WMR-P

WMR for mental disorders

Our project was funded by the German Federal Pension Insurance as part of the funding program “Research and transfer of results for rehabilitation oriented in patients needs” initiated by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the German Pension Insurance (DRV Bund). Our project aimed to systematically develop the work-related medical orientated treatment modules implemented in psychosomatic rehabilitation centers and to examine the effects of WMR in comparison to conventional psychosomatic rehabilitation.

The WMR-P study was conducted in cooperation between the University of Lübeck, the Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and six rehabilitation centers. The rehabilitation centers involved are:

  • Fachklinik Aukrug
  • Rehazentrum Oberharz in Clausthal-Zellerfeld
  • Reha-Zentrum Seehof in Teltow
  • Klinik am Hainberg in Bad Hersfeld
  • Celenus Parkklinik Bad Bergzabern
  • MediClin Bliestal Kliniken Blieskastel

Our study integrated both qualitative and quantitative research methods in a mixed-methods approach.

Randomized controlled trial

The effectiveness of our approach was tested in a randomized controlled trial. Over three years, 1800 people were recruited for this study. The rehabilitants were surveyed by questionnaires at four points in time. The first survey took place during rehabilitation at the rehabilitation center. Follow-up surveys followed at the end of rehabilitation and three months and twelve months after discharge.

Interviews and focus groups

In addition, interviews were conducted with patients, rehabilitation teams, team leaders and medical directors. The rehabilitants were interviewed for the first time in the clinics as part of focus groups. A second and third follow-up survey was conducted three and twelve months after discharge by telephone or video conference as an individual interview. The team leaders and teams were also interviewed in person at the rehabilitation centers and after six months by video or telephone conference in focus groups. The medical directors were interviewed both in person and after six months by telephone or video conference.

Clinic visits

From November 2019 to February 2020, clinic visits took place at all six rehabilitation centers involved in the study. This allowed us to gain an impression of everyday clinical practice and experience the implementation of the therapy content.

Advisory board

To review and ensure the overall process, regular advisory board meetings were held with people from all parties involved. The advisory board comprised the research team, representatives of the German Federal Pension Insurance, former patients and those responsible for the study at the individual clinics, as well as the data monitoring committee. The documentation assistants formed a further panel. Documentation assistants were located in the clinics and formed the interface between the practice centers and the research team.

Project duration

The project started in October 2019 and was completed in December 2023.