Wirtschaftliche Effekte digitaler Patientenpfade: Eine qualitative Analyse von IT-gestütztem Pfadmanagement und Ressourcennutzung im Krankenhaus

This bachelor thesis examines the effects of digitally supported patient pathways in the inpatient hospital environment in Switzerland. The motivation for this study arises from the growing importance of standardization and digitalization in inpatient care, aiming to make processes more transparent, efficient, and resource-saving. The objective is to gain a deeper understanding of how digital patient pathways influence organizational processes, the use of personnel and infrastructure resources, as well as economic aspects in hospitals. The data basis consists of guideline-based expert interviews with representatives from hospital management, nursing, medicine, and IT, whose statements were analyzed using a deductive-inductive content analysis. The results show that digital patient pathways, particularly through clear role allocation, standardized processes, and improved communication, enable noticeable efficiency gains. They lead to better utilization of key resources in healthcare such as personnel, infrastructure, and materials. In addition, they promote transparency, support collaboration within interdisciplinary teams, and reduce coordination efforts. Economic benefits arise primarily from shorter lengths of stay, automated processes, and structured documentation, but are partly influenced by existing reimbursement models and technical challenges. The thesis provides practical recommendations for the further development of digital patient pathways and serves as a guide for decision-makers regarding the strategic integration of digitalization solutions in Swiss (CH) and German (DE) hospitals.