Performance profiles of German university dermatology departments

Background: German university medical centers are important institutions for scientific research, academic teaching and patient care representing crucial components of academic education, medical specialist training and health services research. The aim was to analyze the structure and performance of the dermatology departments at German university medical centers.

Patients and methods: Nationwide survey of the heads of the dermatology departments at German university medical centers (n = 35) using a standardized questionnaire on the department's performance profiles in inpatient and outpatient care, financial remuneration, research output and the anticipated development of the department.

Results: Data from 2010 on 33 of 35 (94.3%) dermatology departments at German university medical centers were analyzed. The mean number of inpatient beds of the departments was 57 (range 24-133) with a utilization of bed capacity of 86% on average. The mean case mix of the 2,494 inpatient cases per year was 1,748, the reported mean case mix index was 0.83. On average, 21,973 cases (range 5,284-92,547) were treated at university outpatient clinics. Of the 33 participating departments of dermatology 22 were placed within the top third of their faculty regarding research funding. The most important components of patient care included surgical dermatology (31.4%), dermato-oncology (16.9%) and general dermatology (32.1%).

Conclusions: Covering the whole spectrum of dermatology, the dermatology departments of German university medical centers show extraordinary performances in both patient care and scientific research. They considerably contribute to the overall performance and the economic outcome of the German university medical centers and are an integral part of these institutions.