[Rehabilitation in the view of small and midsized enterprises: knowledge, appreciation and possibilities to cooperate - results of the KoRB-project].

UNLABELLED

The experiences of small and midsized enterprises (SME) with medical rehabilitation were investigated in the KoRB-Study (KoRB= KOoperation Rehabilitation und Betrieb) for the first time. Opportunities for a targeted cooperation between the statutory pension insurance and these enterprises were explored. Based on explorative interviews, Westphalian employers, members of the works council, occupational health practitioners and employees were interrogated about the image of and their appreciation of medical rehabilitation in the work setting. Experience with rehabilitation and the level of information on rehabilitation were recorded as well as the compatibility of rehabilitation with operative processes in the working site. In addition rehab hospitals were asked about their experience in cooperating with enterprises. 697 employers of small and midsized enterprises, 458 members of the works councils, 73 occupational health practitioners, 47 rehab hospitals and 3 509 employees, who are members of the German Pension Fund of Westphalia, took part in the survey.

RESULTS

Especially employers perceived rehabilitation positively and reported good experiences. Among the employees, those who had taken part in rehabilitation showed the highest appreciation. Occupational health practitioners were more restrained in their appraisal. Some of them complained about a lack of sustainability. The different target groups of the survey felt differently well informed about rehabilitation - best ratings came from the occupational health practitioners, worst ratings from the employees. All groups would welcome more accessible information in case of need. Medical rehabilitation in its standard form of "3 weeks full-time" often causes severe logistic problems in SME (e. g., replacement of employee, loss of experience). However the financial burden is perceived as less problematic. Employers favour alternative rehab models, which allow part-time working. Many employees, who expressed a need for rehabilitation, refrained from applying for rehabilitation on account of worries about loosing their employment. Both rehab clinicians and occupational health practitioners argued in favour of improved communication and cooperation in order to adapt medical rehab to the specific requirements of the working place and to assure a smooth reintegration into work.