OBJECTIVES:

Health care - as an elementary component of the community - ranks high in the value of citizens. States and municipalities therefore exercise to identify the future regional and municipal challenges in the health sector. In the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg (B-W) therefore, municipal health conferences (MHC) were introduced in 2013 by the state government and became compulsory in 2015. Key questions remain: What are the factors that promote and inhibit the establishment? And how can results be measured?

METHODS: The 37 counties were examined with regard to their implementation and realization status. The implementation processes have been analyzed and problem areas were identified through internet searches, interviews and through participation as guests.

RESULTS: Overall in B-W, the degree to which MHCs have been actually implemented differs but for the majority (84,09 %) this has succeeded, 4,55 % are in development, 11,36 % do not yet have a conference established. In terms of implementation of the field of actions it differs even more. MCHs usually work based on recommended principles and instruments, especially the Public Health Action Cycle, which should give a smooth cyclic execution of different actions. However, the process needs expert guidance at every step and particular instruments and quality measures in order to be successful. This often is lacking on municipal level.

CONCLUSIONS:

On the whole, MCHs as a driver and designer of regional health care, which is to actively advise and decide on a future-oriented, needs-based health care provisions, remain behind their possibilities. Clear guidelines for action and best-practice examples are encouraging processes which are only available in some already well functioning health conferences. Policy processes indicate that legislative changes will lead to a further transfer of power to community level and at municipally authorities. Therefore, municipally should strengthen activities in order to be prepared for future tasks and responsibilities.