title: Psychosomatic consultation in the workplace: opportunities and limitations of the services offered--results of a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Preiser
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rothermund
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wittich
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: Harald
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gündel
authors.affiliation: Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. Monika.Rieger@med.uni-tuebingen.de.
authors.forename: Monika A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rieger
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D016272:Occupational Health; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D011611:Psychosomatic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018582:Sick Leave; D017132:Workplace
keywords: Common mental disorders; Development of a new health-related service; Health services research; Occupational health physician; Psychosomatic consultation in the workplace; Workplace