Behandlungsform

Behandlungsform is a term used in medicine and related health professions to denote the specific modality by which a medical condition is treated. It describes the method or approach chosen to achieve therapeutic goals, rather than the diagnosis itself or the overall care process.

The Behandlungsform is typically determined by clinicians based on the diagnosis, disease stage, patient factors, risks and benefits, evidence from clinical guidelines, and patient preferences. Behandlungsformen can be broadly divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities. Pharmacological Behandlungsformen include medications such as analgesics, antibiotics, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Non-pharmacological Behandlungsformen include operative procedures (surgery), radiotherapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, radiation or laser therapies, and other rehabilitative or supportive measures. In some contexts Behandlungsform also refers to organizational aspects, such as ambulant versus inpatient care, or palliative versus curative aims.

The selection of a Behandlungsform is often integrated into a Behandlungsplan and may involve shared decision-making with the patient. It requires consideration of potential benefits, side effects, contraindications, and resource availability, as well as expected quality-of-life outcomes. In guidelines, recommended Behandlungsformen are graded according to evidence quality and strength of recommendation.

In practice, healthcare providers may combine multiple Behandlungsformen to address complex conditions; for example, oncology may use operation followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while mental health care may combine psychotherapy with pharmacotherapy. The term emphasizes the modality of treatment rather than the care setting or the therapeutic relationship.