[Effectiveness of Telephone and Face-to-Face Aftercare Conversations following Inpatient Psychosomatic Rehabilitation]. / Wirksamkeit von Nachsorgegesprächen via Telefon- und Face-to-Face-Kontakten nach der stationären psychosomatischen Rehabilitation.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The effectiveness of 2 aftercare treatments was examined with regard to patients' implementation of health-enhancing recommendations and changes in psychological distress, as well as mental and physical health. METHODS: Psychosomatic patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (aftercare over the telephone or face-to-face) or to a control group without aftercare (n=62) at the end of their treatment. Patients in the intervention group (n=139) were offered up to 4 aftercare conversations during the 3 months after their rehabilitation. Data were collected at admission (t1), at discharge (t2) as well as 3 (t3) and 9 (t4) months after discharge. Patients were asked whether they implemented health-enhancing recommendations, recorded in the discharge report, at t3 and t4. Psychological distress (SCL-90-R) was measured at t1, t2, t3 and t4, mental and physical health (SF-12) at t2, t3 and t4. RESULTS: In the intervention group, more participants implemented the recommendations made at discharge such as sports and exercises or outpatient psychotherapy as compared to the control group. Likewise, participants of the intervention group maintained better their physical health. Aftercare over the telephone and face-to-face did not differ in their effectiveness; however, less time was required for aftercare conversations over the telephone. CONCLUSIONS: Aftercare over the telephone seems to be an economical approach to support patients in implementing healthcare recommendations made at discharge after inpatient rehabilitation.

[The influence of aftercare sessions on sociomedical development after an inpatient psychosomatic rehabilitation]. / Der Einfluss von Nachsorgegesprächen auf die sozialmedizinische Entwicklung nach einer stationären psychosomatischen Rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of aftercare sessions in a psychosomatic rehabilitation on the sociomedical development. The after care group was compared with treatment as usual. METHODS: In a prospective, controlled and randomized longitudinal study data about the state of health and job status were assessed at 4 measured time points. As an indicator of the sociomedical development the current employment status was used. Aftercare treatment (n=139) included 2-4 interview contacts (via telephone or face-to-face) within the first 3 months after discharge from inpatient psychosomatic rehabilitation. A control group (n=62) received treatment as usual. RESULTS: 3 and 9 months after the end of rehabilitation participants in the aftercare showed a better sociomedical development than the participants in the control condition.