New support options for people in need of care and their relatives - What is important when developing digital care appl

[suchona.kani.z]

What is a DiPA? Isn't it actually called DiGA?
That's not entirely true, because in addition to digital health applications (DiGA), there will soon also be digital care applications (DiPA). It was only on December 2, 2022 that the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) published the first version of the DiPA guideline, which describes the requirements and application process for DiPA in more detail.

The software-based DiPAs were already introduced into social long-term care insurance in June 2021 with the entry into force of the Digital Care and Nursing Modernization Act (DVPMG). As a result, around four million people in need of care in home care will in future be entitled to reimbursement of up to 50 euros per month for such digital cameroon consumer email list​ applications. The decision for or against covering the costs is made by the nursing care fund based on an assessment of the need for a DiPA for the person in need of care.

But what purpose do DiPAs serve for those in need of care?
DiPAs are intended to reduce impairments to the independence or abilities of those in need of care and to prevent a further increase in individual care needs. It should be emphasized that they only provide support in home care. DiPAs are used by the person in need of care themselves or in interaction with caregivers and can help to stabilize the home care situation.

And how does a digital application become a DiPA?
In order to be included in the new DiPA directory and thus become a digital care application, compliance with the requirements for a DiPA must be demonstrated by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) as part of a testing procedure: At the manufacturer's request, the BfArM checks within an evaluation period of normally three months, in justified individual cases a maximum of six months, whether the manufacturer's information meets the DiPA requirements. If this is the case, the application is included in the directory. If the requirements are not met, the application is rejected.

But what are the requirements for a DiPA?
In addition to the regulatory requirements listed below, an application must first meet the basic characteristics of a DiPA. These include the nursing benefit proven within a quantitative study and the use of the application in home care by the person in need of care. In addition to reducing impairments for the person in need of care, the benefit can also be the reduction and avoidance of nursing risks in the home environment or the support of volunteer carers to stabilize the care situation.