Rehabilitation Outcome and Therapeutic Alliance of Inpatients of Psychosomatic Rehabilitation with Pension Request

Abstract

Inpatients of psychosomatic rehabilitation with a latent or manifest desire for a pension are a risk group with regard to successful participation in rehabilitation and return to work. Reaching this group of patients, is both a legal requirement (rehabilitation before retirement), and important from an economic and health perspective. This study examines patients who are considering applying for a reduced earning capacity. The questions are whether these patients differ in socio-demographic variables and the success of rehabilitation from patients without pension considerations, and which patients benefitted from their rehabilitation despite pension considerations. Particular attention is paid to the therapeutic relationship. Data are routinely collected from patients of 2 rehabilitation clinics who were undergoing inpatient psychosomatic treatment between October 2012 and February 2017 (n=8503). Inpatients with pension considerations were slightly older, more often incapacitated for work and more often receiving unemployment benefits. Both groups reported a significant reduction in symptoms over the course of the rehabilitation. Within the group considering retirement, patients who reported an improvement in symptoms reported a more positive relationship satisfaction. Patients who are thinking about retirement often have difficult socio-demographic and health-related conditions for successful rehabilitation. Despite these conditions, many report an improvement in psychosomatic symptoms and a positive therapeutic relationship.