[The need and actually successful work-related rehabilitation measures for first-admission psychiatric patients]

Abstract

Presented are the findings of a follow-up study of 258 psychiatric patients who had for the first time been admitted to inpatient psychiatric treatment in 1979. Using standardized forecasting instruments, the patients themselves, their treating physician, and a member of the care staff were asked to give their views of the patient's occupational outlook, his chances for resettlement, and the need for vocational rehabilitation services following discharge. The needs statements made at discharge are contrasted with the vocational and job-related rehabilitation measures actually initiated and carried out in the year following discharge; additionally, the patients' vocational situation at discharge is compared with their situation twelve months later, and the course of the rehabilitation measures provided is described. Along with the discrepancies between needs statements and amount of vocational rehabilitation services actually initiated and carried out, the empirical findings point to a non-specific, dispersive approach to providing rehabilitation services. The possible causes for this discrepancy between needs and service provision, with its rather serious implications, as well as the doubtful effectiveness of the rehabilitation services provided are discussed, practice-related consequences are outlined.