PICAR examines so-called patient journeys of children with chronic illnesses across disciplines and sectors. By patient journeys, we mean the entirety of all interactions of patients and their families with the healthcare system and the surrounding systems (e.g. social system). For the first time in Germany, PICAR will analyze patient journeys of children with chronic diseases on a representative and cross-indication basis.

In collaboration with the University of Heidelberg, the University of Kassel, Fulda University of Applied Sciences and DAK-Gesundheit, we conduct interviews with affected children and parents as well as the professionals treating them and carry out a quantitative survey including a link to health insurance data (routine data). The aim is to analyze all services and activities before and after diagnosis in order to identify patterns that indicate overuse, underuse, misuse and stress for those affected. The project will also summarize international knowledge on integrated care models for paediatric populations. This data forms the basis for legal analyses of social legislation on integrated care and its implementation, as well as for health economic analyses of avoidable costs. Finally, in collaboration with experts from science, care practice and representatives of patients and families, we develop recommendations for the concrete improvement of care for chronically ill children.

Overall, PICAR will thus contribute to reducing avoidable burdens for families and avoidable costs and inefficiencies in the healthcare system. We are also developing the first suitable methodology for depicting and analyzing the patient journeys of children and adolescents.