[Guidelines Within And For Public Health Services: Results Of An Online Survey On Current Practical Needs].

Abstract

Evidence-based guidelines are recognized and well-established in everyday medical practice. However, in the Public Health Service (PHS), evidence-based guidelines are not yet widely available. To promote the development of guidelines within and for the ÖGD, the Federal Joint Committee (GBA) issued a funding directive in June 2024. This study presents the results of an online survey on the prioritization of guideline topics in the ÖGD, conducted by the German Society for Public Health Services (DGÖG). The survey focused on 17 guideline topics proposed by the GBA, which were divided into six task areas. Out of over 900 participants, comprehensive responses from nearly 500 respondents were analyzed, 85% of whom work in local health departments. The results showed that all 17 guideline topics were assigned high or very high priority. Particularly frequently prioritized were the areas of infection hygiene monitoring, medical expert assessment, and psychosocial emergency care. Additionally, experts highlighted dental screening, health literacy on oral health, and monitoring of drinking and bathing water. The qualitative analysis further identified additional relevant topics, including health reporting and planning, health promotion and prevention, child welfare, as well as crisis management and communication. The survey provides insights into the priority topics for guidelines as perceived by practitioners and ÖGD researchers. The results underscore the significant need for evidence-based guidelines in and for the ÖGD and provide valuable insights for further development and prioritization.