[The "outcome benchmarking in rheumatologic acute care" project of the Association of Rheumatologic Acute Care Clinics (VRA e.V.) in Germany]

Abstract

By initiating and taking part in the pilot project obra (outcome benchmarking in rheumatologic acute care), which was supported by the German Ministry of Health, the rheumatologic hospitals committed themselves to the continuous improvement of quality through a collective benchmarking and learning process. In addition to verifiable and concrete improvements in quality, the major achievements of the obra pilot project include a cultural change in the participating hospitals as well as the continuation of outcome benchmarking and its expansion to an increasing number of hospitals.