Health Kiosk: Local Healthcare Provision

In Germany, a new project called the "Health Kiosk" is underway, aimed at improving access to healthcare services. By 2025, 1,000 of these kiosks are planned to be established in areas with high demand.

The Health Kiosks will provide accessible consultations and a range of services, supported by municipalities and health insurance companies. Federal Health Minister Prof. Karl Lauterbach sees this as an opportunity to enhance healthcare delivery.

Concept and Goals of the Health Kiosk

Health Kiosks are designed to improve healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved areas. They offer health-related advice and support for navigating healthcare services.

Low-Threshold Advice

In socially disadvantaged areas, Health Kiosks make access to health information easier. They offer advice on wellness products and natural remedies and educate visitors on proper use of dietary supplements.

Strengthening Health Competence

A primary goal of the kiosks is to enhance health competence. They help individuals better manage health issues, promote a healthy lifestyle through personal consultations, and provide information on natural remedies.

Coordination of Services

Health Kiosks play a crucial role in coordinating health services. They act as intermediaries between patients and doctors, provide information on local preventive and health promotion services, and offer advice on wellness products and their use.

Functions and Services at the Health Kiosk

Health Kiosks are essential for local communities, offering health advice and assisting individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and finding appropriate fitness programs.

They also coordinate health services, determining medical and social needs and providing assistance with health and social issues.

Key functions include:

• Developing a cross-sectoral network
• Performing basic medical routine tasks
• Contributing to primary care

Health Kiosks serve as the initial contact point for health-related inquiries, offering simple advice and practical help to improve local healthcare.

Staff and Structure of the Health Kiosks

Health Kiosks are staffed with qualified personnel and are well-integrated into local networks. They provide comprehensive on-site healthcare.

Leading by Skilled Nurses

Registered nurses manage the Health Kiosks, bringing medical knowledge and experience in patient care. They will also acquire therapeutic competencies, similar to those of alternative medicine practitioners.

Collaboration with Authorities

The kiosks work closely with public health services, engaging in prevention, health promotion, and vaccination campaigns. This collaboration strengthens overall healthcare delivery.

Local Networking

The Health Kiosks connect with other advisory and service centers, utilizing existing community structures to create a dense network of care, including alternative medicine providers.

Thus, Health Kiosks serve as central hubs for various health-related issues, integrating conventional medicine with alternative approaches to offer comprehensive care.

Funding and Participation of Various Stakeholders

Funding for Health Kiosks is a collaborative effort. Statutory health insurance companies cover 74.5% of the costs, highlighting their importance to the concept.

Private health insurers contribute 5.5%, reflecting the broad significance of the kiosks. Municipalities provide 20% of the funding, supporting local healthcare services.

Other social service providers may also contribute, ensuring broad support. The details are outlined in fair and transparent contracts.

This funding model ensures the sustainability of Health Kiosks, providing simple healthcare services and enhancing preventive care within the community.

Health Kiosk as a Bridge Between Patients and the Healthcare System

Health kiosks connect patients with the healthcare system and provide support in various areas, helping people find the right care.

Support in Needs Assessment

At the health kiosk, staff assess the needs of visitors. They provide advice on wellness products and natural remedies, helping individuals make informed decisions.

Mediation of Prevention and Treatment Offers

Health kiosks inform about local offers. They facilitate connections to doctors and hospitals, and also offer courses on healthy nutrition and exercise.

Assistance with Health and Social Matters

The kiosks assist with health and social questions. They help with filling out forms, explaining medical letters, and also aid in finding self-help groups.

Experiences and Successes of Existing Health Kiosks

Health kiosks in Hamburg have demonstrated their effectiveness in closing gaps in the healthcare system. They make it easier for people in difficult situations to access medical help, thereby relieving the burden on medical practices and improving care for disadvantaged patients.

A crucial part of the work done at health kiosks is health counseling. Visitors receive information on various health topics, including the proper use of dietary supplements. This counseling helps improve health knowledge among the population.

The successes of health kiosks have convinced the Joint Federal Committee, which has decided to incorporate them into regular healthcare services. This highlights the importance of health kiosks for the future of the German healthcare system.

FAQ about Health Kiosks

What are health kiosks?

Health kiosks are low-threshold advisory centers set up in socially disadvantaged areas. Their goal is to improve access to healthcare services.

What goals do health kiosks pursue?

Health kiosks aim to improve health literacy, coordinate healthcare services, and mediate prevention and treatment offers.

What tasks do health kiosks perform?

Health kiosks mediate healthcare services, assist with needs assessment, coordinate healthcare services, and support health and social matters. They also network with local health providers.

Who operates the health kiosks?

Qualified nursing professionals operate the health kiosks. They will also gain competency in alternative medicine in the future.

How are health kiosks financed?

Health kiosks are financed jointly by municipalities, statutory and private health insurance companies, with other social benefit providers also able to participate.

What role do health kiosks play for patients?

Health kiosks act as a bridge between patients and the healthcare system. They assist with needs assessment, mediate prevention and treatment offers, and help with health and social matters.

What experiences exist with existing health kiosks?

In Hamburg, health kiosks have improved access to healthcare services and addressed a fairness gap in the healthcare system through close cooperation with doctors, hospitals, and social institutions.