Robust health systems during the pandemic
The Swiss and German healthcare systems proved their worth during the pandemic. Depending on the urgency, treatments could be carried out or, for the most part, made up for.
In their latest analysis for the years 2020 and 2021, the health insurer Helsana and the German health insurer Barmer use selected examples of care to show that there was no nationwide underuse during the Corona pandemic. The study also compared the course of the pandemic and government intervention: even though the pandemic was similar in both countries, the official orders and government intervention in Switzerland and Germany differed considerably. A chronological comparison shows that Germany took significantly more restrictive measures and maintained them for longer. However, the healthcare systems in both countries proved to be robust.
Initial implantation of knee endoprostheses made up for
Measures by the authorities to restrict non-urgent medical interventions were mandated and adhered to in both the German and Swiss healthcare systems. During the first wave, this led to a marked decrease in knee endoprosthesis implantation in both countries. Compared with the previous year, almost ten percent fewer knee endoprosthesis operations were performed in both countries. More of these operations were performed in Switzerland than in Germany.
Breast cancer screening down slightly
Since 2011, various cantons have introduced breast cancer screening programs. In Germany, all women between 50 and 69 years of age are invited for voluntary mammography screening. During the pandemic, evidence was found in both countries that women of the recommended age between 50 and 69 years were somewhat more reluctant to undergo mammography than in previous years. In Switzerland, a catch-up effect was evident in cantons with screening programs, which began immediately after the lockdown. In the cantons without a screening program, no catch-up effect could be detected.
Vaccinations among children slightly increased during pandemic
The heated debate surrounding vaccination during the Corona pandemic does not appear to have significantly influenced parents' willingness to vaccinate in either country. Among young children, a slight increase was even observed in the recommended basic vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella. This may have been due to the fact that official recommendations had already specified an earlier vaccination age before the pandemic.
Source: Helsana
