[Interdisciplinary centers for autoimmune diseases in Germany].

Abstract

Background: Interdisciplinary medical treatment is required to care for patients with complex autoimmune diseases. Although there are an increasing number of interdisciplinary centers for autoimmune diseases in Germany, they are not yet available throughout the country and the focuses and interdisciplinary structures are not organized according to a generally agreed standard. Furthermore, they are not regularly reflected in the general care structure.

The aim of the work: To analyze the care structure using as an example an established center and a clinical case to demonstrate the usefulness of in-house standardized procedures.

Material and methods: In order to determine the status quo regarding interdisciplinary centers for autoimmune diseases in Germany, a university hospital is exemplarily presented for a structural analysis and a case presentation from another center to demonstrate the importance of an interdisciplinary patient care.

Results: At the selected center for autoimmune diseases of the university hospital, patients with autoimmune diseases receive interdisciplinary care from experts from various disciplines. The structures are anchored in an organizational chart. The case report demonstrates a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic pathway (standardized operating procedures, SOP) in a patient with systemic sclerosis and lung involvement.

Discussion: The article discusses which measures are necessary across disciplines for comprehensive diagnostics and treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, which challenges arise during implementation and which advantages can arise compared to guidelines because, among other things, they can be immediately adapted. The establishment of a national consensus for the structure, necessary settings and implementation into patient care within an interdisciplinary center for autoimmune diseases is desirable.