Verbesserung des Entlassmanagements bei Depression durch Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA): Erkenntnisse aus dem BKH Augsburg

Abstract

This study investigates the implementation of digital health applications (DiGA) to enhance discharge management for recurrent depression at Bezirkskrankenhaus Augsburg Hospital (BKH). The research is grounded in the observation and analysis of care processes, complemented by interviews with 13 clinic staff members and two DiGA manufacturers. Our findings highlight a significant care gap during the tran sition from inpatient to outpatient care. Experts regard DiGA as a valuable addition due to its low-thresh old access, continuous usability, and location-independent accessibility. Prolonged waiting times for out patient therapy often result in inadequate post-discharge care, increasing the risk of rehospitalization. Integrating DiGA early during the inpatient stay could potentially improve treatment outcomes for recur rent depression and bridge existing care gaps.