Psychosomatic consultation in the workplace: opportunities and limitations of the services offered—results of a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose In Germany, innovative concepts of anchoring psychotherapeutic consultations within an occupational setting emerge in models like the “psychosomatic consultation in the workplace” (PCIW). Characteristic quality is the close cooperation between company-based occupational health physicians (OPs) and external psychotherapeutic consultants. Little is currently known about the attitudes of OPs and other stakeholders in companies in terms of possible contributions of these offers to their tasks within the field of mental health and work. Methods Data were collected via individual interviews with different stakeholders ( n = 8) and two OP focus groups (each n = 5) with and without experience with PCIW. Data were analysed with content analysis. Results Common mental disorders (CMD) were perceived as occurring increasingly but still being stigmatized. PCIW allows employees quick access to a neutral psychotherapist and thus might help to avoid chronification of CMD. For companies, this may mean that longer periods of absenteeism (and presenteeism) can be avoided. The interviewees also feel that the ongoing collaboration with a psychotherapeutic specialist may sensitize OPs to recognize mental disorders earlier and provide basic treatment. PCIW was stated as an early, easy and fast first access to psychotherapy. The effort of PCIW is limited if structural changes in the workplace are necessary to reduce mental stressors. Also, if financed by the company, PCIW should have clear time limits and cannot aim to replace health insurance benefits. Conclusions Taking above-mentioned limitations into account, PCIW appears to be a promising tool to bridge the gap between OP-conducted company-based health promotion and early secondary care.

Presenteeism in multiprofessional team workers in the Adult Intensive Care Unit

“…Psychological support can prevent mental disorders from becoming chronic by early identification of changes that may compromise them. Such interventions are capable of reducing presenteeism, absenteeism, absence from work, sick leave and costs to the employer (40) .…”

Return to Work after Common Mental Disorders: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Expectations of the Involved Stakeholders

“…One concept, which could foster the cooperation of occupational physicians and psychotherapists, relates to so-called psychosomatic consultations in the workplace. These consultations enable easy and fast access to consultations with a psychotherapist which increases the likelihood that CMDs can be detected and treated early [ 35 ]. In the Netherlands, collaborative care applied by occupational physicians led to a faster response in terms of reduction in depressive symptoms compared to usual care.…”

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