychosocial care
On account of the complex interaction between somatic, psychological and social
factors affecting patients with COPD, the doctor should check to what extent the
patient concerned would benefit from psychotherapeutic (e.g. behavioural
therapeutic) and/or psychiatric measures. In the case of a psychological imbalance
serious enough to be considered a disorder, the treatment should be supplied by
qualified care providers.
1.5.7
Medicinal measures
For pharmacotherapy purposes, an individual therapy plan should be drawn up and
self-management measures decided together with the given patient (see also
structured training programmes (Item 4)).
Taking account of any counterindications and patient preferences, the primary aim is
to use such medicines as have been proven safe and effective in respect of the
therapy objectives mentioned under Item 1.3 in prospective, randomised, controlled
trials. Preference should be given to such substances/substance groups or
combinations as provide the greatest benefits in this respect.
In view of the fact that the response to medicines can vary from person to person as
well as in time terms (e.g. theophylline, inhaled and oral glucocorticosteroids), due
consideration should be given to carrying out an omission test (if appropriate) while
closely monitoring the given patient’s symptoms and pulmonary function.
To the extent that substances or substance groups other than those mentioned in
this Annex are to be prescribed within the framework of individual therapy planning,
24) Worth, H, Buhl, R, Cegla, U, Criée, CP, Gillissen, A, Kardos, P, Köhler, D, Magnussen, H, Meister, R,
Nowak, D, Petro, W, Rabe, KF, Schultze-Werninghaus, G, Sitter, H, Teschler, H, Welte, T, Wettengel, R:
Leitlinie der Deutschen Atemwegsliga und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie zur Diagnostik und
Therapie von Patienten mit chronisch obstruktiver Bronchitis und Lungenemphysem (COPD) Pneumologie
2002; 11.
the given patient is to be informed as to whether any evidence is available
concerning the effectiveness of these substances or substance groups in respect of
the therapy objectives mentioned under Item 1.3.
The aim of the medicinal therapy is above all to alleviate the symptoms (particularly
coughing, phlegm retention and breathing difficulties) and treat exacerbations
promptly while reducing the rate of their incidence.
As far as the medication of COPD is concerned, a distinction is made between asneeded medication (medicines administered as required in the case of, for example,
physically stressful situations that can be anticipated or for treating dyspnoea) and
regular medication (medicines administered regularly by way of basic therapy).
The substances or substance groups primarily to be used include:
As-needed therapy:
– short-acting beta-2 sympathomimetics (fenoterol, salbutamol, terbutalin),
– short-acting anticholinergics (ipratropiumbromide),
– combination of short-acting beta-2 sympathomimetics and anticholinergics.
In justified cases:
– theophylline (in a quick-release form),
– in the case of phlegm retention, consideration should be given to:
– inhalation of salt solutions,
– mucoactive substances.
For regular therapy purposes if necessary:
– long-acting anticholinergic (tiotropiumbromide),
– long-acting beta-2 sympathomimetics (formoterol, salmeterol).
In justified cases:
– theophylline (in a delayed-release form),
– inhaled glucocorticosteroids 25), 26) (for moderate and severe COPD, particularly if
the patient concerned also shows signs of bronchial asthma),
– systemic glucocorticosteroids.
In the event of exacerbations occurring frequently, the use of mucoactive substances
(acetylcysteine, ambroxol, carbocisteine) may be taken into consideration.
Following initial instruction in inhalation techniques, these should be monitored at
least once in every documentation period.
1.5.7.1
Immunisations
Influenza and pneumonia immunisations should be given due consideration for
patients with COPD according to the latest STIKO Recommendations.
1.5.7.2
Respiratory infections
Infections often result in an acute deterioration of the disease. In such cases, the
prime need is to intensify the level of the as-needed therapy, in particular through the
short-term administration of systemic glucocorticosteroids. Should any signs of
25) Calverley P, Pauweis R, Vestbo J et al.: Combined salmeterol and fluticasone in the treatment of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2003; 561: 449-456.
26) Szafranski W, Cukler A, Ramirez G et al.: Efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol in the management
of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Eur Respir J 2003; 21: 74-81.
bacterial infection (e.g. yellow-green sputum) be identified, consideration should be
given to executing antibiotic treatment at an early stage 27).
