Eltern und Patienten als Subjekt der Behandlung

Background

There are hardly any alternatives to inpatient treatment for children and adolescents in need of intensive psychiatric treatment. In the randomized study BeZuHG (“behandelt zu Hause gesund werden”, treated at home become healthy), equality of treatments could be shown in the outcome parameters when comparing TAU (inpatient treatment) and the new treatment module BeZuHG (early discharge followed by intensive home treatment enhanced by clinical elements). Patient satisfaction with each treatment module was evaluated at follow-up.

Material and methods

In this study 144 parents and patients of the intervention group (n?=?79) and the control-group (n?=?65) were interviewed after an average of 8 months. Information on expectations, experience with BeZuHG, changes in communication and interaction within the family as well as problem solving strategies (and sustainability of the changes), overall satisfaction and treatment suggestions for modification of the BeZuHG treatment were collected in semistructured telephone interviews.

Results

The following aspects in the BeZuHG treatment were rated as important by parents and patients: support and help with transfer problems, single sessions, a trusting therapeutic relationship as well as treatment setting at home. Enhanced problem solving skills as well as improved family communication were noticed. In the intervention group 70?% would prefer the BeZuHG setting to inpatient care and 46?% in the control group.

Conclusion

The BeZuHG concept is a good and functional alternative to inpatient treatment. Continuity in treatment and therapeutic relationships are essential for successful treatment at home. Positive treatment results within the family as well as the patient remain stable at follow-up after 8 months.