[Cooperation of physicians and self-help groups. Scientific findings]

Chronic diseases and handicaps are widespread among the population. Considering the psycho-social components of many diseases, medical therapy alone is often not sufficient. Self-help groups meet emotional or other non-medical needs and support the coping process of their members. A widespread assumption is that cooperation between physicians and self-help groups promotes the quality of medical care and quality of life of the afflicted. Evidently, physicians and self-help groups can complement each other. This article presents scientific findings about mutual contacts and cooperation of office-based physicians, hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, on the one hand, and self-help groups, on the other. A variety of modes of cooperation are described as well as mutual perceptions, expectations, the perceived quality of cooperation and cooperation-limiting factors.