DiPAs – the digital update for the DVPMG

DiPAs – the digital update for the DVPMG

For a long time, the care and health sector was considered "outdated" in terms of digital developments. But since the end of 2019 at the latest, there has been movement in the game: For about three years now, the "DiGAs" have been in effect – the digital health applications that primarily aim at the detection, treatment, and alleviation of diseases.

In mid-2021, it was decided: Healthcare and nursing care are to receive the next digital update. In this regard, the Digital Care and Nursing Modernization Act (DVPMG) was further developed. The result was the digital care applications – abbreviated as "DiPAs." What's it all about? You will learn more in this article.

What exactly can I imagine under the DiPAs?

Here's what's behind the digital update in nursing

They've been in use for half a year now. While the already established "DiGAs" focus on independent health monitoring, the "DiPAs," generally speaking, are intended to support outpatient care processes for those in need of care and improve the home setting of affected individuals.

This is a significant advancement. Because the tasks in outpatient care are extensive. The burden primarily lay with caregiving family members—whether it was about providing care for those in need or handling communication with health insurance companies and care services. Additionally, until now, the options for self-help and self-efficacy on the part of the people requiring care were scant.

Thanks to digital applications in care, the world of possibilities has significantly expanded, and many things have become easier. What exactly? For example, improved care, communication, organization, and the enhancement of cognitive matters. The DiPAs, in the form of apps or browser-based applications, thus prove to be useful and valuable everyday assistants on many levels.

Are DiPAs suitable for our situation as well?

For these three target groups, the DiPAs are interesting and useful.

There are three target groups that benefit from the DiPAs: outpatients in need of care, caregiving relatives, and care consultants according to §37, §45, and §7a.

Target group 1: people in need of care

People who rely on home care have the chance to act more independently and actively work on their own health condition thanks to the DiPAs. For example, video consultations can be held without any problems. But there are also trainings for fall risk prevention, memory exercises for dementia, or general "brain fitness" on the agenda.

Target group 2: Caregivers

Family caregivers experience special relief through the DiPAs. Many of the tasks that have made everyday care particularly challenging are alleviated by digital possibilities. Starting with online seminars on care topics and digital information platforms, all the way to communication tools with care services, doctors, and health insurance companies. Tools for determining care levels, optimizing care budgets, as well as for organization and administration, also prove to be practical.

Target Group 3: Care Consultations and Care Services

Even for service providers in the care industry, the DiPAs contain significant advantages. They also simplify and make communication more efficient thanks to digital tools. Electronic patient records further simplify handling. Digital therapy systems also support exercises and training for physical cognition. These tools can complement the services of care consultations and thus become a real benefit for the service provider side as well.

And what exactly can the DiPAs do now?

Application examples

There are many different applications that can be used via app or browser-based. Just to name a few examples:

Emma (Care and Communication for People in Need of Care) The "Emma" application from Austria enables digital support within one's own four walls. Through voice recognition with corresponding hardware and via visual signals, "Emma" communicates with those in need of care and can assist in daily life.

Café and Pub Gathering (Social Exchange for Family Caregivers) This project offers regular digital meetups held via Zoom sessions. The goal: Here, family caregivers can exchange ideas, help each other, and share their concerns and worries.

COCKPIT (Administrative and Organizational Aid for Caregivers) The COCKPIT application effectively navigates the care jungle and provides a sensible roadmap regarding applications and budgeting, and generally supports people involved in organizing and administering care situations in their caregiving work.

Memory (Memory Exercises) Memore is a game console designed to help older people train their mental fitness. It also playfully promotes physical health. After the console was launched, it was primarily used in inpatient treatments. Since mid-2021, it has also been available for private households.

Lindera (Medical Assistance for People in Need of Care and Doctors) The Lindera app offers the ability to record videos of walking, fill out psychosocial tests, and receive direct analyses. Thus, the app effectively supports medical health and officially collaborates with medical facilities. It categorically overlaps with the "DiGAs.

How do I know what specifically counts as DiPAs or what is simply a helpful app?

The official DiPA directory

The official directory of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices lists all tested and accepted DiPAs. Only digital applications are included here that demonstrate a verifiable quality of care-related content and provide support for those in need of care, relatives, and approved outpatient care facilities.

Do I have to pay for the DiPAs I want to use myself?

This is how the DiPA financing works

Unfortunately, DiPAs are not available by prescription. However, they can be reimbursed by the long-term care insurance fund. The requirements: The respective digital care application must be included in the care aid directory, and a care level must be present. To receive the reimbursement, an application must be submitted to the long-term care insurance fund before use. If successful, the care insurance fund covers up to €50 monthly for the digital applications.

Text: Jana Lorenz

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