[Inpatient aftercare in rheumatic diseases--concept, trial, and acceptance]

A one-week booster group treatment in rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthropathies, fibromyalgia) was developed in order to stabilize rehabilitation effects after medical rehabilitation. The program took place in an inpatient setting 3 - 5 months after rehabilitation, aimed at refreshing and deepening already learnt contents as well as teaching new subjects (e. g. about dietetics). Training and educational elements are given priority in this concept.

A total of 140 patients participated in 19 booster weeks. At the end of each booster week the acceptance was assessed by questionnaire and in a round-table discussion.

Comprehensibility and group atmosphere were judged very positively. The course was also considered very helpful, helpfulness being rated with marks about 2 (1 = very helpful, 6 = not at all helpful). Participants especially appreciated the course's framework as a group setting emphasising the exchange of experience with co-patients. At the same time, however, participants wished more individualized treatment such as physiotherapy or massage. With regard to the quantity of the various therapy elements, participants would have preferred more traditional spa therapy, more medical treatment by a physician, more group physiotherapy and sports. They would also have liked more breaks. In general fewer psychological elements, less discussion and reflection but more physical activity was wished for. Little difference was found between the various diagnoses, but the program was rated slightly more positively by the patients with spondylarthropathies.

Overall, the great number of people participating in the program and their acceptance of the booster week are positive. Patients appreciated the group setting and the possibilities of exchanging experience on a high level. But it was difficult to change patients' traditional expectations concerning medical rehabilitation to a behaviour-orientated course like ours. It is worth thinking about whether this concept should play a greater role in traditional medical inpatient rehabilitation programming.