[Certified prostate centers of the DVPZ : Current status]

Five years after introduction of the standards for certification of prostate centers of the DVPZ (Dachverband der Prostatazentren Deutschlands e.V., Umbrella Organization of Prostate Centers in Germany), 40 facilities are seeking to obtain certification and 18 have already achieved certification. One center (Leverkusen) has meanwhile been recertified. Accomplishing certification appears to be protracted in parts, mainly due to the required training and involvement of outpatient services. Most of the difficulties encountered in implementing the contents of the certificate were noted in rendering documentation when dealing with health care data from the outpatient sector. The strengths of the DVPZ certificate include the consistent involvement of the outpatient services, continuing education of the cooperating partners, and the provision of the necessary components for establishing a center. There are considerable potentials for improvement regarding the expected and actual implementation of the standards. Efforts to increase quality are not as yet reimbursed by the cost bearers and a joint course of action on the part of the DVPL and the DKG (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft, German Cancer Society) seems to be needed.