Rethinking patient care together
The Institute for Family Medicine at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) hosted the 4th General Medicine Day this week. Approximately 60 general practitioners, doctors in further training, and medical assistants from the region came together for an exciting and interactive event. The highlight was an interdisciplinary case discussion between family doctors and specialists on the topic of “New Approaches to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity.” When people feel unwell, they usually go to their family doctor. Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care are competently provided in doctors' offices. What few people know: Studies show that the presence of family doctors measurably reduces premature mortality in a population. This is precisely why research and innovation in the field of family medicine are essential. However, although family practices are the most important setting in which most patients are seen and treated, when it comes to innovation, most people think almost exclusively of large hospitals. Yet there are now models that show how things can be done differently.
Institute Director Prof. Brigitta Weltermann presented current projects for innovative care. With its PIA software, the Institute for Family Medicine has developed a patient management system that enables practices and patients with high blood pressure to significantly improve blood pressure control together. Based on this proven system, further applications are now being developed in collaboration with family doctors, including for patients with respiratory diseases. Prof. Bernd Pötzsch, Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Medicine, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of patient-centered teaching in family medicine teaching practices. In addition to the keynote speech, various workshops were on the agenda. Participants were able to try out exercise routines for patients with joint problems, learn about the specifics of lung function testing, discuss the needs of long-term cancer survivors, and exchange ideas on how best to communicate about healthy eating. In addition, participants had access to the Market of Opportunities with a job exchange and information on the North Rhine Competence Center for General Medicine, the Junior Leadership Program for medical students, and current studies conducted by the institute.
Prof. Weltermann summed up: “General Medicine Day is a successful platform for exchange, bringing to life the close links and interdisciplinary cooperation between the university hospital and the many family doctors in the region.”