New perspectives in IPC care for pleural effusion and ascites
The ewimed Report 2026 provides well-founded insights into the care of pleural effusion and ascites.
Based on the 2025 ewimed patient questionnaire, the report presents current therapy data and clinical developments related to the use of indwelling pleural or peritoneal catheters (IPC). Until 2024, the patient data was collected exclusively in Germany. For the first time, the 2025 report also includes patient data from Austria. The analysis further builds on more than 15 years of care data.
What to expect in the report:
Therapy data 2025
Current therapy data 2025 from the ewimed patient questionnaire Germany, expanded for the first time to include data from Austria.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Prim. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Arschang Valipour (Pulmonology) and Prim. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Stefan Watzka (Thoracic Surgery) report from Klinikum Floridsdorf in Vienna how close interdisciplinary coordination influences therapy decisions in pleural effusions.
“The aim of multidisciplinary involvement is improved diagnostics and treatment of the underlying disease, minimization of risks, optimized symptom control, and coordinated, patient-oriented follow-up care.”
Dr. Arschang Valipour, Klinikum Floridsdorf
ASV in practice: care in transition
How is Outpatient Specialized Medical Care (ASV) shaping patient care in Germany today? Oncologist Hauke Weilert (Head of Oncology, Asklepios Klinik Barmbek) shares insights on cross-sector collaboration and its importance for better care.
“For me, the decisive factor remains: What does the patient need? They need fast diagnoses, reliable contacts, and good coordination between outpatient and inpatient care.”
Oncologist Hauke Weilert , Head of Oncology, Asklepios Klinik Barmbek
Case study: Palliative care in practice
An international perspective from Spital Uster, featuring Dr. med. Sivan Schipper and nursing expert Tamara Schellenbaum, highlights the importance of IPC therapy in palliative care and how interprofessional collaboration can enhance patients’ quality of life.
International perspective
Comparison of care structures and service concepts in different European countries, current status, and outlook for the future.
Evidence. Practice. Development.
This report is intended for healthcare professionals who want to base their therapy decisions on current data and practical insights. The results highlight a trend toward earlier interventions and the increasing importance of collaboration between inpatient and home care.
