Zugang und Inanspruchnahme von Medizinischen Behandlungszentren für Erwachsene mit Behinderung (MZEB) während der Coronapandemie

Since 2015, so-called “medical treatment centers for adults with disabilities” (Medizinische Behandlungszentren für Erwachsene mit Behinderung, MZEB) are authorized to provide specialized care for people with intellectual disabilities or severe multiple disabilities. This article analyzes the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for access to and utilization of MZEB from the perspective of MZEB managers.

Between 1^st February and 1^st September 2021, N = 13 expert interviews were held with MZEB managers. Data were analyzed based on Kuckartz (2016).

The consequences of the pandemic did not affect all MZEB to the same extent. Consequences for access to and utilization of MZEB were named at the level of MZEB (e.g., missed appointments), patients (e.g., fears) and at the contextual level (e.g., legal requirements). Most of the consequences focused on the period of high infection rates or strict lockdowns.

The results are consistent with research findings on access to and the utilization of other healthcare facilities in Germany. Biases in the results could be due to the dynamic nature of the pandemic and regulations that vary from state to state (e.g., facility closures).

The pandemic has had various consequences for MZEB. Besides the experiences of MZEB managers, the experiences of those receiving care and their relatives should also be assessed in order to conclusively determine the consequences of the pandemic. In the long term, lessons should be learned from experiences with the pandemic so that the “right to health” according to article 25 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can still be achieved in times of crisis.