Topics at the IGES Institut

The IGES Institut works on almost every topic that impacts healthcare: from outpatient care and health policy to prevention.

Here you can gain a deeper insight into these topics and the challenges they present, as well as the many ways in which the IGES Institut contributes to developing solutions through its methodological and subject-matter expertise.

Outpatient care

Outpatient care is a key pillar of the German healthcare system. As the first point of contact for patients, community-based doctors and medical care centres play a crucial role. In contrast to other European countries, specialist medical care in Germany is provided predominantly in an outpatient setting.

The world of work is undergoing rapid and profound change. Topics such as workplace health promotion, mental health at work, climate and health are more important than ever. Employee health and ability to work, together with engagement and motivation, are among the key factors determining the competitiveness of organisations and companies.

Pharmaceuticals

The development of novel and innovative medicinal products makes a decisive contribution to medical progress. At the same time, the pharmaceutical market is one of the most dynamic and, due to its high level of regulation, one of the most complex areas of healthcare. In Germany, as in other countries, pharmaceutical companies generally operate in highly regulated markets shaped by the requirements of social health insurance funds or government institutions. Key issues include market access, the availability of new therapies to patients, pricing, volume regulation and benefit assessment.

Health policy sets the framework conditions for medical care in Germany. Its role is to define the principles and rules governing who is entitled to healthcare services and under what conditions, who is permitted to provide those services and under what conditions, and how healthcare is financed. Health policy decisions are made by governments and parliaments at federal and federal state level while self-governance also plays a major role in statutory health insurance. In addition, numerous organisations, associations and companies participate in health policy debates as affected parties or stakeholders.

Healthcare industry

The healthcare industry comprises all services, organisations and companies that contribute directly or indirectly to maintaining, restoring and improving health. This ranges from medical care and nursing to medicinal products, medical technology, wellness, research and digital health. It is one of Germany’s most important and dynamic sectors. It not only shapes healthcare for the population, but also has a significant impact on economic growth, the labour market and innovative capacity.

Inpatient care in Germany is undergoing profound change. With around 1,900 hospitals and approximately 480,000 beds, the hospital sector is a central pillar of healthcare provision, but it faces considerable structural challenges. Responsibility for hospital structures is spread among various stakeholders at federal and federal state level. This creates tension between regional healthcare planning and overarching health policy objectives.

Health insurance

Health insurance forms the financial foundation of the German healthcare system. Through its statutory health insurance and private health insurance structures, it secures access to medical services and makes a significant contribution to the high standard of healthcare provision in Germany. Achieving the optimum balance between quality and cost-effectiveness will shape the future development of statutory health insurance. Health insurers work in partnership with every sector of the healthcare system. This gives health insurers a unique overview and specific opportunities to influence and manage the system.

Disease & healthcare provision

Ensuring optimal care for people with medical conditions is one of the central challenges facing healthcare systems. Effective healthcare must ensure that all patients have access to needs-based, high-quality and financially sustainable care. Healthcare structures and processes, and the way they are designed, play a decisive role in this.

Long-term care and long-term care insurance

Long-term care and long-term care insurance in Germany face enormous challenges. As a result of demographic change, demand for professional care services is rising steadily, while shortages in care staff are also becoming more severe. People in need of care and their families require care services tailored to their needs. Ensuring a high-quality care system that remains financially sustainable is a challenge for society as a whole.

Prevention is becoming increasingly important in German healthcare. Against the backdrop of demographic change, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and mounting healthcare costs, health policy strategies and care concepts are increasingly focusing on measures designed to prevent illness and promote health.