On 12 September 2024, representatives of the StMGP, the government of the Upper Palatinate, the specialist office for care and disability facilities, quality development and supervision (FQA), the AOK Bayern and the transitional living form came together at the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences. Previously, the annual meetings could only be held online for various reasons, so the appointment at OTH Regensburg was gladly taken and a lively exchange was held afterwards.
Reports on the development of transitional housing and the surveys
Firstly, key statistical data on the age, care grades, main diagnoses, length of stay and discharge in accordance with the guidelines for prolonged weaning of patients treated in the transitional living form was presented by pulmonary specialist Dr Heike Kemeter. Information on the transferring facilities and cost bearers was also included.
The second part contained selected interim results of the scientific monitoring, in particular from the stakeholder and employee survey and the focus group interviews. The focus of interest in the surveys is to identify characteristics of the ‘special form of living’ that can provide clues as to whether an outpatient or inpatient setting exists. To this end, it is necessary to analyse the processes and actors involved in admission, treatment and transition in this transitional form of living.
As an interim conclusion, it can be stated that the concept of transitional living is not covered by the legal definitions of Art. 2 of the Care and Quality of Living Act (PfleWoqG). As it also does not provide complex treatment, it cannot be assumed to be rehabilitation treatment that would be congruent with Section 40 SGB V, despite rehabilitative successes.
‘Untying this knot will come down to developing defining characteristics for the so-called transitional living form, which will then be anchored in regulatory law and also financed with options available under social law,’ says project manager Prof Dr Schroll-Decker. The lively discussion following Dr Corina Schiegl's presentation showed how many uncertainties there are. ‘The occupancy rate to date and the success of the transitional living form make it clear that it pursues the objectives of the Intensive Care and Rehabilitation Reinforcement Act (GKV-IPReG) and closes a gap in care,’ summarised the speaker.
Visit to the transitional living form
Following the meeting at OTH Regensburg, the project participants travelled to the transitional living facility and gained an impression of the local conditions, the facilities, the day-to-day care and many other details. The high vulnerability of the patients to be cared for requires very well-trained nursing staff, intensive personal care and extensive cooperation between the various disciplines (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy and speech therapy). The guests expressed their gratitude to the operators of the transitional living facility, which they were pleased to have been able to inspect.