1.6
Cooperation of the various care provision sectors
The treatment of patients with COPD necessitates cooperation between all the
sectors (outpatient, inpatient) and facilities concerned. Appropriately qualified
treatment must be guaranteed along the entire care provision chain.
1.6.1
Coordinating doctor
The long-term treatment of a given patient and the associated documentation work
required under the Disease Management Programme must be carried out by the
patient’s family doctor (general practitioner) within the scope of his or her duties set
out and described in Sect. 73 of the Fifth Book of the German Social Security Code
[Sozialgesetzbuch].
In exceptional cases, a patient with COPD can choose to have the long-term
treatment, documentation work and coordination of further activities within the
framework of the Disease Management Programme carried out by an appropriately
qualified specialist who is licensed or authorised to provide these services or by an
appropriately qualified facility that is licensed or authorised to provide these services
or is participating in the provision of outpatient medical care in accordance with
Sect. 116b of the Fifth Book of the German Social Security Code [Sozialgesetzbuch].
This applies above all in cases where the patient concerned has already been
treated by the given doctor or facility on a long-term basis prior to enrolment in the
Disease Management Programme or where care provision in this form is considered
necessary for medical reasons. The referral regulations set out under Item 1.6.2
require due consideration on the part of the doctor or facility chosen if their specific
qualifications are insufficient for treating the patients for the referral reasons
mentioned therein.
In the case of such patients as are subject to ongoing treatment by a specialist doctor
or facility, the specialist or facility concerned should examine whether the given
patient can be referred back to his or her family doctor (general practitioner) in the
event that the patient’s condition undergoes stabilisation.
1.6.2
Referral by the coordinating doctor to a specialist doctor or facility
The doctor should check whether patients should be referred to an appropriately
qualified specialist or facility for additional treatment and/or enhanced diagnostics, in
cases where above all the following indications/circumstances apply:
– if the therapy fails to be successful despite intensified treatment,
– if regular treatment with oral steroids becomes necessary,
– following emergency treatment,
27) Stockley RA, O’Brien C, Pye A et al.: Relationship of sputum colour to nature and outpatient management
of acute exacerbations of COPD. Chest 2000; 117: 1638-1645.
– associated disorders (e.g. severe bronchial asthma, symptomatic cardiac
insufficiency, other chronic pulmonary disorders),
– suspected respiratory insufficiency (e.g. for checking whether long-term oxygen
therapy and/or intermittent home ventilation is indicated)
– suspected occupational COPD.
In all other cases the doctor should decide, according to his or her best judgment,
whether a referral is necessary.
1.6.3
Admission to hospital
Indications requiring patients to undergo inpatient treatment include above all the
following:
– suspected life-threatening exacerbation,
– serious, persistent or progressive deterioration despite initial treatment,
– suspected serious pulmonary infections,
– preparation for intermittent home ventilation.
Apart from that, inpatient treatment should particularly be taken into consideration in
the case of exceptional deterioration or new complications and secondary disorders
(e.g. in the event of severe cardiac insufficiency or pathological fracture).
In all other cases the doctor should decide, according to his or her best judgment,
whether admission to hospital is necessary.
1.6.4
Prescription of rehabilitation services
The provision of rehabilitation services should be given special consideration in the
case of severe forms of COPD with relevant disease-related consequences despite
the provision of adequate medical treatment and usage of all therapy options
available, particularly in the case of difficult and unstable disease development with
severe bronchial obstruction, extreme bronchial hyperreactivity, psychosocial stress
and/or in the case of serious, medicine-related complications 28), 29).
2.
Quality assurance measures (Sect. 137f Para. 2 Sent. 2 No. 2 of
the Fifth Book of the German Social Security Code
[Sozialgesetzbuch])
The details under Item 2 of Annex 1 apply accordingly.
The aim is to develop, within the framework of integrated care programmes, a
specific common quality assurance system for Disease Management Programmes in
order to implement cross-sector quality assurance procedures. The parties
responsible are to be involved in this on an equal basis. Until such time as a cross28) Griffith TL, Phillips CJ, Davies S et al.: Cost effectiveness of an outpatient multidisciplinary pulmonary
rehabilitation programme. Thorax 2001; 56: 779-784.
