[Insurants' Views on Different Forms of Medical Rehabilitation - A Qualitative Study]

The aim of the study was to assess insurants' views on various forms of medical rehabilitation of the German Federal Pension Insurance (DRV).

In ten focus groups, participants (n=78, 65% female, M=52.2 years) discussed the advantages and disadvantages of inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, rehabilitation parallel to work, and case management. Central to discussion were treatment modalities such as setting, duration and cooperation with other actors in the health care system. The focus groups were transcribed and analyzed qualitatively (Mayring, 2008).

Many participants expressed the need to be removed from their daily routine in order to concentrate on rehabilitative treatment. The perceived lower treatment intensity and double pressure of outpatient rehabilitation are feared to have a negative effect on treatment outcome. According to participants, the fit between the rehabilitation form and the needs of the rehabilitant is crucial.

The qualitative data can be used to adjust rehabilitation treatment to insurants' needs.