Cross-Sector Health Care Provision

Thematic relevance

Health care provision in Germany is sharply divided into outpatient, inpatient, rehabilitative, and nursing care sectors. For many patients, this fragmentation leads to gaps in care, duplicate tests, and insufficient coordination among the parties involved. Older adults and people with chronic or complex medical conditions who rely on continuous and coordinated care are particularly affected. 

At the same time, the demands on the health care system are increasing due to demographic change, a shortage of skilled workers, and growing health care needs. To address these challenges and ensure the long-term provision of care, we need an integrated and coordinated care system that is consistently geared toward people’s needs and better links medical, nursing, therapeutic, and social services.

The RBIH's ambition

To redesign health care: Health care is organized in a cross-sectoral, multi-professional, and patient-centered manner. Strong primary care centers, close collaboration among health care professionals, and a consistent focus on prevention and health promotion lay the foundation for integrated and sustainable care.

The impact approach: how change is shaped

The further development of primary care in Germany has been one of the RBIH’s key areas of focus since 2013 (at that time still under the Robert Bosch Stiftung’s Health funding area). Building on international experience and scientific findings, the concept of PORT health centers (patient-oriented centers for primary and long-term care) was developed. These centers bring together medical, nursing, therapeutic, and social services under one roof or within regional care networks. Multidisciplinary teams work together as equals and consistently align their services with the needs of the locals. Prevention, health promotion, and the active involvement of patients are integral parts of the care model.

A particular focus is on developing innovative care models at the interface between outpatient and inpatient care. In doing so, we are exploring new forms of collaboration to ensure better coordination and seamless, needs-based care – particularly for people with complex support needs.

The goal is to provide scientific support for successful models, demonstrate their effectiveness, and support their integration into standard care.