WMR-PRIME

Implementation of practice recommendations for work-related medical rehabilitation in psychosomatic rehabilitation

In our study, which is funded by the German Pension Insurance, we are working with various experts, including patients, to agree on practice recommendations for the implementation of WMR in psychosomatic rehabilitation centers. These practice recommendations will then be introduced and implemented in some rehabilitation centers. In our study, we examine whether the introduction of the newly coordinated practice recommendations helps patients to better achieve work-related rehabilitation goals. We therefore compare patients who receive their rehabilitation before the introduction of the new practice recommendations with patients who receive their rehabilitation after the introduction of the new practice recommendations.

The WMR-PRIME study is being conducted jointly by the University of Lübeck, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences and three rehabilitation centers. The rehabilitation centers involved are

  • Celenus Psychosomatische Fachklinik Freiburg
  • Klinik Hüttenbühl Bad Dürrheim
  • Klinik Taubertal Bad Mergentheim

Consensus on practice recommendations

In a two-stage Delphi process, we work with clinicians, scientists, pension insurance providers and patients to agree on practice recommendations for the implementation of WMR in psychosomatic rehabilitation centers.

Implementation of the practice recommendations

We are testing the practice recommendations in three rehabilitation centers. Each center has a person responsible for implementation. This person plans the implementation process on site, controls and monitors the process and adapts it if necessary. Those responsible for implementation are prepared for the implementation process in participatory workshops.

Non-randomized intervention trial

The non-randomized intervention study includes 18- to 65-year-olds who are treated in WMR. Participants in the control group receive WMR as previously implemented in the three participating rehabilitation centers. Participants in the intervention group receive WMR that also implements the practice recommendations agreed in the Delphi process. Among other things, we survey the target group reached, the treatment dose provided and perceived, and treatment adherence. The primary target criterion is the achievement of work-related rehabilitation goals. The study was registered in the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00033722).

Advisory Board

Our study is supported by an advisory board that includes people working in clinical, scientific or pension insurance institutions as well as patients who have received psychosomatic WMR. In the two planned advisory board meetings, we will work on topics related to the implementation of the practice recommendations.

Project duration

The project started in January 2024 and will be completed in December 2025.