[Long-term psychiatric patients in the workplace--a survey of employers]

23 employers, who had hired 26 psychiatric patients coming from the vocational rehabilitation workshop of the social-psychiatric university clinic in Bern (Switzerland), were questioned about the performance and behaviour of these patients. Secondly, they were asked about their experience in cooperating with the psychiatric caretaking service provided. The employers seemed to be very motivated in helping to reintegrate mentally ill patients. They have acquired an astonishing amount of knowledge in dealing with patients and with problems emerging at work. They expressed interest in more contact with psychiatrists and other caretakers, and in more information about mental illness. The authors conclude that employers should be contacted more often and that in particular the treating psychiatrist could support and further motivate employers, which would certainly be helpful for the employed patient.