Catalogue of ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) for Germany 2025: protocol of a group consensus study

Abstract Background Hospitalizations resulting from ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) can be prevented or reduced through effective and timely ambulatory care. ACSC are used as an indicator of ambulatory care quality. As ACSC are influenced by contextual factors, such as disease prevalence and health system characteristics, they are usually assembled in national catalogues and updated within relevant time spans. In this study, we aim to update the 2015 catalogue of ACSC for Germany by Sundmacher et al. and validate our results in the context of previous research, taking into account relevant time trends and country-specific differences. Methods We use a structured methodology to derive the ACSC catalogue for Germany. First, we propose a list of potential diagnoses through (1) a literature review, (2) a data analysis on disease prevalence and regional variation for the German context and (3) a focus group meeting with patient representatives to incorporate patient opinion. Second, the proposed list is validated and expanded by a panel of medical experts in a structured consensus study. Discussion The ACSC catalogue for Germany will serve as a tool for informed decision making by providing the basis for assessing ambulatory care quality in the context of relevant time trends, identifying geographic areas with potential deficiencies in ambulatory care or comparing the overall state of ambulatory care in Germany with that in other countries. This information can be used to develop targeted improvement measures and, consequently, increase patient quality of life and reduce overall health care costs. Trial registration: The German clinical trial register number is DRKS00035331. It can be accessed under https://www.drks.de/DRKS00035331. Date of trial registration is 7 February 2025.