Abstract
Due to changing media environments, online provider rating websites become facilitators for patients in health-related decision-making. However, existing online tools vary in respect of information quality and validity. Therefore, this case study introduces the German internet portal Weisse Liste as a best practice example, especially in terms of transparent information policy and scientifically grounded rating methodology. After briefly portraying the conceptual pillars of Weisse Liste, special attention is paid to the physician rating questionnaire and its development. Lastly, this case study verifies Weisse Liste’s modus operandi against quality criteria of online rating websites provided by the German Agency for Quality in Medicine. Overall, Weisse Liste should be considered as best-in-class in the German online provider rating landscape.
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Notes
- 1.
Please note that the information within this article is obtained from the project’s website if not indicated otherwise (see Weisse Liste 2013).
- 2.
These include, for example, Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft SELBSTHILFE e. V., Deutsche Arbeitsgemeinschaft Selbsthilfegruppen e.V., FORUM chronisch kranker und behinderter Menschen im PARITÄTISCHEN Gesamtverband e. V., Sozialverband VdK Deutschland e.V., and Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband e.V.
- 3.
The Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (German: “Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen”, abbr. IQWiG) is an independent scientific institute that publishes evidence-based reports, e.g., on drugs, non-drug interventions, diagnostic test and clinical practice guidelines. It also provides easily understandable health information for the public (IQWiG 2013).
- 4.
The methodology applied to the hospital rating section of Weisse Liste has also been published online.
- 5.
The German Agency for Quality in Medicine is a joined institution of the German Medical Association and the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (AQuMed 2012).
- 6.
- 7.
The European Privacy Seal is provided by the Independent Centre for Privacy Protection Schleswig-Holstein (German: “Unabhängiges Landeszentrum für Datenschutz Schleswig-Holstein”) which is said to be one of the strictest data protection authorities in Germany (ULD 2013).
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Fischer, S. (2015). Project “Weisse Liste”: A German Best Practice Example for Online Provider Ratings in Health Care. In: Gurtner, S., Soyez, K. (eds) Challenges and Opportunities in Health Care Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12178-9_27
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