"Some of the issues have already evolved in the meantime because of the second and third waves, so the overall course of the pandemic needs to be analyzed to see if deferrable appointments were less attended by patients," Eberl said. "Our study is ultimately a piece of the puzzle to form a data base and a stronger fact base. We may be able to develop recommendations for health policy based on the results."
In perspective, the results will describe potential deficiencies in the health care of specific patient cohorts and thus better prepare patients, health authorities and health policy makers for upcoming pandemics.
"The data will certainly show that in the future it will be possible to respond more quickly to such a pandemic without causing delays in health care, and that the entire health care system, including doctors' offices, will then be better prepared," said Prof. Klug.
To the homepage of the Chair of Epidemiology
To the homepage of the Associate Professorshop of Health Economics
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Stefanie Klug
Chair of Epidemiology
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 56
80992 München
phone: 089 289 24950
e-mail: stefanie.klug(at)tum.de
Marian Eberl
Chair of Epidemiology
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 56
80992 München
phone: 089 289 24958
e-mail: marian.eberl(at)tum.de
Text: Romy Schwaiger
Photos: Pixabay/private