Psychosomatische Rehabilitation

Besides inpatient and outpatient treatment, rehabilitation represents the third column of the German healthcare system. The goal for the persons concerned is the conservation of activity and participation in the professional and social life. This article shows the importance and development of German psychosomatic rehabilitation in contrast to regular inpatient treatment. It also explains its place in the whole healthcare concept of rehabilitation and the basic principles of sociomedical assessment, followed by practical advice for the indications and the rehabilitation application process. Compared with other countries Germany has a very well-established system of psychosomatic rehabilitation but this resource is often used too late in the course of treatment, mostly not until severe chronification has occurred and in addition there are also problems with points of interaction concerning the subsequent outpatient treatment. The aim of this article is therefore to contribute to an improved cross-linking of the different areas in the healthcare system.