[Psychosomatic Hybrid Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Analysis of the Implementation and Acceptance of a...

The aim of the study was to investigate the acceptance and satisfaction of the hybrid rehabilitation concept among psychosomatic rehabilitation patients and rehabilitation clinic staff. The aim was to identify facilitators, barriers, potential for improvement and strategies for successful implementation.

The hybrid concept was developed and tested in a psychosomatic rehabilitation clinic from June 2021 to December 2022. It consists of a 4-week inpatient phase followed by a fifth rehabilitation week at home ("bridge week") with digital therapy units and self-exercises. The qualitative evaluation is based on 34 longitudinal interviews (before and after the outpatient week and after 6 months) with 12 rehab patients using the hybrid rehab and two focus groups with 8 rehab staff. The data were analysed according to Mayring.

The hybrid rehab patients were mostly satisfied with the concept, especially with the outpatient week, which eased the transition from rehab to everyday life. The flexibility of the therapy process and the therapeutic support during the return to everyday life were particularly positive. The direct transition to the outpatient week and technical difficulties posed challenges. A home environment with few disruptive factors, sufficient opportunities for retreat and a supportive social environment were identified as important success factors. There was also a high level of acceptance from the rehabilitation staff. The initial additional administrative workload was reduced once the processes were optimised and established. A motivated team was crucial for successful implementation. The staff felt that the hybrid rehab was up to date and met their needs, so they were in favour of continuing with the concept.

Hybrid rehabilitation with a digital bridge week is a promising, needs-based alternative to traditional inpatient psychosomatic rehabilitation that has met with a high level of acceptance among both rehabilitants and rehabilitation staff. By selecting suitable rehabilitation patients and ensuring optimal technical and organisational conditions, the concept shows potential to improve the transfer of rehabilitation content into everyday life. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term effectiveness.