Quality and efficiency are two deciding factors in maintaining the performance of the German health care system, both now and in the future. To achieve this aim, it is important to examine objectively the advantages and disadvantages of medical services for patients.
Since 2004 this has been the responsibility of the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, called IQWiG for short.
The Institute produces independent, evidence-based (supported by proof) reports e.g. on:
- drugs
- non-drug interventions (e.g. surgical procedures)
- methods for diagnosing and screening
- treatment guidelines (CPGs) and disease management programmes (DMPs)
In addition IQWiG provides easily understandable health information for patients and the general community.
The sole contracting agencies are the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) and the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). IQWiG can also tackle topics on its own initiative (general commission).
IQWiG publishes all results in the form of freely accessible reports, rapid reports and working papers, thereby addressing both scientists and stakeholders in health care as well as the general public. It makes knowledge available, with the aim of enabling everyone to make informed decisions.
