Model Program for the Development or Testing of Innovative Care Approaches pursuant to § 8 para. 3a SGB XI

The model program for the development or testing of innovative care approaches according to § 8 para. 3a SGB XI is aimed at educational institutions, companies, and research institutions throughout Germany. It offers a grant within the framework of research and innovation funding to scientifically develop and test new concepts in long-term care. The focus is on improving the situation of people in need of care as well as increasing the job satisfaction of care staff. Special attention is given to a competence-oriented task distribution in care facilities, which is intended not only to optimize everyday care but also to contribute to the sustainable improvement of care. The measure must be innovative and not yet started, with proof of own funds required.

By financing model projects, studies, and scientific expertises, a significant contribution to the further development of care is to be made. Eligible expenses include, among others, personnel costs, material and travel expenses, so that additional personnel costs for the implementation of the projects can also be considered. Applicants are invited to submit their project outlines, which will be evaluated in a two-stage process. First, a review of the submitted document-based ideas takes place, before in a second phase a formal application with a detailed project description, milestone planning, as well as cost and financing plan must be submitted. The selection of projects is based on criteria such as level of innovation, scientific quality, practical relevance, as well as sustainability and transferability of the results.

Within the framework of the program, not only immediate improvements in the care of people in need of care are to be achieved, but also long-term effects for the entire care staff and other actors in the healthcare system. The funding is designed as partial financing, with grants of up to €3,000,000 available annually. The involvement of cooperation partners is encouraged to promote interdisciplinary solutions and ensure knowledge and practice transfer. With this integrative approach, the GKV-Spitzenverband supports innovative ideas that not only address current challenges but can also serve as viable models for sustainable care in the future.