IQWiG

is an independent scientific institute that
investigates the benefits and harms of medical interventions
for patients. We regularly provide information
about the potential advantages and disadvantages of
different diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Jürgen Windeler assumes position of IQWiG Director

On 1 September 2010 Jürgen Windeler assumes his position as the Director of the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). He succeeds Peter Sawicki, whose contract expired on 31 August. Privatdozent (Private Lecturer) Dr med. Stefan Lange remains Deputy Director. "I greatly appreciate the excellent work accomplished by Peter Sawicki in the establishment of the Institute and believe that the health care system as a whole can pay tribute to him for this outstanding achievement,” says Windeler.

Full text

IQWiG cordially invites you to its Autumn Symposium 2010

How can the benefits and harms of interventions in different medical areas be balanced against each other? How much data transparency is required to be able to actually perform an informed balancing of benefits and harms? Leading health care researchers will discuss these and other questions at IQWiG's annual Autumn Symposium in Cologne on 19 and 20 November. The programme of the symposium and the registration form are now available online.


Full text

Measurement of bone density: indication of a benefit in postmenopausal women, also in those without pre-existing fractures

A large decrease in bone density (osteoporosis) may promote fractures. For this reason, drugs aiming to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures have already been on the market for decades. With the help of bone density measurement (osteodensitometry) those persons can be identified who potentially benefit from such a targeted drug therapy. This has been scientifically proven for a long time, at least in postmenopausal women who previously suffered an osteoporosis-related fracture. An IQWiG final report now concludes that women without pre-existing fractures may also benefit from osteodensitometry.

Full text