[Rehabilitative short-term care (REKUP): acceptance and practicability of a new care concept]

Rehabilitative short-term care (REKUP) is aimed at geriatric patients in need of rehabilitation but not (yet) capable of rehabilitation after acute inpatient hospitalization with a positive rehabilitation prognosis. It was tested at two geriatric rehabilitation clinics from October 2020 to March 2022.

Qualitative process evaluation with respect to acceptance (service providers, health insurance), adoption (implementation at the start of the project), practicability (processes, contents, structures) and observed patient satisfaction.

A focus group and 14 semi-structured interviews with a total of 18 employees of both rehabilitation clinics and a health insurance provider were recorded, transcribed and qualitatively analyzed for content.

The survey of service providers (acute care, model clinics) and the health insurance provider revealed a high level of acceptance and good practicability (processes, contents, structures). Due to the high level of acceptance and the familiar service content in the geriatric rehabilitation clinics, the implementation was feasible and patient satisfaction was rated as very good.

The acceptance of REKUP was high because the basic idea was easy to understand. Nevertheless, a careful patient selection is crucial. There is a risk that REKUP could be used as a quick discharge option to avoid capacity problems. The success of treatment perceived by the service provider is based on early exercises, psychosocial care and a longer period of time before rehabilitation, which avoids excessive demands and strengthens self-efficacy. Admission to the long-term nursing home sector is avoided, which has a positive psychological and motivational effect on patients. A transfer of REKUP to other geriatric rehabilitation clinics seems to be easily possible.