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In 2008, community skin cancer screening (cSCS) was introduced into routine care of the German statutory health insurances (SHI). In the meantime, more than 13 million individuals have been screened. To date, no data are available on the perception of cSCS by the general public.Evaluation of public perception of cSCS in Germany.From 10 to 17th March 2011, a phone survey on a population-based sample of n = 1 014 German adults with SHI status was conducted by the Forsa Institute, including 12 questions on the use, knowledge and attitude regarding cSCS.Of the interviewees 48 % were concerned about skin cancer, 29 % of all persons and 31 % of those eligible had already undergone cSCS. Of these, a major proportion (80 %) had been screened by dermatologists. Of the interviewees 75 % would (again) consult a dermatologist for the next cSCS, and less than 10 % would consult the general practitioner. Although about 93 % considered health screenings useful, only 44 % were informed about the legal right to undergo free cSCS after the age of 35.In Germany cSCS is highly accepted in the community. Leading care providers are the dermatologists. Knowledge about the right to free cSCS needs better public propagation.

The aim of the CARPE (German acronym: Chronisches Handekzem-Register zum Patienten-Langzeitmanagement; meaning: chronic hand eczema registry on long-term patient management) registry is to investigate characteristics and treatment modalities in patients affected by chronic hand eczema in Germany.The registry was built up under the auspices of the German Dermatological Society (Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft, DDG). Patients with chronic hand eczema are prospectively assessed by dermatological examination and patient questionnaire. Socio-economic data and data on diagnostics, skin status, severity and treatment of chronic hand eczema and atopy criteria are repeatedly assessed. Here, we present baseline characteristics of the first 515 patients.53.8 % of the patients were female, mean age was 47.3 years. The average duration of CHE was 7.7 years. 30.4 % had already received inpatient care, 31.2 % had been on sick leave in the past 12 months. 94.5 % had received topical corticosteroids prior to inclusion in the registry, 31.9 % topical calcineurin inhibitors, 38.3 % UV therapy, 28.6 % systemic antihistamines, 36.5 % systemic treatments, 14.9 % systemic corticosteroids, 25.8 % systemic retinoids.The CARPE project demonstrates the high medical burden and therapeutic challenge of chronic hand eczema and presents first data for health care research. Furthermore, the designed follow-up study will present important data about the natural history and prognosis of this chronic skin disease.

Hospitals in the German health care system are confronted with increasing economic competition due to paradigm shifts in funding inpatient treatment. Major hospitals, such as university hospitals, will be under significantly greater pressure to keep up the ability to compete by uniform per case payment. The new hospital funding system based on a Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) system and the economic competition involved require analyses of organisational and locational factors. Cooperativeness and efficient utilisation of resources, properties and staff will be determining factors to secure existence. Adequate responses and strategies are essential to cope with the growing operating requirements. Carrying out an analysis identifying one's own strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats will help to focus activities and sustainable strategies into areas where the strengths and the greatest opportunities lie. An example of the process of strategic planning and positioning is shown for a university department of dermatology.