As competition increases in the healthcare sector, hospitals and medical practices are focusing more and more on patients and their needs. If patients are to get involved, they need clear, accessible information on the quality of treatment and the services on offer, as well as consultation and advice that focuses on their actual needs and which increases transparency. In Germany, however, independent sources of information have been lacking, exactly the sources that would effectively support patients in becoming proactive users able to make an informed decision.

USA: Dr. Joachim Roski, Vice President of NCQA

Dr. Joachim Roski, Vice President of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in Washington (USA), presented the NCQA approach to quality information.

Germany: "Weiße Liste" - Comparing health care providers

Uwe Schwenk, project manager at the Bertelsmann Stiftung, presented a number of European examples of patient information systems. His project "Weisse Liste"has developed a new internet-based platform for Germany, which provides individualized decision support for patients looking for the right hospital to receive stationary care matching their needs.