Dtsch Arztebl Int
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In medicine, a wide gap exists between the medical care that ought to be possible in the light of the current state of medical research and the care that is actually provided. Behavioral biases and noise are two major reasons for this. ⋯ Despite their apparent potential, the application of behavioral economic interventions to improve medical decisionmaking is still in its infancy, particularly in Germany.
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Studies from Denmark and the USA have shown differences in treatment outcomes for patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) between hospitals of different size and certification status. For Germany, it is not known whether certification as a specialist center for vascular diseases or hospital size is associated with differences in the primary treatment outcome. ⋯ Treatments in certified hospitals are associated with fewer major and more minor amputations. This may reflect intensification of therapy targeting preservation of functional limbs.