[Self-help friendliness as an element of patient-centered rehabilitation--results of a model project]

The concept of self-help friendliness describes a systematic approach in health care institutions to strengthen patient-centeredness through closer collaboration with self-help groups. Self-help groups enable patients to better coping with their diseases.

Organised as a participatory process 5 quality criteria for best practice in the cooperation between professionals in rehabilitation facilities and patient organizations were developed and tested. The process of standards development of ISQUA--International Society for Quality in Health Care guided the model project.

Implementing the criteria is feasible and in line with institution-specific requirements. The process documentation is accessible via the network "Selbsthilfefreundlichkeit und Patientenorientierung im Gesundheitswesen" (www.selbsthilfefreundlichkeit.de). The discussion deals with problems of realization and perspectives concerning the transfer of results.