Methodological excellence – the foundation of our work

Exceptional methodological expertise is what sets the IGES Institut apart. For more than 40 years, we have been developing and refining scientific methods to provide evidence-based answers to complex questions in healthcare.

Our rigorous empirical approach and the principle that 'there is always an empirically based answer to a question' shape every project we undertake. We have access to a wealth of data and command the entire range of modern research methods – from data collection and complex statistical analyses to innovative evaluation and forecasting techniques.

Here, you can gain insight into our methodological expertise and range of capabilities:

Analysis & Statistics

IGES' rigorously empirical approach means that statistical methods are integral to everything we do. This methodological mindset runs through all areas of the Institut's work and forms the analytical backbone of evidence-based decision support.

IGES has a dedicated Statistics and Biometry team. In addition to providing in-house advice, it is on hand, in particular, to adapt complex and innovative analytical methods to clients' individual questions and projects. We draw on the full spectrum of descriptive and confirmatory statistics.

Designs, Data & Evaluation

IGES systematically tackles its clients' questions on the basis of data and facts. Our clients benefit from our many years of expertise in identifying relevant secondary data sources for a specific question or in collecting primary data ourselves. For each individual project, we analyse the relevant data using a tailored approach and state-of-the art software, and draw the resulting insights together to form a comprehensive picture. At IGES, saying there is no evidence-based solution to a question is not an answer.

Our comprehensive capabilities in the area of Designs, Data & Evaluation provide the empirical foundation for all subsequent analytical steps and consulting services delivered by the IGES Institut.

Forecasting, Concept Design & Development

The IGES Institut has extensive expertise in developing and designing new models of care, programmes and interventions. Our focus is on improving the quality and benefits of healthcare and long-term care provision from the perspective of all stakeholders – including patients, service providers and payers – while taking the relevant legal framework into account.

Using quantitative modelling and expert-based methods that draw on conceptual considerations, available secondary data or newly collected primary data, we can analyse the potential impact of new models of care or regulatory changes on stakeholders and from the patient perspective as early as the concept and development stages. Forecasts based on these methods provide a knowledge- and data-driven basis for decisions on future developments, taking into account healthcare needs, user preferences and the anticipated effects of policy, regulatory and healthcare-related decisions.

Reporting, Discussion & Publication

Reporting on the performance of infrastructure provision has become a critical success factor for service providers. IGES is an innovative and experienced partner in this field. Together with our clients, we define the objectives of transparency projects and advise on how to implement them in a practical and resource-efficient manner. We work across disciplines and apply methods and tools that are continuously developed and refined.

Communicating research and project findings is also an essential part of successful project delivery. IGES supports its clients in preparing results, communicating them in a manner suited to different target audiences and bringing them into professional and public debate. Our services range from organising and delivering events and providing press and media support right up to scientific publication. Together with the client, we define the objectives and select the most appropriate formats and tools for each purpose. A dedicated editorial and publications team is available to support this work.