[Opportunities and barriers of IPReG for out-of-hospital intensive care : Explorative interview study with payers and health policy stakeholders as part of the PRiVENT study].

Background: The number of long-term ventilated patients in out-of-hospital intensive care (OIC) in Germany has risen sharply in recent years. Due to financial disincentives, structural care deficits and resource bottlenecks, there is an increasing risk of inadequate care. In 2020, the Intensive Care and Rehabilitation Strengthening Act (IPReG) was therefore passed by legislators with the aim of improving OIC. This study examines the opportunities and challenges of the IPReG with regard to the care of long-term ventilated patients in OIC from the perspective of payers and healthcare policy.

Materials and methods: A qualitative interview study was conducted as part of the process evaluation of the multicenter study PRiVENT (Prevention of invasive Ventilation). Using semi-structured, guideline-based individual interviews, health policy actors and representatives of statutory health insurers were asked about the IPReG.

Results: In all, 11 health policymakers and 12 representatives of statutory health insurance companies took part in the interviews. Both interview groups showed a positive attitude towards the IPReG and expressed the expectation of added value for the outpatient care of long-term ventilated patients. The current remuneration regulations for weaning and the assessment of weaning potential in the OIC were criticized, among other things.

Conclusion: The IPReG provides a legal basis for improving OIC, but there is still room for improvement in its current version. The evaluation planned by legislators should be used to identify potential weaknesses and make appropriate adjustments.