Gyneco-psychosomatic counseling in Germany and Switzerland--aims and state of the art.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate actual counseling models for gynecological patients in Switzerland and in Germany.


METHODS
A questionnaire investigating psychosomatic care was sent to all Swiss (N=183) and German (N=1078) departments of gynecology, obstetrics, and/or endocrinology.


RESULTS
One hundred twenty-eight (27%) completed questionnaires from Germany and 57 (31%) from Switzerland were available for statistical evaluation. Eighty-seven percent of the answering clinics from Switzerland and 93% of those from Germany (ns) considered psychosomatic counseling for gynecological and obstetrical patients as very important or important. Seventy-two percent of the Swiss and 70% of the German departments (ns) offered psychosomatic support. Models of counseling varied greatly between types of hospitals and both countries. Less than 15% of the medical doctors had a formation for psychosomatic counseling.


CONCLUSIONS
Actual possibilities seem to be below the need for psychosomatic care. An adequate formation of medical doctors and considering the effects of psychosomatic care in the discussion on cost reduction for medical treatment would help to improve counseling structures.
Leeners
Brigitte
B
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland. brigitte.leeners@usz.ch
Imthurn
Bruno
B
Hugi
Antje
A
Neises
Mechthild
M
Delex-Zaiontz
Noemi
N
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003376:Counseling / Q000639:trends*; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003625:Data Collection; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000639:trends*; D004704:Endocrinology / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D005858:Germany; D006176:Gynecology / Q000639:trends*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000639:trends*; D011611:Psychosomatic Medicine / Q000639:trends*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000639:trends; D013557:Switzerland