The Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf carries out studies on health economics, health care planning and provision, as well as clinical studies. The main focus is placed on skin diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, pain, vascular disease, cancers and wounds and lesions. The relevant research by the institute has the support of national and international networks in order to arrive at an interdisciplinary, cross-sector and evidence-based care concept. The institute serves as an innovations platform, evaluating and assessing new methods and concepts in health care provision.