[Sectoral interface-an opportunity for health services research?]

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Healthcare Management
• Digital Health

Background:

• Growing demand for outpatient care is a key topic in healthcare discussions.
• The outpatient/hospital interface requires enhanced cooperation and coordination among providers.
• This presents an opportunity for novel cross-sectoral research structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To standardize definitions for cross-sectoral care and research content.
• To highlight the importance of treatment data continuity for health services research.
• To explore how digitalization can improve cross-sectoral structures and patient care.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of healthcare sector integration.
• Review of current challenges in cross-sectoral data transfer.
• Exploration of digitalization's potential in healthcare coordination.

Main Results:

• The cross-sectoral interface is crucial but vulnerable to disruptions.
• Standardized definitions are needed for effective cross-sectoral care and research.
• Digitalization can mitigate information loss and enhance patient care.

Conclusions:

• Improving cross-sectoral collaboration is essential for effective healthcare delivery.
• Digital health solutions can strengthen healthcare structures and facilitate research.
• Optimizing the outpatient-hospital interface benefits both patient outcomes and health services research.