DGPPN 2018 Programm

WELCOME ADDRESS Furthermore, online interventions open up a range of additional possibilities. They pave the way to reaching specific target groups – especially young people and young adults – earlier and better. This is important, because many mental diseases develop already at a young age. In ad- dition, online interventions allow us to be more flexible in tailoring care to better meet patients’ special needs. I would like to make use of the opportu- nities offered by digitalisation to improve medical care – and this includes the treatment of mental diseases. In addition to internet-based treatment programs, online video consultations present an added possibility in this area. They avoid patients and therapists having to travel long distances and they speed up commu- nication. This can be important, also in the treatment of mental diseases. Making our already very good healthcare system even better, and tangible in the daily lives of those involved and affected – that is our aim, in this area as well. Particularly those among us who have to live with a disease, and have to face the many challenges day in, day out, should have the experience of being well cared for in our healthcare system – and should know that policy-ma- kers are in a position to change things for the better. In this spirit, I wish all participants an insightful congress. The central theme of the event “The Psychiatry and Psychothe- rapy of the Future” guarantees stimulating discussions and interesting findings. I am looking forward keenly to the results. Jens Spahn Federal Minister of Health 273