German study analyzes 114,000 nursing home online reviews

A three-year research project titled ‘ErPA’, conducted by the University of Hannover and the University of Bielefeld, has analyzed over 114,000 online reviews of nearly 10,000 inpatient care facilities in Germany. The study, which ran from September 2023 to August 2026, represents the first scientific evaluation of its kind in the country.

The findings indicate that online reviews focus heavily on interpersonal experiences rather than technical nursing aspects. Key criteria driving resident and relative satisfaction include friendliness, communication, atmosphere, and the quality of interaction with family members. Professor Nina Fleischmann noted that these reviews provide visibility into what individuals perceive as good or bad care.

Research shows that online presence significantly impacts the public image of care facilities, as negative reviews are frequently read and commented upon. Furthermore, approximately 87 percent of surveyed relatives have consulted online reviews when seeking care, though personal impressions and recommendations remain critical factors in the decision-making process.