[Use of routine data for evaluation purposes in sickness funds - Evaluation of the "TK-Patientendialog"]

Abstract

Introduction: The "TK-Patientendialog" is a web-based individualised decision aid for patients with acute back pain and depression. The decision aid prepares patients to take a shared decision about the treatment with the physician. It was evaluated with routine data out of the data-bases of the TK.

Method: The use of treatment options for three subgroups (intervention group, control group and no intervention group) were compared with descriptive statistics and ANOVA models. Data about the use of pharmaceuticals, physiotherapy, hospitalisation and inability to work were available.

Results: Users in all groups had a high need for treatment. Based on this evaluation, no major differences in utilisation patterns could be found between the subgroups.

Discussion: Useful insights into the treatment history and utilisation patterns of the users of the "TK-Patientendialog" could be gained. Some data could not be used for this evaluation because they were not available in time. As soon as they become available these data should be analysed as well.