Development of a Return-to-work Intervention for Psychiatric Inpatients

Objective Patients with mental illnesses often face difficulties when returning to workplace after an episode of inpatient treatment. Available resources intended to support the return-to-work process are often not used. It was the aim of the present study to develop an intervention that facilitates the implementation of patient support at the interface of in- and outpatient care. Methods We used a structured development process for the establishment of a return-to-work intervention for psychiatric inpatients. Results The intervention consisted of the use of return-to-work experts who worked on the basis of a manual. In clearly defined modules, patients were given information on social law basics and details of the return process. Difficult situations (e. g., dealing with the disclosure of the diagnosis, return interview) were discussed and rehearsed. After discharge, further care took place, above all with regard to experiences on the first working day, accompaniment to discussions with the employer and support with any other upcoming difficulties. Conclusion The results of the ongoing study will show whether the chosen approach actually yields the expected results, namely an improvement of the return-to-work process.