DIVA
DIVA - Digital networking in conservative ophthalmology
Funding code: 01NVF24316
Funding body: Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss Innovationsausschuss
Study Objective
In Thuringia, a federal state of Germany, up to 54 percent of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus who are covered by statutory health insurance do not receive the recommended ophthalmological screening (diabetic retinopathy screening) for the early detection of diabetic retinal disease. In economically depraved regions in particular, there is a shortfall in care, which exposes those affected to an increased risk of undetected and progressive retinal damage.
The primary aim of the DIVA project is to increase the screening rate for diabetic retinopathy in underserved regions of Thuringia by means of a new form of healthcare delivery (‘Neue Versorgungsform’, NVF). Through telemedical examination of the ocular fundus, pathological retinal changes can be detected at an early stage in order to prevent severe disease progression and make more efficient use of ophthalmological resources.
The project will be funded with €6.2 million over three and a half years and has started in summer 2025. If successfully implemented, telemedicine-supported retinal examinations could be incorporated into routine care in the long term and established as a model for further telemedicine applications.
Subprojects of the Institute of General Practice
The introduction of the new form of care (NVF) is being evaluated within the framework of an accompanying scientific study by the Quantitative Health Services Research working group of the Institute of General Practice. The evaluation covers the following key areas:
- Screening rates: Does the introduction of the NVF lead to a higher rate of fundus screening examinations among statutorily insured individuals with diabetes mellitus in underserved regions of Thuringia?
- Impact on ophthalmological capacities: Does the NVF relieve ophthalmic practices and create capacity for other necessary treatments?
- Implementation in practice: How effectively can the NVF be integrated into existing healthcare structures?
- Participant satisfaction: How do patients and healthcare professionals rate the new form of care?
- Cost-effectiveness: Is the NVF economically viable compared to conventional ophthalmic care?
Project Team
Consortium Lead
Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians of Thuringia (KV Thuringia)
Cooperation Partners
- Universitätsklinikum Jena, Institut für Allgemeinmedizin
- BARMER
- DAK-Gesundheit
- Techniker Krankenkasse
Cooperating Health Insurance Companies
- AOK PLUS
- KKH
- BKK Landesverband Mitte