Patient safety, trans-sectoral quality of care, cost efficiency and interprofessional competence: An analysis of the interprofessional training wards A-STAR in comparison to conventional wards with a hepatological focus at Regensburg University Hospital

Introduction: Interprofessional collaboration is crucial. Since the introduction of interprofessional training wards in 1996, these have aimed to foster cooperation and communication among healthcare professionals. This study, conducted at the University Hospital Regensburg, evaluates patient outcomes, cost efficiency, transsectoral quality of care, and the satisfaction of patients, their families, and caregivers, comparing the interprofessional training ward A-STAR Regensburg to conventional wards.

Methods: The study was conducted from October 2019 to October 2024. Anonymized, standardized questionnaires were employed to assess patient outcomes, cost efficiency, and satisfaction, utilizing the Collaboration and Satisfaction About Care Decisions (CSACD) and Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit (FS-ICU) surveys. General practitioners and patients were also surveyed regarding transsectoral transfer quality.

Results: The analysis included 1,514 patients from the A-STAR and 5,847 from conventional wards. No significant differences were observed in clinical outcomes such as discharges against medical advice, complication-related readmissions, or mortality. The A-STAR ward demonstrated greater cost efficiency, with reduced material costs and higher DRG revenue per case. Patient, family, and caregiver satisfaction was significantly higher in the interprofessional ward. Additionally, improvements were noted in transsectoral care, including more accurate medication adjustments and fewer complications or new symptoms after discharge.

Conclusion: Interprofessional training wards like A-STAR provide patient care comparable to conventional wards while enhancing the quality of healthcare training. The results support the cost-effectiveness of IPTWs, increased satisfaction among patients and families, and improvements in transsectoral care quality. Their inclusion in medical curricula could positively influence patient safety and healthcare team dynamics.

Publication History

Article published online:
20 January 2025