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Chronic Diseases

In industrial countries and also increasingly in less well-off countries, chronic diseases are one of the most common and economically significant health problems.

Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic pulmonary diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, mental health issues and diabetes mellitus, in particular, are widespread and have an impact on quality of life, ability to work, and mortality.

As a result of medical advances and demographic change, the problem of multiple illnesses (multimorbidity) is becoming more common, particularly in older people.

Activities at Robert Koch Institute

Within the framework of the nationwide health monitoring programme, Robert Koch Institute continuously collects data on common chronic diseases. This data forms the basis of indicator-supported health reporting on the causes, possible preventative measures and healthcare requirements of these diseases in Germany.

The activities focus on analysing the prevalence of chronic diseases, their risk factors, and the changes over time. In addition, aspects relating to healthcare (for example, use of medicine, availing of inpatient and outpatient services of the health system) as well as social and regional differences are investigated.

Research Projects and Cooperations

In cooperation with national and international partners, RKI is involved in research projects for the further development of a continuous health monitoring programme on chronic diseases, associated health risks, and quality of healthcare for chronic diseases. These projects include:

European Community Health Indicators and Monitoring (ECHIM)

OECD Health Care Quality Indicator (HCQI)

Projects in the context of the Competence Network Diabetes Mellitus

Research focus Health in Old Age (sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research)

Date: 06.10.2014