29) Griffith TL, Burr ML, Campbell IA et al.: Results at 1 year of outpatient multidisciplinary pulmonary
rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2000; 355: 362-368.
sector quality assurance system is introduced, the existing separate responsibilities
and competencies will continue to apply in the case of Disease Management
Programmes too.
3.
Participation requirements and duration of participation of
insured persons (Sect. 137f Para. 2 Sent. 2 No. 3 of the Fifth
Book of the German Social Security Code [Sozialgesetzbuch])
The attending doctor should check whether a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of
COPD would benefit from enrolment in respect of the therapy objectives mentioned
under Item 1.3 and would be able to participate actively in their realisation.
3.1
General participation requirements
The details set out under Item 3.1 of Annex 1 apply accordingly.
3.2
Special participation requirements
As far as a diagnosis in respect of enrolment is concerned, the existence of a COPDtypical case history, evidence of FEV1 reduction to below 80% of the desired level
and compliance with at least one of the following criteria are required. Findings that
are used as a basis for enrolment must date from within the past 12 months.
Evidence of obstruction with FEV1/VC < 70%
and
increase of FEV1 by less than 15% and/or by less than 200 ml 10 minutes after
inhalation of a short-acting beta-2 sympathomimetic or 30 minutes after inhalation
of a short-acting anticholinergic (bronchodilator reversibility test).
-
Evidence of obstruction with FEV1/VC < 70%
and
increase of FEV1 by less than 15% and/or by less than 200 ml after administration
of systemic glucocorticosteroids for at least 14 days or administration of inhaled
glucocorticosteroids for at least 28 days in a stable phase of the disease
(glucocorticosteroid reversibility test).
-
-
Evidence of an increase in airway resistance or of pulmonary overinflation or
impaired gas exchange in patients with FEV1/VC > 70% and of a radiologic
examination of the thoracic organs which has shown there is no other disease
causing the symptoms.
Insured persons below 18 years of age cannot be enrolled in Part II (COPD) of the
Disease Management Programme.
Simultaneous enrolment in Part I (bronchial asthma) and Part II (COPD) of the
Disease Management Programme is not possible.
4.
Training courses (Sect. 137f Para. 2 Sent. 2 No. 4 of the Fifth
Book of the German Social Security Code [Sozialgesetzbuch])
The health funds are to inform insured persons and care providers about the
objectives and content of the Disease Management Programmes. To this end, the
contractually agreed care objectives, cooperation and referral regulations, underlying
care remits and valid therapy recommendations must also be presented in a
transparent manner. The given health fund may appoint a third party to carry out this
task.
4.1
Training courses for care providers
Training courses for care providers serve the purpose of helping to achieve the
contractually agreed care objectives. The content of the training courses is tailored to
cater for the agreed management components, above all with regard to cross-sector
cooperation. The contracting parties are to define requirements to be met by the
regular training of participating care providers relevant to the Disease Management
Programmes concerned. They can make the long-term participation of care providers
conditional upon the provision of appropriate attendance confirmations.
4.2
Training courses for insured persons
Any patient with COPD should be given access to a structured, evaluated, target
group-specific and publicised Training and Disease Management Programme.
Training courses for patients serve the purpose of enabling the patient concerned to
better manage the course of his or her disease and make informed decisions. To this
end, a link should be established to the programme’s underlying structured medical
content in accordance with Sect. 137f Para. 2 Sent. 2 No. 1 of the Fifth Book of the
German Social Security Code [Sozialgesetzbuch]. The existing level of training of the
insured person concerned should be given due consideration.
At the application stage, the training programmes to be applied must be notified to
the German Federal Insurance Office and evidence provided of their focus on the
therapy objectives mentioned under Item 1.3. Training and treatment programmes
should take into account individual therapy plans. The appropriate qualifications of
the care providers concerned are to be verified.
5.
Evaluation (Sect. 137f Para. 2 Sent. 2 No. 6 of the Fifth Book of
the German Social Security Code [Sozialgesetzbuch])
The details under Item 5 of Annex 1 apply accordingly.